Time for a new perspective on the Oceano Dunes

For years, the public discussion regarding the Oceano Dunes and vehicle access has been binary: four wheelers versus environmentalists. But it’s not as simple as one would think.

Not every person who accesses and recreates on the beach and dunes does so in the same manner. There are pedestrians, cyclists, surfers, kite fliers, clammers, and nature lovers getting on the beach with various vehicles. And yes, there are off-road enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, some local news sources have not done a good enough job in encouraging informed dialogue when they choose to run only pictures of Oceano on the busiest days, at the entrance to the dunes, and only highlight the off-road enthusiasts, rather than reporting on diverse uses that are enjoyed by many.

More people are able to enjoy the beach with vehicle access. Could you imagine no vehicle access into Yosemite or Yellowstone?

There is also a line of thinking that suggests making the Oceano Dunes accessible for locals only. This is akin to the notion of giving access to national or state parks to only to those you live near it, or Pismo Pier to those who only live in Pismo Beach. Access is for all of us, not just a select few.

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View Original Publication: Cal Coast News