We, the undersigned residents, visitors, business owners and public-land recreationists, respectfully request that the U.S. Forest Service preserve responsible motorized access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area while complying with its legal obligations to protect the coastal marten.

We support reasonable, scientifically justified measures that protect important habitat. However, we oppose broad, indefinite or unsupported closures that unnecessarily eliminate established OHV riding areas, designated routes, recreational opportunities and economic activity in Oregon coastal communities.

We ask the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon’s elected officials to pursue a balanced solution using targeted habitat protections, clearly marked boundaries, responsible enforcement, monitoring and meaningful public participation before considering additional closures.

Specifically, we request that decision-makers:

Preserve the maximum amount of lawful OHV access consistent with federal law.
Require a clear scientific basis, map and expected duration for every proposed restriction.
Use targeted, seasonal or enforceable protections before broad or permanent closures.
Preserve designated routes connecting established riding areas and public access points.
Include riders, local businesses, counties, tribes, conservation representatives and residents in management decisions.
Complete required environmental consultation promptly so temporary restrictions do not continue longer than necessary.
Consider the economic effects on Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Florence, North Bend, Coos Bay and surrounding communities.
Coastal marten conservation and responsible OHV recreation can coexist. We ask decision-makers to protect wildlife without unnecessarily eliminating public access and long-established recreation at the Oregon Dunes.

The Oregon Dunes have been an important part of my family’s recreation and our coastal communities for many years. I believe responsible riders should have a meaningful voice in decisions that could permanently affect public access. Once riding areas are closed, they can be extremely difficult to recover.

Please sign and share this petition to help preserve responsible OHV access for present and future generations.