For Immediate Release: February 17, 2005 CA-CDD-05-26
Contact: Stephen Razo 951-697-5217

Outreach Emphasis at Dunes this President's Day Weekend

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials are gearing up for Presidents Day weekend at the Imperial Sand Dunes with the anticipation of over 65,000 visitors to enjoy the holiday weekend at the popular recreation area.

Law enforcement and support personnel from the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service will work with the BLM at the Dunes through the multi-agency Incident Command and Control System. The system has been successful over the past several seasons in providing immediate capabilities to handle incidents quickly while providing an effective security net throughout the Dunes.

Of special interest this holiday weekend will be a strong emphasis on Dunes information outreach by BLM personnel. The recent release of a new biological opinion (BO) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in regards to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Management Plan (RAMP) has significantly heightened public sensitivity and awareness to issues associated with the management of the Imperial Sand Dunes. The upcoming President's Day weekend provides an outstanding opportunity to interact and educate Dunes recreationists on the implications of the new BO, the pending Recreation Management Plan (RAMP) as well as continuing awareness of safety and law enforcement messages.

Visitors will be able to access the latest information on Dunes management, safety, and law enforcement issues at information tables located at Buttercup, Dunes Buggy Flats, the Cahuilla Ranger Station and vendor's row in the Glamis area. Law enforcement and emergency medical technicians will be able to direct visitors to the nearest information desk Information will also be available on-line at: http://www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro/ImperialSandDunes/index.html.

"We want to make sure that the recreating public has the latest information on the status of management issues associated with the Imperial Sand Dunes," states Linda Hansen, BLM California Desert District manager. "I encourage visitors to the Dunes this weekend to check out the 'Dunes Info' locations."

-BLM-