Update: Lawsuit Shuts Down Small Part of South Oregon Coast Dunes Just Before UTV Event

Published 08/12/2026 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Winchester Bay, Oregon) – A part of the south Oregon coast's dunes have been closed off temporarily because of a federal lawsuit regarding the protection of the Pacific marten. The closure came just before an off-road vehicle event on this part of the southern Oregon coast, and shutting down a small portion of the area used for that. (Photo courtesy Travel Lane County)

It was announced at the last minute: a federal judge in Eugene imposed temporary limits on off-highway vehicle use in parts of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on Monday, August 10, just one day before the six-day UTV Takeover event was set to begin near Winchester Bay.

The order marks a procedural win for the Center for Biological Diversity, though the underlying lawsuit remains active while the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) undergoes a required consultation on protections for the Pacific marten, a newly listed threatened species.

Judge Ann Aiken found that the Center had shown a likelihood of success on its claims and that unmanaged riding could cause irreparable harm to marten habitat within the dunes.

Curfew area

She said the case hinges on two core issues: the Forest Service’s failure to consult on the marten after its listing, and unresolved questions surrounding permits for the upcoming event.

“In compliance with a Court Order issued on August 10, 2026 by the U.S. District Court of Oregon’s Eugene Division, the Siuslaw National Forest is closing two areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Winchester Bay, Oregon, and implementing a motorized vehicle curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.,” the USFS said. “The closure areas include Banshee Hill, which is located northeast of the Umpqua #2 staging area, and the southwestern edge of the Umpqua Dunes south of the Umpqua #3 staging area. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails within the closure area will be off limits. The curfew includes the entirety of the Middle Riding Area.”

Two cameras will also be installed at two different entrances to monitor compliance.

Aiken noted that the agency’s existing routes plan includes extensive safeguards for the western snowy plover but lacks comparable protections for the marten because the required consultation was never completed. The temporary restrictions will remain in place while the case proceeds.

The majority of the UTV Takeover is not affected: only one small area. The rest of the event takes place as planned on county and private property. It started Tuesday.

The Center had originally asked for seven habitat areas in this part of the Oregon coast to be closed, and that may yet happen once more of the consulting gets done down the road.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Making the Ordinary a Special Occasion at Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma - Cent...
The inn features standout special packages and is pup friendly. Lincoln City hotel reviews, specials

Manzanita's Ocean Inn Adds More Ways to Preserve, Give Back to Oregon Coast E...
About to become an Ocean Friendly Hotel through Surfrider. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel news

A Soaring View Just Opened This Week at North Oregon Coast's Neskowin
Right on the ocean, it's been drawing attention lately. Availability. Pacific City Hotel reviews

Cannon Beach Hotel Reviews: Who Has Consistently Snagged Great Reviews for 50...
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
Exceptional balconies and expeerience all around. Tolovana Inn Reviews. Closest hotel to Cannon Beach downtown, quick drive to Arch Cape

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted