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Desert Heat Claims 3rd Life in Death Valley National Park For the third time this summer heat has been the contributing factor in the death of a visitor to Death Valley National Park. The latest victim was 6-year old boy who died of heat related causes on Wednesday, August 5th. The mother, Alicia Sanchez of Las Vegas, Nevada, her son and their dog were found on Thursday, August 6th . Ms. Sanchez and the family dog were rescued by park staff with the assistance of the China Lake military search and rescue team, Inyo and San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Departments. The three started out on Saturday, August 1st for an overnight camping trip into the park. Their vehicle got stuck in a remote area in the southern part of the park bordering the China Lake Naval Weapons Area. Temperatures in the park during that 5-day period averaged 117° F. They had taken a case of 16 oz water bottles, some snacks and sandwiches. During the summer months few visitors travel the park’s backcountry roads due to the extreme heat and often rough road conditions. Trail to Reopen; Campground to Remain Closed at Joshua Tree NP Acting Superintendent John Slaughter announced that the Lost Horse Mine Trail will be re-opened for public use on Monday, August 10. However, Jumbo Rocks Campground, closed on July 7 due to swarming bees, will remain closed until Friday, August 28. Ryan Campground will continue to be open for camping in lieu of Jumbo Rocks Campground. Salazar Announces NPS Will Waive Fees on Three Summer Weekends to Increase Tourism, Boost Economy Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures. There are 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states. Proposal to Close 220 State Parks The State of California is faced with a dire fiscal situation. To help meet the state’s budget deficit, there is a budget proposal to eliminate the General Fund support of California State Parks. California State Parks has identified 220 parks that would need to close and a list of 59 parks that would remain open, based on the information they know right now. This list is a DRAFT, a proposal. If they find that mid-course corrections suddenly apply, they will apply new information and adjust as necessary. There are 220 state parks that rely on the $143 million in General Fund revenue. There are 59 which could be self-sustaining, obtaining revenue by other means. The lists of parks proposed to close and proposed to remain open are offered here. Proposed GF Reduction Open Units Proposed GF Reduction Closed Units Valley Wells Safety Roadside Rest Area Opens May 1st The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will open the Valley Wells Rest Area on May 1, 2009 in the early morning hours after being closed for almost four years. The project site, which includes both north and southbound facilities at a cost of $6.5 million, is located approximately 25 miles south of the resort community of Primm, Nevada at the California State Line. The nearest services south of the facility include the town of Baker, 25 miles away. The next available safety roadside rest area, Clyde V. Kane, is located 29 miles south of Baker. BLM proposes to increase fees at Imperial Sand Dunes. The ISDRA is proposing the following changes to the Two Tier Fee Program. Off site sales will increase to $40 / Week and $140 / Season.(The off site rates have not changed since Oct. 1, 2003.) On site sales will increase to $60 / Week and $180 / Season. Contact information for fee increase at ISDRA: Neil Hamada, Outdoor Recreation Planner, 760-337-4451. Visit the updated Imperial Sand Dunes web page |
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