News Release

For Release: January 18, 2008                                                           
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217; email: srazo@ca.blm.gov 
CA-CDD-08-19
 

Fee Program Changes Upcoming for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces two major changes in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) fee program for the 2008/2009 season.
 
First, BLM will soon be soliciting bids for administration of the fee program for the next season and beyond.  The agency hopes to complete the process by early spring to ensure a seamless transition over the summer.  Parties interested in bidding on this contract should visit the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fbo.gov .
 
The second change impacts recreation fees in the ISDRA.  Despite the convenience of fee payment through the internet, via phone, at sand shows, and from vendors, the majority of visitors still wait to purchase permits after arriving at the recreation area. This results in unnecessary traffic and diminishes the recreational experience for the visitors.  The BLM and ISDRA Technical Review Team (TRT) have developed a two tier plan to encourage permit pre-purchasing.
 
During the 2008/2009 season, dunes permits will remain at the same price if purchased off-site.  Permits will continue to be $25 per week or $90 per season if purchased at a vendor outside the ISDRA, over the internet, over the phone, or at an off-highway vehicle (OHV) show.  If a visitor chooses to purchase a permit upon arrival in the ISDRA, the cost will be $40 per week or $120 per season.  This on-site adjustment will allow additional revenues to be allocated towards ever increasing recreation area expenses. The on-site adjustment is also in-line with fees at other BLM recreation areas such as Dumont Dunes, CA, Sand Mtn., NV, and St. Anthony Dunes, ID.
 
Visitors are strongly encouraged to keep updated on changes by visiting: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra.html and www.isdratrt.org .
 
The ISDRA, managed by the BLM and located in southeastern California, provides a world class recreation opportunity. Unmatched in popularity, the ISDRA receives over one million OHV visitors each year between October and May.  To address the needs of the visitors, the majority of the management is funded through fees collected in the ISDRA.  The majority of fees collected are allocated for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and facility maintenance.
 
The management of the fee program in the Dunes is administered in close coordination with the Dunes TRT.  The TRT is a panel of concerned citizens who represent local counties, commercial businesses, and OHV recreationists.  The TRT provides recommendations to the BLM on the allocations of funds from the fee program and have been responsible for many of the positive changes in the ISDRA.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553- (951) 697-5217