OAKLAND, CA (June 22)--The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national
trail-based recreation group, wants to congratulate the California OHV
Program in a recent court victory to keep a popular state managed
motorized park open in the S.F. Bay Area. The suit was dismissed "with
prejudice" under a recent stipulation, meaning that it cannot be
re-filed.
Late in 2009, two anti-OHV groups filed an action against California
State Parks and the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division,
alleging violations of state laws regarding water pollution at
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area. The California Sportfishing
Protection Alliance and Public Employees for Environmental
Responsibility filed the suit in the Superior Court in Alameda County
alleging violations of state laws regarding water pollution at the
park.
The anti-access groups won an initial round in the Superior Court,
but that decision was reversed on appeal. In the meantime, the
agencies have worked diligently to address water quality to the
apparent satisfaction of the anti-access groups. The stipulation
resolving the case makes clear it is not to be construed for any
purpose as an admission of liability.
Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition,
stated, "I want to thank the hard working staff at the Division and
the thousands of users who fought back against this unwarranted
lawsuit. This whole case could have been avoided if tshe anti-OHV
groups had offered to work with the park in a cooperative manner
instead of filing a lawsuit to close the park down."
"The park and Central Valley Water Board are to be commended for
their patience and professionalism under difficult circumstances, and
they set an example of how agencies can work together to address
environmental issues without resorting to litigation," Amador
concluded.
Read the Stipulated Judgment here:
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Carnegie_Stipulation_2012.pdf
# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that
champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual
environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is
focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts
through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among
recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - http://www.sharetrails.org