ORVs Threaten Oregon’s Last 70 Coastal Martens

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Coastal martens in Oregon face extinction as off-road vehicles tear through their critical dune habitat during summer events that bring thousands of noisy machines.

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Once thought extinct until rediscovered in the 1990s, fewer than 400 coastal martens remain alive, with only about 70 living in Oregon's dunes.

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Scientists warn losing just 2-3 martens per year could wipe out the entire local population in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

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The Center for Biological Diversity has asked a federal judge to protect the threatened species from major off-road events like "UTV Takeover" and "DuneFest."

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These shy carnivores weigh under 3 pounds, must eat one-quarter of their body weight daily, and are especially vulnerable when raising their young.

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The lawsuit claims the U.S. Forest Service violates multiple federal laws by permitting these events despite 1.2 million acres being designated as critical habitat.

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Conservation advocates aren't seeking to ban all off-road vehicles but want protective fencing, noise limits, and vehicle caps to save the rare martens.

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"The Forest Service has to protect key habitat and corridors these incredibly imperiled little animals need to survive," said Center attorney Tala DiBenedetto.

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Not everyone supports the lawsuit - Save the Riders Dunes president Jody Phillips called it "flawed," highlighting tensions between recreation and conservation.

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