Federal officials refuse to restrict off-road use

DUNES: Environmental groups say they likely will challenge Monday's controversial decision

10:00 PM PDT on Monday, August 21, 2006

By JENNIFER BOWLES
The Press-Enterprise

In the latest wrangling over the Southern California desert's most popular off-roading area, federal wildlife officials decided against protecting 16 insects that live among the wind-carved dunes.
2002 / The Press-Enterprise
Federal wildlife officials denied a petition by environmental groups to protect 16 insects at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

Environmental groups said Monday they likely would challenge the decision, and riding enthusiasts said they were relieved.

Grant George, who owns a dune-buggy shop in Rialto, said he feared that if the jewel beetles, sand wasps and velvet ants had received protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, it could have lead to further restrictions at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area..............

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