For Release: October 13, 2005
Contact: Stephen M. Razo (951) 697-5217
CDD-06-05

New Dunes Season To Emphasize Litter Education and Permit Compliance

With the approaching Halloween weekend kicking off the 2005-2006 Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) season, dunes recreation enthusiasts will see a highly visible litter education campaign through the efforts of the United Desert Gateway, American Sand Association, and the Imperial County Sheriff's Department. In addition, ISDRA recreation permits will now be administrated through the Imperial County sheriff's office.

The litter education program, funded by donations from sand sports enthusiasts and related businesses, will feature stewardship messages by Leo the Lizard encouraging ISDRA visitors to be good stewards of public lands. Beginning with the Halloween weekend, Leo and his message will be featured on trash bags distributed throughout the dunes.

The Imperial County Sheriff's Department will be offering seasonal and weekly recreation permits for sale at off-road vehicle trade shows, website sales, telemarketing, permit vending machines located in the dunes and through permit compliance project vendors located within and outside Imperial County. Permit compliance will be carried out using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Compliance personnel will use RFID readers to determine which vehicles display valid permits.

"The folks who are not paying are costing those who are. The fees collected come right back to the dunes. They help build and maintain camping pads and restrooms," states Harold D. Carter, Imperial County sheriff. For additional information on recreation permits, visit www.imperialsanddunes.org or contact the Imperial County Sheriff's Department at 1-800-278-0165 or 760-351-3038.

Also important to note, the interim closures affecting 49,300 acres will temporarily remain in effect in compliance with a pending court ruling.

"We are anticipating another safe, family oriented recreation season at the Dunes," states Vicki Wood, BLM El Centro Field Office manager. "Our strong partnership with United Desert Gateway, Imperial County Sheriff's Department, and the American Sand Association, provides an effective avenue for public education and awareness regarding public land management issues throughout Imperial County."

For further information contact Stephen M Razo at 951-697-5217.

-BLM-