Everyone who nagged, called, joined a working group, faxed, commented,
or attended a meeting deserves a great big clap on the back.
Having the BLM slow down this process and rethink these business plans
means all of that work really did make a difference. Very nice.
This is especially great when we remember that the BLM leadership chose
to include the public in the business plan process... it was NOT a
requirement and they most certainly could have done whatever they
wanted and we would have been forced to accept it. Even when we made
real pains of ourselves they didn't swat us away. Excellent.
Second versions of the business plans are due out any day now. Stay
tuned.
For Release: August 11, 2003
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-03-66
The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) California Desert District
continues to evaluate its fee demonstration program to include initiating or
increasing fees at certain popular desert recreation sites.
"Fee implementation/increases remain under consideration and we are
maintaining our public outreach to those affected or interested in OHV
recreation in the desert," said Linda Hansen, BLM California Desert District
Manager.
A recent release of information by the BLM Barstow Office regarding
development of a fee demonstration program is intended to inform the
public that the BLM remains on track in keeping users of public lands
informed as to the progress of these plans. An initial BLM news release
dated April 25, 2003, provided a general overview of the process for
expansion of a Districtwide Fee Demonstration Program.
Congress authorized BLM to initiate the Recreation Fee Demonstration
Program in 1996 in order to keep pace with the rising costs of managing
recreation sites. Based upon the Act (PL 104-134), the BLM identified the
California Desert District as a fee demonstration collection site.
"The BLM's California Desert District is currently working with OHV
interests, government officials, and the public concerning final program
decisions that will ultimately prove beneficial to everyone,"added Hansen.
Hansen also noted that with the assistance of an outside contractor this
year, the BLM developed business plans and extensively involved many
audiences, including working groups, OHV groups, volunteer groups and
vendors. The fees collected will help improve law enforcement capability,
emergency medical assistance, litter removal, maintenance of facilities
(toilets, campsites, etc.), OHV access roads, appropriate signing, and
information kiosks.
BLM implemented a recreation fee demonstration program at the Imperial
Sand Dunes Recreation Area, which encompasses approximately 160,000
acres, in January 1999. Paralleling the Dunes program, if fees are
collected at Dumont Dunes (10,000 acres), Johnson Valley (188,000
acres), Stoddard Valley (53,000 acres), and El Mirage (25,000 acres), they
will be used to improve services and facilities at those sites.
BLM has successfully implemented fee demonstration programs at popular
recreation areas throughout the eleven western states. Also, the fees are
used for improvements at the site collected.
press release