For Release: October 22, 2003
Contact: Neil Hamada (760) 337-4451, Stephen Razo (909) 697-5217
CA-CDD-04-04

New Dunes Season sees "Zero Tolerance" and Expanded Fee Area

With the approaching Halloween weekend kicking off the 2003-2004 Imperial Sand Dunes season, Dunes recreation enthusiasts will see a continuation of the "Zero Tolerance"law enforcement policy, interim lawsuit closures temporarily remaining in effect and an expanded fee area.

Over the 2002 and 2003 season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enjoyed support for law enforcement efforts in the Dunes. In order to maintain a family atmosphere and a safe off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation environment, the BLM plans to continue the "Zero Tolerance" policy throughout the upcoming visitation season in cooperation with State and local law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, to prevent injuries and reduce threats to visitors, the Safety Ordinance passed by the Imperial County Supervisors in 2002 for the Imperial Dunes will continue through the upcoming season. The ordinance directs that Competition Hill be closed on holiday weekends to all recreationists one half hour before sunset until one half hour after sunrise. According to the ordinance, violations of the closure will be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both. A coalition of State and Federal law enforcement officers will be enforcing the ordinance as well as all other rules and regulation in the Dunes.

In addition, interim lawsuit closures will temporarily continue due to procedures still in progress associated with the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) Management Plan. A Record of Decision (ROD) is still pending on the plan and until a ROD is signed, the interim closures will remain in effect in compliance with a court-approved legal settlement.

Of special interest is that after extensive consultation with visitors, vendors and OHV groups who enjoy the ISDRA, the BLM has set new fees for the 2003-2004 season to allow the agency to recover the costs of managing the popular area. On October 1, 2003, Dunes recreation visitors saw a permit fee increase to $25 per week or $90 for a season pass for each primary vehicle (a primary vehicle is a vehicle that is driven to the Dunes).

In addition, starting on October 24, 2003, the fee area will increase in size and encompass the entire ISDRA recreation and planning area. Visitors camping in the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness, Mammoth Wash Open Area, and the area within one mile of the ISDRA boundary will also be required to purchase a week or season pass. A map of the ISDRA planning area can be seen at -- http://www.ca.blm.gov/pdfs/elcentro_pdfs/imperialdunes/ohvpplanarea.pdf. For further information, contact Neil Hamada, BLM El Centro Field Office, 760-337-4451.

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