NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: November 26, 2003
Contact: Jan Bedrosian (916) 978-4616 or Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220
        CA-CDD-04-09

Public Comment Sought on Supplemental Dunes Rule

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a supplementary rule clarifying that special recreation permit fees that went into effect October 1, 2003, must be paid immediately upon arrival by visitors to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA).

Comments on the proposal, which does not affect the amount of the fees (set earlier at $25 per week and $90 for a season pass), will be accepted if provided to BLM in person, by mail, or by electronic mail by December 22, 2003.

BLM Field Manager Greg Thomsen said the purpose of the proposed rule is to ensure all visitors understand that the fees must be paid upon arrival at the Dunes, not at a later time. "This way, visitors will know what to expect and it will help ensure compliance, which has already increased over the past few weekends with the public's cooperation."

The November 20, 2003, Federal Register notice regarding the supplementary rules is available online at www.ca.blm.gov. Written comments must be sent to BLM, El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243. Personal or messenger deliveries can be made to the same address. Electronic mail should be sent to Neil_Hamada@ca.blm.gov.

-BLM-

"visit our website at www.ca.blm.gov"

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (909) 697-5220