Letter: Authorities Show Backbone

Written by San Luis Obispo Tribune

Sunday, March 28, 2010

We wish to thank the Air Pollution Control District board for taking action to investigate a potential problem related to air pollution from the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. By ordering the first phase study several years ago, they were able to clarify that there is, in fact, an air pollution problem from the Oceano Dunes.

They then followed with a second study to determine the cause. The board deserves our collective applause for having the insight, concern and commitment to have the studies conducted.

At its Air Pollution Control District meeting last week, the board had the backbone to accept the study. Some board members represent agencies that believe strongly that they will suffer economically if steps are taken to bring the county into compliance with state air quality standards. Yet, with the exception of one member, they all chose to protect public health, an ethical and admirable action.

Based on these studies, we now know we have a significant and serious health threat and what causes it. Clearly something needs to be done about it quickly.

We encourage the board to continue to move forward to resolve this problem.

Larry and Arlene Versaw
Arroyo Grande

Source: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/03/27/1082761_letters-to-the-editor-on-oceano.html

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“During the past decade, I have personally had six out of seven elk hunts ruined by the careless intrusions of ATV operators. This epidemic has forced me to abandon one prime hunting area after another, only to encounter the same situation elsewhere. The shameful part of this picture is that the overwhelming majority of these ATV’ers are young and healthy, not decrepit or physically challenged. Maybe these riders would be more respectful of other people's outdoor experience if they knew we could ID them."

- Bill Sustrich, Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers