State Parks concept plans for Tesla do NOT protect its irreplaceable resources

In late September, State Parks held 2 workshops to present their concept plans for Tesla. Unfortunately, neither plan protects Tesla’s outstanding natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources of statewide significance, and nor do they ensure effective and lasting protection. Both plans include high-intensity recreation, such as vehicular travel, bikes/e-bikes, and camping and associated facilities development throughout almost all of Tesla’s 3,100 acres. Neither plan is consistent with the State Natural Reserve statute. Both plans ignore the overwhelming public input supporting Tesla be established as a Natural Reserve.

Natural Reserve classification is the only classification option that best protects all of Tesla’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, while still allowing resource compatible low-intensity recreation.

The large alliance of local, regional and statewide groups that has been fighting to preserve Tesla for decades submitted a detailed comment letter documenting the deficiencies in the State Parks concept plans. We oppose the plans and call for State Parks to provide a real plan for a Natural Reserve based on the scientific evidence, tribal direction, and overwhelming public input. Read the comment letter here.