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 - www.sharetrails.org.
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