For Immediate Release: November 3, 2004 CA-CDD-05-10
Contact: Mike Ahrens (760) 252-6047

Halloween Weekend Brings Record Numbers to Southern California Desert

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Barstow Field Office, reported a record number of visitors to Dumont Dunes, El Mirage, Stoddard, and Johnson Valley Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Areas, and the Juniper Flats and Fremont/Superior areas during the recent Halloween weekend.

With the initiation of the fee demonstration program at Dumont Dunes, the weekend still drew a record crowd to the popular OHV site, according to BLM officials. Visitors were generally supportive of the fees as they were able to immediately observe improvements to the access road and rest-room facilities, the officials said.

"The sport continues to grow. There were definitely more visitors to Dumont Dunes than any Halloween weekend in memory," stated Roxie Trost, BLM Barstow Field Office manager.

At Stoddard Valley, the annual OHV Poker Run was held to raise funds for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. An estimated 400 OHV riders, families and friends participated in the annual two-day event. The Poker Run is jointly sponsored by the BLM and Hi-Desert Charities. The Poker Run consists of two challenging courses for riders to travel in the Stoddard Valley OHV area. Daily prizes were distributed to riders with the "best winning hand."

Also, the Hilltopper Motor Cycle Desert Scramble was held on Sunday and more than 120 motocross riders tested their skills on a 26 mile-long course. Over the weekend the Barstow Field Office, which manages more than three million acres of public land in the Mojave Desert, recorded a total of nine medical injuries and no fatalities.

"It is with great pleasure that we can provide such wonderful opportunities for families to recreate together on our public lands," added Trost.

For further information contact Mike Ahrens (760) 252-6047.

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