For Immediate Release: April 1, 2002
Contact: Stephen Razo, 909-697-5217; Doran Sanchez, 909-697-5220
CA-610-02-36

Dunes holiday weekend sees continued decrease in lawlessness

A continuing decrease in overall lawlessness was observed at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area this past Easter holiday weekend as the "Zero Tolerance" and "Break The Law—Go To Jail" policies continue in effect.

Approximately 50,000 visitors enjoyed the Dunes, which saw only 13 arrests and three DUI violations. An inter-agency incident command system has proven to be effective in providing law enforcement presence and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to any situation throughout the Dunes during popular holiday weekends.

Riverside, California resident and Dunes recreation enthusiast Waylan Collier stated, "I have been taking my family there (Imperial Dunes) since 1972, and seriously considered never going again, and you came up with the new rules and enforcements. My family and I are very grateful to you for what you've done. We've been there the last several holiday weekends and the overall feeling is better. It's quiet, peaceful – more like it used to be several years ago."

Over 130 law enforcement and support personnel from Imperial County, California Highway Patrol, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Forestry, California Bureau of Narcotics, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, District Attorney's Office and California Department of Corrections worked with Bureau of Land Management officials through the on-site, inter-agency, incident command system.

The Imperial Dunes is one of the most heavily visited off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation areas in the country. Previous lawlessness has threatened the safety of visitors at the Dunes during the past two years, which lead to new BLM law enforcement directives at the Dunes during major holiday weekends.

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