SAND LUVR
10-24-2003, 11:53 AM
In the last 30 years, the amount of protected wilderness in the Golden State jumped from 2 million to 14 million acres, while off-roading (search), an activity in which drivers take their vehicles into areas where they can drive more adventurously, has become wildly popular there, leaving the remaining open space contested.
California's Imperial Sand Dunes (search), the largest mass of sand dunes in the state, are designated as a recreation area, but environmentalists consider the land a unique and fragile ecosystem that needs protection.
For years, green-thumbs have been chipping away at the popular spot for dirt bikes, dune buggies and jeeps. Now they're accusing off-roaders of destroying wildlife and plants.
"The milk vetch is endangered and the primary cause of its demise is off-road vehicles," said Karen Schambach of the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (search).
The Pierson's milk vetch, which grows in the Mohave Desert near the Mexican border, has become the poster child for the battle. Another 26,000 acres were closed for the endangered desert tortoise, and what's left could be made off-limits to protect the habitat of the horned lizard and scarab beetle.
Scientists for the off-roaders declared the milk vetch not endangered, and the federal government followed suit, reopening 50,000 acres but limiting use of off-road vehicles in certain areas.
But last week, a federal judge intervened, keeping most of the dunes closed as peak off-roading season approaches.
"Everywhere you turn, public lands are being closed to the public," said Grant George of the American Sand Association.
California's Imperial Sand Dunes (search), the largest mass of sand dunes in the state, are designated as a recreation area, but environmentalists consider the land a unique and fragile ecosystem that needs protection.
For years, green-thumbs have been chipping away at the popular spot for dirt bikes, dune buggies and jeeps. Now they're accusing off-roaders of destroying wildlife and plants.
"The milk vetch is endangered and the primary cause of its demise is off-road vehicles," said Karen Schambach of the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (search).
The Pierson's milk vetch, which grows in the Mohave Desert near the Mexican border, has become the poster child for the battle. Another 26,000 acres were closed for the endangered desert tortoise, and what's left could be made off-limits to protect the habitat of the horned lizard and scarab beetle.
Scientists for the off-roaders declared the milk vetch not endangered, and the federal government followed suit, reopening 50,000 acres but limiting use of off-road vehicles in certain areas.
But last week, a federal judge intervened, keeping most of the dunes closed as peak off-roading season approaches.
"Everywhere you turn, public lands are being closed to the public," said Grant George of the American Sand Association.