For Immediate Release:  September 25, 2002               CA-610-85-02           

Contact:  Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220 or Jan Bedrosian (916) 978-4616

 

Dunes Plan Progressing to Replace Lawsuit's Interim Restrictions

 

            The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to complete the land use plan for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, but BLM announced today that the interim restrictions imposed in November 2000 that closed 46,000 acres to off-highway vehicle use (OHV) will remain in effect for the opening of the recreation season.

 

            BLM Field Manager Greg Thomsen said BLM had hoped to have the plan finalized by the beginning of the popular use season, which usually starts Halloween weekend.  However, due to the volume of public comments (about 7,400 were received) and ongoing negotiations with the FWS on the Biological Opinion and consultation required by the Endangered Species Act completion of the plan has been delayed.

 

Thomsen said the interim restrictions and the closures must remain in effect until a final decision on the plan is completed.  The interim restrictions involve three areas within the 160,000-acre Dunes.  The restrictions were implemented in November 2000, as a result of a settlement reached with several environmental groups that had sued BLM regarding the Peirson's milkvetch, a listed species under the Endangered Species Act.  The settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, and the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility was determined necessary by BLM to avoid the potential of an injunction sought by the groups to close the entire Dunes to OHV use until consultations with the FWS could be completed as required by the Act.

 

He said it is BLM's intention to complete the plan as soon as possible once the FWS Biological Opinion is received.  The BLM is required by law and regulation to publish a Final Environmental Impact Statement and a final proposed plan for a 30-day public protest period.  All protests received will be carefully evaluated and considered in the final Record of Decision.  As specified in settlement, the interim restrictions remain in force until a Record of Decision is signed.

 

Thomsen asked for cooperation from all those who visit the Dunes during this period of transition.  He said BLM is planning for a safe and enjoyable recreation season at the Dunes.

 

                                                                        -BLM-