Alternative #1 below - no action - sets closures back to before the lawsuit that brought the temporary closuresClick to view attachment
Alternative #2 below Click to view attachment
Alternative #3 below Click to view attachment
Alternative #4 below Click to view attachment
Alternative #5 below Click to view attachment
Alternative #6 below Click to view attachment
Alternative #7 below Click to view attachment
And the Preferred Alternative #8 below Click to view attachment
Full Version: Ramp Alternatives
Can you clarify the closure requirements - re: Rain issues for dune buggy flats? That closure could have the net effect of "closing" the entire southern dunes. Why would 8 be preferred over 7 that appears to have a larger open area with no apprent limits on camping?
Why isn't #1 preferred?
There was another map where they showed where the PMV lives. Why is every alternative except #1 WAY more than where the PMV lives? Especially the one that closes the washes from camping above 25?
Im guessing its not going to happen, but what more has to be proved for alternative #1? I dont like most others except #8, but the " closed under certain conditions" part makes me nervous...
Im guessing its not going to happen, but what more has to be proved for alternative #1? I dont like most others except #8, but the " closed under certain conditions" part makes me nervous...
#1, for obvious reasons.
Why is #8 prefered? I think #7 would be a better choice over #8. Closure might be slighty larger, but it doesn't potentially close areas for camping.
Why is #8 prefered? I think #7 would be a better choice over #8. Closure might be slighty larger, but it doesn't potentially close areas for camping.
fight for #1, plan on getting #7 or #8
QUOTE (yummi @ Apr 2 2010, 05:24 PM) 
Can you clarify the closure requirements - re: Rain issues for dune buggy flats? That closure could have the net effect of "closing" the entire southern dunes. Why would 8 be preferred over 7 that appears to have a larger open area with no apprent limits on camping?
From page E-1 of appendix E of Vol II of the DRAMP (page 38 in the pdf) - As to the "why", they obviously think OHV activity is detrimental to PMV populations - even though the studies cited indicate < .1% PMV are damaged from OHV impacts..QUOTE
Rainfall Threshold Rationale
The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 8) for recreation management includes several components: complete (100%) closure of PMV critical habitat to OHV recreation, a camping closure on the east side of the Planning Area to protect microphyll woodland habitats, and a rainfall threshold which, if it is met, would trigger the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground (the campground would still be available for OHV recreation, even when it is closed to camping)
The rainfall threshold will serve to gauge when the BLM would add an additional layer of protection for PMV by prohibiting camping in the Dunebuggy Flats campground and is based on rainfall data that date back to 1964. The data used represent over 40 years of rainfall data that have helped BLM present its Preferred Alternative.
The BLM is aware that incursions may occur into the PMV critical habitat closure. The goal in closing Dunebuggy Flats campground in a high rainfall year is to provide extraordinary protection in an extraordinary rainfall year, given that the PMV critical habitat would be completely closed under the preferred alternative. Closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground in high precipitation years would add an additional layer of protection for PMV and aid in the recovery of the species by supporting an environment that would best allow the plants to set seed and replenish the seed bank.
Precipitation values (Graph E-1) for growing seasons 1964–1965 to 2000–2001 are the averages of seven Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) weather stations in the vicinity of the Planning Area. The values for growing seasons 2001–2002 to 2008–2009 are the averages of the precipitation recorded for the two RAWS in the Planning Area (at Cahuilla Ranger Station and Buttercup Ranger Station). The bottom dashed line is the average October-December growing season precipitation of the seven WRCC weather stations (0.93 inch). The top dashed line is one standard deviation above the average (standard deviation = 0.89 inch). The addition of these two statistics equals the desired threshold, 1.82 inches of rainfall. The Planning Area must receive 1.82 inches of rainfall during the months of October, November, and December to prompt the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground.
In years where the rainfall threshold is met and 1.82 inches of rain falls in the Planning Area from October 1 through December 31, the Dunebuggy Flats campground would be closed to camping for the duration of the PMV growing season (January 15 through June 30). The Dunebuggy Flats campground would again be open to camping beginning July 1 and remain open until the rainfall threshold is again met.
Here's graph E-1 that is referred to above.The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 8) for recreation management includes several components: complete (100%) closure of PMV critical habitat to OHV recreation, a camping closure on the east side of the Planning Area to protect microphyll woodland habitats, and a rainfall threshold which, if it is met, would trigger the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground (the campground would still be available for OHV recreation, even when it is closed to camping)
The rainfall threshold will serve to gauge when the BLM would add an additional layer of protection for PMV by prohibiting camping in the Dunebuggy Flats campground and is based on rainfall data that date back to 1964. The data used represent over 40 years of rainfall data that have helped BLM present its Preferred Alternative.
The BLM is aware that incursions may occur into the PMV critical habitat closure. The goal in closing Dunebuggy Flats campground in a high rainfall year is to provide extraordinary protection in an extraordinary rainfall year, given that the PMV critical habitat would be completely closed under the preferred alternative. Closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground in high precipitation years would add an additional layer of protection for PMV and aid in the recovery of the species by supporting an environment that would best allow the plants to set seed and replenish the seed bank.
Precipitation values (Graph E-1) for growing seasons 1964–1965 to 2000–2001 are the averages of seven Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) weather stations in the vicinity of the Planning Area. The values for growing seasons 2001–2002 to 2008–2009 are the averages of the precipitation recorded for the two RAWS in the Planning Area (at Cahuilla Ranger Station and Buttercup Ranger Station). The bottom dashed line is the average October-December growing season precipitation of the seven WRCC weather stations (0.93 inch). The top dashed line is one standard deviation above the average (standard deviation = 0.89 inch). The addition of these two statistics equals the desired threshold, 1.82 inches of rainfall. The Planning Area must receive 1.82 inches of rainfall during the months of October, November, and December to prompt the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground.
In years where the rainfall threshold is met and 1.82 inches of rain falls in the Planning Area from October 1 through December 31, the Dunebuggy Flats campground would be closed to camping for the duration of the PMV growing season (January 15 through June 30). The Dunebuggy Flats campground would again be open to camping beginning July 1 and remain open until the rainfall threshold is again met.
Click to view attachment
QUOTE (Vincent J. Brunasso @ Apr 3 2010, 05:18 PM)
[
The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 8) for recreation management includes several components: complete (100%) closure of PMV critical habitat to OHV recreation, a camping closure on the east side of the Planning Area to protect microphyll woodland habitats, and a rainfall threshold which, if it is met, would trigger the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground (the campground would still be available for OHV recreation, even when it is closed to camping)
The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 8) for recreation management includes several components: complete (100%) closure of PMV critical habitat to OHV recreation, a camping closure on the east side of the Planning Area to protect microphyll woodland habitats, and a rainfall threshold which, if it is met, would trigger the closure of the Dunebuggy Flats campground (the campground would still be available for OHV recreation, even when it is closed to camping)
So no camping in Dunebuggy Flats, but you can still ride ohv in that area? Doesn't make sense!
Does anyone have the historical rain data? If this had been in effect for the last 5 or 10 years, how many times would it have triggered and for how long?
Thanks for posting this!
As others have asked, why is #1 not our choice?
What is the ASA's stance and choice on this?
How long do you see this taking before it is official?
As others have asked, why is #1 not our choice?
What is the ASA's stance and choice on this?
How long do you see this taking before it is official?
Iam leaning on #1,for now, but nothing is for sure. There is some good ideas floating around, it would be good to see more people commenting on this issue instead of watching American idol. For such an important issue, Iam surprised of the slow response here. I plan on goig to SD for the meeting too. This is some important stuff, I hope more people would get involved, even if it's only here. I guess, when everything gets closed down, some will care.
FIGHT FOR # 1!!!!!!!!
7 after that.
7 after that.
As much as we would all like #1, I dont think it will ever happen. #8 is what the BLM prefers... I wouldnt even guess where they will settle...
The cynic in me says we are at the mercy of the BLM, ASA lawyers ( dont cave in guys!), and CBD lawyers... The only possibility we have to change this is for a huge turnout at the meetings, Imperial Valley Supervisors to be there, and even a Senator or Congressman making an appearance...
The cynic in me says we are at the mercy of the BLM, ASA lawyers ( dont cave in guys!), and CBD lawyers... The only possibility we have to change this is for a huge turnout at the meetings, Imperial Valley Supervisors to be there, and even a Senator or Congressman making an appearance...
i dont get how te measure the rain fall in the flatts by the rail road tracks.. 99% of that water comes from the mountians and flash floods the area.. been there and seen it.. it can sprinkle for 2 mins and you will have a river of water coming into the washes. so to produce more GROWTH why dont they make the water easyer to flow through thte tracks?
this would alwo plants to live during droughts and allow people to camp there aswell right?
and yes map 1 would be awsome but unlikely, so 7 and 8..
do we have the numbers of plants that live on the north side? isnt that enough? and dont the seeds of the PMV last life times before reproducing...i hate playing this game...
this would alwo plants to live during droughts and allow people to camp there aswell right?
and yes map 1 would be awsome but unlikely, so 7 and 8..
do we have the numbers of plants that live on the north side? isnt that enough? and dont the seeds of the PMV last life times before reproducing...i hate playing this game...
What about Geothermal Leasing? Do we have to worry about that? Has it always been available for Geothermal Leasing?
what rat bastard entity brought this about?
The Sierra Club?
CBD?
The Sierra Club?
CBD?
I may have missed this somewhere but I will post this anyway. There are several meetings about the RAMP with BLM. here is what I got in an email from ASA:
Public Invited to Comment on Draft Plan for Imperial Sand Dunes
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the draft Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area management plan (RAMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS). The March 26 publication of the notice of availability in the Federal Register initiates the 90-day public comment period which will end June 24, 2010.
Daniel Steward, acting BLM's El Centro Field manager, said the RAMP/EIS outlines future management of public lands administered by BLM in the 160,000-acre Dunes located in eastern Imperial County. The public assisted BLM in identifying key land use issues in this area through a formal scoping process conducted in 2008.
The draft RAMP/EIS analyzes the environmental impacts of many land management issues, including recreation, renewable energy, and species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including the threatened Peirson's milk-vetch. A range of alternatives are analyzed in the RAMP/EIS, including closure of areas designated as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to off-highway vehicle use.
The BLM has scheduled the following public meetings:
Tuesday, April 13th – San Diego, CA
Handlery Hotel
950 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
Wednesday, April 14th – El Centro, CA
Imperial Irrigation District William R. Condit Meeting Room
1285 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243
Thursday, April 15th – Phoenix, AZ
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
All meetings will run from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
The draft is available online at http://www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Copies are available upon request from the field manager, El Centro Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243 or the BLM California State Office at 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W 1834, Sacramento, CA 95825.
Comments can be provided via email to caisdrmp@ca.blm.gov or by mail to the El Centro address above, attention: Carrie Simmons. For further information, please contact Erin Dreyfuss, RAMP team leader at (916) 978-4642.
Members of the public can make public comments at the meetings, however, they are strongly encouraged to submit their comments in writing.
The meetings will start with a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation about the DRAMP. Stations will be set up with detailed information where the public can present and receive help with their questions.
The ASA will be reviewing the 803-page document in order to compose valid comments. The results should be available to our membership in a few weeks.
It will be appreciated if members taking the initiative to review and prepare valid comments would copy The aSa Board of Directors. Remember, valid comments are those that present BLM with new data or point out flaws in their reasoning or other processes. Venting on an emotional basis will be disregarded by BLM.
here is a link to the info on the ASA site: http://www.americansandassociation.org/pages.php?pageid=19
Public Invited to Comment on Draft Plan for Imperial Sand Dunes
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the draft Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area management plan (RAMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS). The March 26 publication of the notice of availability in the Federal Register initiates the 90-day public comment period which will end June 24, 2010.
Daniel Steward, acting BLM's El Centro Field manager, said the RAMP/EIS outlines future management of public lands administered by BLM in the 160,000-acre Dunes located in eastern Imperial County. The public assisted BLM in identifying key land use issues in this area through a formal scoping process conducted in 2008.
The draft RAMP/EIS analyzes the environmental impacts of many land management issues, including recreation, renewable energy, and species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including the threatened Peirson's milk-vetch. A range of alternatives are analyzed in the RAMP/EIS, including closure of areas designated as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to off-highway vehicle use.
The BLM has scheduled the following public meetings:
Tuesday, April 13th – San Diego, CA
Handlery Hotel
950 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
Wednesday, April 14th – El Centro, CA
Imperial Irrigation District William R. Condit Meeting Room
1285 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243
Thursday, April 15th – Phoenix, AZ
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
All meetings will run from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
The draft is available online at http://www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Copies are available upon request from the field manager, El Centro Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243 or the BLM California State Office at 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W 1834, Sacramento, CA 95825.
Comments can be provided via email to caisdrmp@ca.blm.gov or by mail to the El Centro address above, attention: Carrie Simmons. For further information, please contact Erin Dreyfuss, RAMP team leader at (916) 978-4642.
Members of the public can make public comments at the meetings, however, they are strongly encouraged to submit their comments in writing.
The meetings will start with a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation about the DRAMP. Stations will be set up with detailed information where the public can present and receive help with their questions.
The ASA will be reviewing the 803-page document in order to compose valid comments. The results should be available to our membership in a few weeks.
It will be appreciated if members taking the initiative to review and prepare valid comments would copy The aSa Board of Directors. Remember, valid comments are those that present BLM with new data or point out flaws in their reasoning or other processes. Venting on an emotional basis will be disregarded by BLM.
here is a link to the info on the ASA site: http://www.americansandassociation.org/pages.php?pageid=19
Anyone go to the meeting? Meant to go, but had to watch the kiddo...
Reminder...Phoenix meeting tonight
Thursday, April 15th – Phoenix, AZ
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Thursday, April 15th – Phoenix, AZ
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.