Livermore,
CA -- The BlueRibbon Coalition
(BRC), a national trail-based recreation group, recently submitted a letter to
the East Bay Regional Park District cautioning them against them joining forces
with anti-OHV groups in advocacy for a "non-motorized" future for new
lands purchased with monies from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Division's Trust Fund. The 3,400-acre Tesla property is adjacent to
the 1,500 acre Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA).
BRC is asking the District to review its role and avoid
working as an advocate for anti-OHV groups who are actively trying to shut down
the SVRA and the Tesla project through nuisance lawsuits or political pressure.
One such group is "Friends of Tesla Park," created by Celeste
Garamendi, a local rancher and sister of Congressman John Garamendi. Other
groups seeking to spike the Tesla addition include the Center for Biological
Diversity, the Sierra Club, Ohlone Audubon Society, Livermore Heritage Guild,
Friends of the Vineyards and the East Bay Native Plant Society.
Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon
Coalition, said, "I don't believe that a land management agency should
venture away from their role as a non-political land administrator and succumb
to the agenda of extreme environmental activism. It taints the well of good
will for any future collaboration between non-motorized interests and the OHV
community on the Tesla property.
"BRC believes the District's apparent role as an
advocate for non-motorized use at Tesla could jeopardize the agency's
credibility and standing in the community."
The District manages 65 parks on 112k acres throughout the
East Bay Area near San Jose,
CA.
Associated Links
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Tesla-BRC-Amador-Letter-June-29-2012.pdf
http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11029
http://www.independentnews.com/news/article_edc89080-c15c-11e1-aae2-0019bb2963f4.html#.T-3A5SPaGL4.facebook
