For Immediate Release: April 5, 2002
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov
CA-610-02-37

Public Meeting Scheduled to Review Imperial Dunes Draft Management Plan and EIS

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a meeting in El Centro to gather public comment on the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Recreation Area Management Plan (DRAMP). The meeting will be held April 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the El Centro City Council Chambers, located at 1275 Main Street in El Centro.

BLM staff will give a presentation about the draft documents during the first hour. Public comment will be recorded by a court reporter the remaining two hours. Time limits for individual public comment will be determined by the number of people who register to speak. BLM also will accept written comments.

The DEIS and DRAMP analyzes management alternatives, including cultural, natural and recreational resource management needs for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. These documents will guide future BLM activities and provide for the continued enjoyment and conservation of the Imperial Sand Dunes, and will be developed with the participation and assistance of interested members of the public. When finalized, these documents will amend the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area Plan.

The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is the most popular Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) area in the southwest United States. It encompasses the most intensively visited recreational area in the California Desert Conservation Area. Management goals that have been identified include increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement, provide sustainable recreational opportunities, and conserving natural and cultural resources.

These documents can be viewed on BLM's website at www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Paper copies and/or CDs are available by request. In addition, reading copies are available at BLM's El Centro Field Office, 1661 South 4th street, El Centro; the El Centro Public Library at 539 State Street; the Brawley Public Library at 400 Main Street in Brawley; and the Yuma County Library at 350 Third Avenue in Yuma.

Written and oral comments regarding the Imperial Dunes DEIS and DRAMP may be provided at any of the public meetings. Written comments also may be submitted to Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Attn: Jim Komatinsky, 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243. E-mail comments may be submitted BLM at caisd@ca.blm.gov. Written, oral and e-mail comments will be accepted through June 28, 2002.

Individuals may request confidentially. If you wish to withhold your name or address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written/oral comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law.

Additional public meetings will be held in Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona, and Long Beach, Brawley, and San Diego, Calif. Please contact BLM at (760) 337-4400 for additional information regarding these meeting dates.

The BLM is encouraging all people interested in the future of the Imperial Sand Dunes to attend a meeting, review the documents, and provide input for the future management of the Dunes.

-BLM-