Good news on Carnegie SVRA lawsuit

On November 21, 2019, the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Joaquin, Stockton Branch, rendered a jury verdict in favor of managed OHV recreation at the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA).

The jury’s verdict found the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s environmentally sound OHV program – for both casual trail use and permitted motorized events – at Carnegie SVRA did not substantially interfere with the Connolly Ranch’s use or enjoyment of its land.

AMA District 36 (D36) believes the motorized community’s ongoing support for sustainable trail practices at Carnegie SVRA which include a robust OHV exhaust sound compliance education, respect for private property, and cultural/natural resource protection programs were seen by the court as foundational evidence of our commitment and responsibility.

Don Amador, the Government Affair Director of AMA D36, states, “I believe this court outcome recognized the strong commitment by the OHV Division and rider community to manage Carnegie and other SVRAs in a responsible manner by using state-of-the-art trail construction techniques, exhaust noise controls, soil erosion measures, wet weather travel management closures, law enforcement, land restoration, and user education programs.”

AMA District 36 would like to thank the many people who have participated in the various State SVRA outreach and education days, including the countless hours that District clubs and officials including Jerry Fouts and Ed Santin have donated doing sound education and muffler rebuild clinics, and Chris Real from DPS Technical for providing his technical expertise on vehicular noise control.

“As riders celebrate this holiday season with their family and friends, they should take a minute to reflect on their partnership with State Parks to promote sustainable OHV recreation at Carnegie SVRA,” Amador concludes.