News Release

For Release: May 1, 2002
Contact: Stephen Razo 909-697-5217; EMAIL srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-610-02-50

Fee program considered for Dumont Dunes Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, is considering a fee program for the Dumont Dunes recreation Area which is the last major free access sand dunes recreation area in California. Recent increased visitor demand has caused higher levels of accidents and major crimes and has placed extraordinary demands on already limited facilities and budget for the recreation area. Officials also feel that diminishing government and state fiscal support threatens the current high level of satisfaction enjoyed by recreation enthusiasts that visit the area.

If a fee system is developed for the Dumont Dunes Recreation Area, all funds collected will be available to enhance the recreation opportunities at the Dunes through better management and the development of facilities and services which could include additional law enforcement presence on holiday weekends, additional emergency medical services, entrance road improvements, additional toilet facilities, and development and maintenance of an RV dump station.

The public is invited to provide inputs into how a fee program might work and how funds generated through the program would be expended by writing to the address below or through the Dumont Dunes web site at: http://www.ca.blm.gov/barstow/dumont.html which contains more detailed information and a survey form to provide inputs.

For more information contact Mike Ahrens at 760-252-6047, or e-mail to cadumont@ca.blm.gov. Please send completed form and/or comments to:

ATTN: Mike Ahrens
Barstow Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
2601 Barstow Rd
Barstow, CA 92311

-- BLM --

California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Blvd, Riverside, California - (909) 697-5220