The AANR contingent helps clean up the beach.
A message from Ray Simpson…
The Maryland Government Affairs Team took part in and completed another successful beach cleanup along the Maryland shore line of Assateague Island, after which everyone enjoyed the Coastal Day Festival. As team leader I thank everyone who took part and worked so hard to reinforce to the national and state park services that AANR is the credible of reason for nude recreation.
In ongoing discussions with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Parks has advised AANR of its intention to begin citing individuals for being nude at San Onofre based on CCR section 4322 regulating nudity within California State Parks. These citations may be either an infraction or a misdemeanor. It must be noted that the California Appellate Court has ordered the prior order issued by Orange County Superior Court Judge Sheila Fell to enforce Cahill reversed and that a new order be issued.
It is important that individuals be aware that a misdemeanor citation can often have long-term consequences and to make their decisions regarding recreating at San Onofre accordingly.
California Parks is stressing that this change in managing nudity in its parks is being limited to San Onofre. Individuals who are aware of any actions that differ from this should report this information to the AANR office at 800/Try-Nude immediately so we can address this with California Parks.
AANR continues to have ongoing discussions with high-level representatives of California Parks to look for long-term answers to protect our rights to reasonable access to public lands for nude recreation in the California Parks system.
The AANR Government Affairs Team
As you may have heard, newspapers in California, including the San Francisco Bay Guardian, reported on Tuesday about the status of nudity within the California Parks system beyond San Onofre.
According to these sources, other venues where nudity has been traditionally enjoyed may be under threat now that California’s Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued its ruling regarding the Cahill Policy. This situation is, of course, what the American Association for Nude Recreation feared could happen when the Naturist Action Committee filed suit against the California Parks System.
With reports that other park managers may begin what amounts to a “crack down” on nudity within their jurisdictions given the state of flux created by the Fourth Circuit’s decision, AANR Public Lands Liaison has spent considerable time in communication with the higher echelons of California Parks to obtain additional assurances that no changes in status are planned in parks other than San Onofre.
We have been encouraged by these communications and will dedicate all our expertise and resources to maintain an atmosphere with the Department conducive to protecting nudity on park lands. However, it is equally important to speak to the politically charged atmosphere of the ongoing litigation between NAC and the California Parks. While we will earnestly work for cool heads to prevail, we should be frank with you. The heat is on, and the temperature climbs with every lawyer and judge involved.
At a time like this it is critical to stick to facts, avoid personal attacks, and communicate with your AANR Government Affairs Team about events that concern you. By reducing speculation, increasing the supply of credible information, and seeking common ground, we believe we will be in the best position to ensure the future of the recreation we treasure on public lands.
