News Release

For Release:  October 18, 2007                                                     
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217; email: srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-08-06

Safety and Litter Campaigns to Open Dunes Season

The upcoming Halloween weekend at the dunes will see several new awareness campaigns emphasizing safety and litter awareness.
 
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office has developed a “Take It Outside” program aimed at young duners. The program is focused around trading cards that contain information such as OHV safety, history, outdoor ethics, wildlife, weather, and topography. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians and BLM rangers will distribute the cards as a way to reach out to visitors aged 5 to 16 years in order to encourage responsible land use and safe riding practices.
 
The American Sand Association (ASA), in partnership with the BLM, United Desert Gateway (UDG), and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) has released a “Time Out for Safety” DVD that targets all levels of off-road users in covering basic rules, duning techniques, emergency contact information and “Tread Lightly” principles. The DVD was recently introduced at the Sand Sports Super Show and will be available at the Cahuilla and Buttercup ranger stations. Duners will also be presented the DVD on the spot by BLM and ICSO law enforcement personnel that catch duners “Doing The Right Thing.”
 
Throughout the upcoming season, several dune-wide cleanups will occur. Last season saw unprecedented numbers of participants and officials will be encouraging continued participation as the cleanup dates are announced. Duners are encouraged to “Pack It In – Pack It Out” when it comes to trash.

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 continues to be effective in providing immediate capabilities to handle incidents quickly while providing an effective security net throughout the Dunes.

Dunes officials stress they will be enforcing no OHVs on roadways to promote public safety, emergency vehicle access and to reduce accidents. The ICSO will be targeting ATV safety licensing where further information can be found at: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov.  Purchasing permits prior to arrival is highly encouraged. Vendor locations and phone numbers can be found at: www.isdraTRT.org.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92557