Dune association receives donation
The death of a San Diego desert and outdoor enthusiast will benefit efforts to recover 40,000 of the Imperial Sand Dunes.
The estate of Richard “RB” Breen, of San Diego, made a legacy donation to the American Sand Association after his death in 2016 that was completed last fall. The amount was not disclosed.
“‘RB,’ as he was known to his friends, was an outdoor person, and spent a large portion of his life outside at the beach, the mountains and the desert,” the ASA said in a news release. “He was an avid duner and supporter of the ASA for many years.”
Breen’s donation will assist the ASA in its mission to protect the public’s access to public lands, including the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (“ISDRA”) in Imperial Valley, Calif., the release noted. This includes the ASA’s efforts to re-establish access to Patton Valley from the Sand Highway and to restore access to the east side of the dunes in Glamis across the railroad tracks. The ISDRA is about 20 miles west of Yuma along Interstate 8.
The ASA has spent over $2 million not only fighting to keep the dunes open, but also recovering 40,000 acres of riding area, over the past 18 years. Breen’s contribution, while generous, represents a small portion of that fight, ASA said.
The duners rights’ group, which relies completely on donations and support of the OHV community, is developing a legacy program to help others follow Breen’s lead and consider including the ASA as a beneficiary in their estate planning.