Point Reyes oyster farm owner files lawsuit to block closure

<p>The owners of a controversial oyster farm on the Point Reyes National Seashore are suing the government to try to remain in business.</p><p>Drakes Bay Oyster Co. is asking a federal judge to nullify last week's ruling from U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who said it must close within 90 days.</p><p>Kevin Lunny, who has owned the farm since 2004, was denied a 10-year extension on a permit to farm oysters in Drakes Estero, which is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore.</p><p>In his 34-page lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Lunny challenged National Park Service studies that said his operation hurt the environment.</p><p>He has enlisted the help of a Washington, D.C., group, Cause of Action, which scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. to discuss the lawsuit.</p><p>Check back later today for more details on this breaking story.</p><p>Copyright © 2012 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.</p>