BLM delays proposed Imperial Sand Dune fee increase

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), El Centro Field Office, has announced that a proposal to increase the cost of recreation permit fees at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) will be delayed until more extensive public input and participation is completed.

The BLM was scheduled to present its fee proposal to the California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) on May 13 but has withdrawn the scheduled proposal. "

I feel that the public participation requirements outlined in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) have not been sufficiently fulfilled," said Steven Borchard, BLM California Desert District manager. "

I firmly believe that a robust, interactive and open dialogue between all stakeholders and constituents must happen before the BLM can present a proposal to the RRAC with any degree of confidence." After a recent meeting between BLM desert district officials and ISDRA partners and stakeholders, a consensus was reached that some form of fee increase will be required in the near future and that a committed effort will be made to assist the BLM in achieving the required public input on the appropriate level for this increase. For further information, visit online at: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra.html.

More information on the Imperial Sand Dunes:
http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_isdra.htm

www.DuneGuide.com