News Release

For Release: June 24, 2002
Contact: Stephen Razo 909-697-5217
CA-610-02-64

Comment Period Closing on Imperial Dunes Draft Management Plan

The public comment period for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the Imperial Sand Dunes in Imperial County will come to a close this Friday, June 28, 2002.

The draft management plan outlines the proposed direction and guidelines for the management of public lands and resources in the Imperial Sand Dunes including goals and objectives, management prescriptions and monitoring requirements. The EIS evaluates the plan and its alternatives. When completed, these documents will amend BLM's 1980 California Desert Conservation Area Plan.

Reading copies are available at BLM's El Centro Field Office, 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA (760) 337-4400 and California Desert District Office, 6221 Box Springs Blvd., Riverside, CA (909) 697-5200. Reading copies are also available at selected libraries in cities where public meetings were held. To find locations of libraries call Jim Komatinsky at 760-337-4400. The draft EIS and draft RAMP can also be viewed on BLM's website at www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Paper copies are available by request.

Written and e-mail comments will be accepted through June 28, 2002. Written comments should be mailed to the Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Attn: Jim Komatinsky, 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA. 92243. Email comments can be sent to caisd@ca.blm.gov . Comments can also be faxed to (916) 978-4620.

For more information regarding the draft EIS and draft RAMP contact Jim Komatinsky at (760) 337-4400.

-- BLM --