UPDATE: Unfortunately this bill was vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Please contact his to express your disapproval with his decision.
Fabulous news: the California legislature has approved Assembly Bill 1086, which would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to sell the portion of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (known as the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area or Tesla Park), that has never been opened for public use, to a local public agency or non-profit organization for conservation purposes, if it is determined that disposing of the land is in the public interest. Proceeds from any such 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 use.
TAKE ACTION!
Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 12, 2019 to sign or veto the bill. We need your help to ensure the Governor approves the bill! Please use the Governor’s website commenting tool to register support for AB 1086 (Pro AB 1086).
Your letter to the Governor will help protect this area from damaging off-highway vehicle usage and thus ensure the future of amphibians at the site.
Feel free to use any of the talking points from SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger’s September 19th, 2019 letter to Governor Newsom, below.
Off-Highway Vehicle damage in nearby riding areas, and some of the amphibians under threat.
Importance of Tesla Park
The 3,400 acre Tesla Park is rich in special status amphibians:
- California Red-Legged Frogs (Rana draytonii)
- California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense)
- Foothill yellow legged frogs (Rana boylii)
- Spadefoot toads (Spea hammondii)
Tesla Park is also home to common species such as California Newts (Taricha torosa) and Pacific Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla).
Tesla Park photo courtesy Celeste Garamendi
SAVE THE FROGS! Official Letter To The Governor
You can read and download SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger’s September 19th, 2019 letter to Governor Newsom on behalf of the SAVE THE FROGS! community.