Hollister
– If state lawmakers can’t agree on changes to the California
off-highway program before year’s end, Hollister Hills on Cienega
Road may close.
Hollister – If state lawmakers can’t agree on changes to the California off-highway program before year’s end, Hollister Hills on Cienega Road may close.
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts and environmentalists have butted heads over changes to a Senate bill that would overhaul the state’s 36-year-old off-highway program. Funds for state off-road vehicle recreation areas come from fuel tax and registration and entrance fees, but will expire Dec. 31 unless groups come to a consensus and lawmakers pass the bill.
The problem is, in its current form, no group on either side supports the bill, according to a state bill analysis.
Jeff Gaffney, chief ranger of the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, said an agreement needs to be reached so the park can stay open.
Gaffney said he has a difficult time understanding why environmentalists, whom he often considers his allies as a state park ranger, oppose funding off-road vehicular areas.
“This whole facility would cease to exist,” Gaffney said. “It’s kind of sad. This is where my heart and soul is, and I believe in the people who come here.”
If the groups can’t come to a consensus, the Hollister Hills Off-Road Association will try to educate the public to prevent the park from closing, said Margie Ghione, the group’s vice president.
“It would be horrible for San Benito County,” Ghione said. “It’s a family sport, especially in this area.”
Ghione said Hollister Hills provides another option for many local youths looking for an activity.
Brent Schoradt, a deputy policy director for the California Wilderness Coalition, said the bill would double available funds for off-highway vehicle recreation area land acquisition without doing enough to protect the environment.
“We’re trying to make sure there’s a proper balance,” Schoradt said.
Schoradt noted that the current version of the bill could cut funding for law enforcement for off-road vehicle areas and restoration of damaged caused by such vehicles.
Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Merced, who represents San Benito County, voted against the bill the Senate passed. The bill passed 21-17 and made its way into the Assembly.
Under its current form, the bill would triple off-road vehicle registration fees. When Denham voted against the bill, it would have doubled park entrance fees. That language has been removed.
“The idea of jacking up fees is not something (Denham) usually supports,” said Stacey Hendrickson, his press secretary. “There has not been consensus from various groups on this bill, but if they come to a consensus, he’s willing to take a fresh look at it.”
