News Release

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2002 CA-610-02-27
Contact: Stephen Razo 909-697-5217; Doran Sanchez, 909-697-5220

Lawlessness significantly decreased at Imperial Dunes

A "Zero Tolerance" policy at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) this past President's Day weekend resulted in a significant decrease in lawlessness. An estimated 108,000 people enjoyed the Dunes under an increased multi-agency law enforcement presence that aggressively monitored activities throughout the Dunes and responded quickly and effectively when needed. Several large signs stating, "Break The Law – Go To Jail," were posted in the Dunes area along Highway 78 in both directions that re-enforced the "Zero Tolerance" policy in effect.

"This past weekend saw an unprecedented law enforcement presence that demonstrated our commitment to a zero tolerance policy," states Greg Thomsen, U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office Manager. "Continued assistance from the Imperial County Sheriff's Department along with our solid inter-agency partnership ensures that future visitors to the Dunes will be provided a safe environment," Thomsen added.

Over 600 law enforcement violations were enforced compared to over 2,000 violations during the past Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Law enforcement officials state that arrests and DUI violations were down while medical service staff observed a decrease in medical actions.

Utilizing checkpoints and barricades, the Competition Hill and Sand Drag areas saw a more visible patrol presence that monitored items such as vehicle registration, open container laws and safety violations.

Over 150 law enforcement personnel from Imperial County, California Highway Patrol, National Park Service Special Event Team, U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of State Parks and Recreation, California Department of Forestry, California State Bureau of Narcotics, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the District Attorneys Office, and the California Department of Corrections were on duty and worked with the BLM through an inter-agency command and control system which provided immediate capabilities to handle incidents quickly throughout the Dunes.

"We successfully brought over 10 agencies together under the Incident Command System that had a tremendous effect on the overall mission of providing a safe environment for recreation enthusiasts and agency personnel," stated Dick Franklin, BLM Incident Command Director for the President's Day weekend.

The Imperial Dunes is one of the most heavily visited off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation areas in the country. A recent increase of law breakers have threatened the safety of visitors at the Dunes during the past two years which has initiated new BLM law enforcement directives at the Dunes during major holiday weekends.

--- BLM ---