Help Preserve California’s Rare Ecosystems

The State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) purchased the approximate 3,100 acre Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area (commonly called Tesla Park) in the late 1990s, without an acquisition environmental impact report (EIR) and public review.

For 20 years there has been intense and growing opposition from across the region to opening Tesla to OHV recreation use.

In 2016, after two unsuccessful efforts to complete an EIR, the OHMVR Commission adopted a general plan and EIR which incorporated the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area into Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), and identified it for OHV recreation use. The project is now in litigation, including a challenge by the County of Alameda. Earlier this year, a judge in Sacramento ruled that the EIR was inadequate and that State Parks needs to redo it.

The state’s proposal to open the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area to OHV recreation use has been highly controversial because OHV recreation use is inappropriate and damaging for the area.

Tesla Park is an important link in the ecosystem preservation efforts in the region. The area is primarily Blue Oak woodland, mountain savannah grassland, scrub sage, and riparian woodlands with scenic ridge tops and dramatic canyons feeding into Corral Hollow Creek, which drains into the San Joaquin River system.

There is currently an effort in the legislature that would allow California to protect this important piece of land. The budget bill authorizes State Parks to sell the land for no less than it was originally purchased for, if it is determined to be in the public interest. Any proceeds from the sale would be returned to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division for use in an area that is appropriate for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use.

The bill provides a wise and fair way to resolve this 20-year controversy in a manner that is good for the state government, local agencies, the surrounding community, OHV users, and the environment.

Send a message today to Governor Newsom urging him to support preservation of Tesla Park.

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Subject

Protect California’s Natural Lands, Preserve Tesla Park

Message

Dear Governor Newsom, I am a resident of California, and I am writing to urge you to support preserving Tesla Park. There is overwhelming evidence that the area has rare ecological value and contains an abundance of highly sensitive natural resources. Its location at the intersection of biotic zones results in rare biodiversity, and serves as a species-saving corridor and buffer in a time of climate change. This is vital to the local community and environment. With your support, this important part of California’s natural lands can be opened for low-impact recreation, and protected from degradation by off-highway vehicles. Please support preservation of this crucial area. Sincerely, (your name)

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