If we close down the Oceano Dunes to recreational vehicles, we need to shut down all California downhill ski resorts as well. They are a blight on the landscape—wide swaths of forest devoid of trees that caused increased erosion. They are also big contributors to climate change, needing large amounts of power to run ski lifts and hospitality services. The private vehicles used to commute to the slopes help exacerbate the problem. They are dangerous, causing many injuries and deaths each year. They only serve a small minority of our population, mostly the affluent. We need to dismantle them, revegetate the forests, and leave the natural landscape open to hikers.
Paul C. Hertel
Arroyo Grande
This article appears in Mar 25 – Apr 4, 2021.
I’m sorry to say that I fervently agree. And I say this only from the numerous dangers this sport has now become. We MUST address every aspect of climate chang causes;SOME IS NOT ENOUGH!!It’s horrible ENOUGH that we’ve LOST FOUR YEARS of ground on this crisis due to the elimination of many crucial factors by the previous administration we MUST NOW reach over and above ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!!
“I’m sorry to say that I fervently agree. And I say this only from the numerous dangers this sport has now become. We MUST address every aspect of climate chang causes;SOME IS NOT ENOUGH!!It’s horrible ENOUGH that we’ve LOST FOUR YEARS of ground on this crisis due to the elimination of many crucial factors by the previous administration we MUST NOW reach over and above ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!!”
English spoken here?
Bad analogy, while there’s no doubt lifts etc burn tons of energy that could/ should be offset by solar or other energy tech. As far as deforestation, these areas are designed carefully as it makes no sense to destroy your investment with bad engineering. Skiing also doesn’t emit particles that cause lung injuries to local area residents. I will admit there’s environmental impact from ski areas it’s just not an apples to apples.
Wow..the comments from THE THREE STUPIDS !!!!!
While we’re at it. let’s ban horse riding. It’s more dangerous than skiing, and horses produce vast amounts of methane and other greenhouse gases. It goes without saying, that we should also b an all motorized boating. Sky diving must also be out. After all, the mess when a skydiver hits the ground after the parachute fails to open is much worse than when a skier hits a tree. There are many other outside leisure activities we can ban. Just don’t ban my favorite activities. Of course, the best way to fight man-made climate change is simply to eliminate as much of humanity as possible. Any volunteers willing to sacrifice themselves for the sale of the climate?
Yes