New Rules to Improve Public Safety Issued for Imperial Sand Dunes

Public safety will be improved for visitors to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) in Imperial County beginning this Thanksgiving Day weekend due to new interim rules banning public nudity, unauthorized organized events, and unsafe riding in open truckbeds.

The interim rules published Nov. 19, 2001, by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were cooperatively developed by law enforcement and dunes users and are immediately effective. Public comments are sought through Dec. 19, 2001, and will be utilized in preparing final rules to be published in the future.

   The rules include prohibitions on three specific activities and were developed in response to incidents that have occurred over busy holiday weekends: 1) prohibition of public nudity on public lands in ISDRA; 2) prohibition of unauthorized use or organized activities, including musical events and band concerts, shows, and organized parties; and 3) prohibition of riding in open truckbeds or other situations where there are no proper means of securing passengers.

BLM State Director Mike Pool said, "The rules will help BLM, our law enforcement partners, and dunes users to work together toward providing a safer environment for everyone to enjoy.  With strong cooperation from partners such as the American Sand Association (ASA) and other responsible users, we can enhance the recreation opportunities associated with this area, one of the premiere off-highway vehicle sites in the western U.S."

ASA President Jerry Seaver agreed.  "Those of us who use and enjoy the sand dunes recognize that reasonable rules are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable recreation experience.  These rules should be supported by responsible users to help us achieve that goal."

Imperial County Sheriff Harold Carter emphasized, "These rules will provide the strong partnership of Federal, State, and County law enforcement officers more tools to make the dunes a safer place for families and others to enjoy their holiday weekends."

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