What's New in the aSa
June, 2009

In this Issue:

ISDRA Permits for the 2009-2010 Dune Season

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) determines that the current permit fee is inadequate to fund the operating cost of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA). Proposed is a fee increase from $25 to $40/week and $90/season to $140/season for permits purchased off-site. Onsite purchases would be $60/week and $180/season if purchased within the ISDRA.

The proposal was unveiled at the recent Phoenix, AZ ASA Directors meeting with the intent to take it to the CA Regional Recreation Advisory Committee (RRAC) for approval on May 13, 2009.
At this time, The ASA Board of Directors’ (BOD) does NOT support the proposal. The BOD believes that the BLM did not provide the public sufficient information or time to decide on the fee increase issue.

On May 7, 2009, with the encouragement of the ASA and the United Desert Gateway (UDG), the BLM acknowledged that the public participation requirements outlined in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) were not sufficiently fulfilled. BLM agreed that a robust, interactive, and open dialogue between all stakeholders and constituents must happen before the BLM can present a proposal with any degree of confidence. It is anticipated that the re-evaluation and public process will occur this summer and that a newly drafted fee increase will be submitted for approval in September 2009.

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ISDRA Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP)

Recently, BLM published seven alternative plans that will be considered when they identify their preferred plan in the Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA). The RAMP becomes the "Bible", or handbook, used by BLM to manage the ISDRA while fulfilling their assigned responsibilities under various federal laws. This document directs future managers’ actions for years, perhaps decades, to come. The seven alternatives range from total closure of the dunes to no closure at all. A table prepared by BLM comparing the seven alternatives may be viewed at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/docs/isdramp.html

Start now by reviewing the 2003 RAMP and the comments submitted by the ASA and the coalition of OHV organizations. You can view this information at: http://www.americansandassociation.org/pages.php?pageid=16
When the draft RAMP is released, you will have 90 days to provide your comments. Public meetings will be scheduled. Your written comments are considered important and will be considered. The ASA will coordinate meetings with other OHV organizations and assist its members and others in preparing comments to BLM. Let's start early and be prepared.

Please plan to attend one of several ASA RAMP information meetings - you will get all the facts, directions for making useful comments, and be able to ask questions.  We will alert you as the meetings are scheduled.

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Attention Arizona Members!

AZ Dune Info Meeting

On May 2, 2009, Arizona OHV enthusiasts (as well as some from California) attended an ASA Information Meeting that was hosted by Foddrill Motorsports. The event was held at Foddrill’s new off-road fabrication facility and retail store in Peoria, Arizona, and it turned out to be the largest and most well-attended ASA Public Information Meeting that has been held to date.

More than 200 people attended the event, which had representatives from the BLM, US Border Patrol, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona Department of Transportation, Tonto National Forest, Arizona State Parks, Arizona State Land Department, California State Parks, and the Arizona Off-Road Coalition. These representatives from the Federal and State level took time out of their busy schedule to meet with the public and answer questions about the new Arizona OHV Law, as well as several other topics related to off-road recreation in Arizona and southern California’s Imperial Sand Dunes.

Of particular importance was the discussion of the laws and rules that apply to Arizona OHV registration and reciprocity with the California agencies responsible for law enforcement at the Imperial Sand Dunes (ISDRA). The discussion also covered questions about OHV registration and permit requirements for recreating on Arizona State Trust Land, National Forest Land, and land managed by the BLM in Arizona. The representatives also addressed questions and concerns about the ISDRA Recreation Area Management Plan, Wash Road alternatives, camping and OHV activity east of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in proximity to Ted Kipf Road, and the potential for an increase in the ISDRA fees for the 2009-10 season.

If you are interested in reading the questions and answers that were addressed at the meeting, they can be viewed by visiting the ASA web-site at the following link: <http://www.asasand.com/pubmeetings/azasa.html>. There are additional related questions and answers from past meetings that can be viewed at this address: <http://www.asasand.com/pubmeetings/azother.html>.

In addition to the questions and answers session, Foddrill Motorsports also extended special pricing on parts, and there was an excellent off-road vehicle “Show & Shine” in the parking lot in front of the building. The crew from Fat Cat Catering and Triple X Industries also provided free lunch and drinks to everyone that attended the show — what a nice treat!

If you are interested in the ever-changing information related to the off-roading sport, we highly encourage you to make plans to attend one of these quarterly ASA Information Meetings. You can learn more about upcoming event dates by either signing up for a free ASA Membership at <www.asasand.com>, or visiting the web site regularly for exact dates and locations. The American Sand Association was founded with the mission to “Unite, Inform, and Mobilize” the off-road community, but your support and participation is needed for the ASA to be as effective as possible.

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DAC Meeting scheduled for June 20, 2009 in Barstow

The next Desert Advisory Council meeting will be held March 20 at the Hampton Inn on Lenwood Rd in Barstow. The agenda will be posted on the DAC web page at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/rac/dac.html

There will be a discussion on the proposed fee increase at the ISDRA so come and learn first hand what is going on.

This group will be the interface between the El Centro BLM office and the ISDRA users. If you feel that more user representation is needed between the BLM and dune users check out the link below for information on this group.

Here is the link to the BLM process. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2009

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Wash Road Access Info

The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) has elected to close the Wash Road on the east side of the ISDRA to public travel. Constructed is a new fence along the perimeter of their right of way with plans to close the gate on the Glamis end this summer. ASA’s dialog with the BLM, Imperial County, and the UPRR resulted in the BLM’s development of plans for a road that continues historical access to the east side ISDRA camping areas. BLM published an Environmental Assessment (EA) and identified funds to proceed with construction before the 2009-10 season.

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BLM El Centro Chief Ranger Establishes Commendation/Complaint Line

BLM El Centro Chief Ranger Kynan Barrios has established a commendation/complaint line for the El Centro Resource Area. This mailbox will be checked on a regular basis by Ranger Barrios or a supervisor. The general office number for public questions is 760-337-4470. Ranger Barrios is working to develop a more formal complaint process to make sure the BLM is providing quality customer service.

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