Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area
Technical Review Team
Minutes of Meeting
August 13, 2004

TRT Members on Call: BLM Staff Present:
Jerry Seaver Greg Thomsen
Larry Jowdy Neil Hamada
Jim Bramham Larry Caffey
Nicole Gilles Bob Zimmer
Roy Denner Jim Keeler
Mike Cuff Nicole Riven
Glenn Montgomery

Visitors at BLM office:
Jon Barroga – dune user
Claudia Yap – Central Parking


Chairman Jerry Seaver called the meeting to order at 10:05 am.

Report on the TRT Website and Dune Users Survey

Glenn Montgomery - Mr. Montgomery reported he has completed at least 45 hard copy surveys and has 200 or more to tally and input into database. After publicizing the survey online the hit counter went from an average of 76 hits per day to 358 hits on the 20th of July. As of 8/12/04, the on-line survey has had 210 respondents. Tallying surveys and results is labor intensive, there was a discussion of submitting a grant application to OHVMR Commission for the survey effort.
The BLM visitor service staff and park rangers were thanked for passing out the surveys.
Discussion was brought forth on whether the survey will be restarted in September. No decision was made.
Glenn read some early survey results stating,” Most visitors frequent the Imperial Sand Dunes 7 to 10 times a year and on average stay 3 days. Current EMS levels are fine. Road maintenance levels are fine.

Suggestions on how to get the Survey out to ISDRA visitors and how do we fund the cost of the printed copies?
Glenn will contact Sun Graphics In Yuma about donating the printing again. They did 2500 with the first run. BLM will donate paper for more surveys.
Use survey takers at the SSSS, rather than handing them out. Glenn will create a tally sheet to capture answers on. Volunteers will be needed.

Report on the United Desert Gateway Organization.
Nicole Gilles- Mrs. Gilles gave an update on the Assistance Agreement between the Joint Chambers of Imperial Valley, Yuma County Chamber of Commerce and the Bureau of Land Management. She stated they are still "fine tuning" some of the details and hope to have a signed agreement by the Sand Sport Super Show. In conjunction with the partnership, Dr. Glenn Haas will be making a presentation in Yuma on Sept. 29th and to Imperial County on Sept. 30th. His presentation will show how local communities can collaborate in helping to maintain quality tourism at the ISDRA.

Critical Habitat for the PMV and how it will affect the ISDRA
On-going discussion happening between BLM & FWS.
Critical Habitat may not have an impact on the timing of the release of the RAMP.
Critical Habitat does not “open the dunes”.
Will the Critical Habitat decision affect the AMA? Designation of Critical Habitat does not change the AMA at this time

Status of RAMP: Steps needing to be taken
Greg Thomsen- Mr. Thomsen reports the Biological Opinion (BO) was received from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), however, the BLM has asked the FWS for clarification and that has not been received. Mr. Thomsen also states there are several steps that need to be taken before ramp is signed in no specific order, the finalization of the BO, respond to protest letters, and schedule meeting with judges.

Petition to list 16 species.
Will these species be listed on the report from the Biological Monitoring Program that was funded via Fee Demo money? Greg Thomsen stated that insects were not part of the Biological Monitoring program. Only plants were targeted in that study. Lizards are monitored in separate effort and NOT included in this program.

Updates and Information from the BLM on the Budget
Neil Hamada- Washington Office has supplemented El Centro Field office (ECFO) budget for the Imperial Sand Dunes with $450,000. This will allow ECFO to balance the 2003-2004 budget and secure start up costs for the 2004-2005 season. Startup cost includes Seasonal Park Rangers, contracts for dumpsters and toilets, and provide maintenance for the camping pads and wash road. $55,000 will be use on equipment rental. $10,000 will be used to purchase standard medical supplies and, two defibrillators.
The FY04 Tracking Report indicates a shortfall from pass collections. This was based on estimated pass sales and will not affect the total budget balance.
The Budget is expected to be balanced for the first time in many years.

Does the BLM know when Amnesty day is going to be this season?
Neil Hamada- Unfortunately, Amnesty day has not planned this year. The BLM has contacted DMV. DMV said due to budget restraints they do not have funds to do it this season. The BLM was able to identify a contact to voice your concerns; Danny Heredia at DMV (760) 352-1848.

Season Passes and percentage that goes toward budget
Explain Internet sales and handling fee
Season passes will be sold by specific vendors this year and monitored by Central Parking.
The Internet and telephone fee of $2.50 is a handing fee charged by Central Parking. This is within the contract,as it does not specify that Central Parking should absorb the cost of handling sales. Had Ticketmaster or some other ticket agency handled the passes, a much higher fee would have been charged.

Sales at the SSSS
Passes will be available with no handling fee.

Exchanging paper pass for permanent pass
Paper passes may be exchanged at the Ranger Station, El Centro BLM office and the temporary Ranger Station located near Buttercup with no attached handling fee. If you possess a valid paper pass, most roving Park Rangers can do the exchange

Greg Thomsen's departure and how things are being handled
Transferred officially in May. Greg continues to occasionally come to the El Centro to assist.
Permanent placement is not likely by beginning of season, although a temporary placement may occur. A person will be detailed to this office until the position is filled.

Any information on what's up for the coming season?
Neil Hamada- BLM will be hiring back 2 ECO Park Rangers, 6 new hires, 2 more needed. Park Ranger training will begin on the 13th of September.
12 LEO Rangers authorized, currently have 7.
Neil stated he’s been working with Jim Keeler (CA BLM OHV Coordinator) to make the Imperial Sand Dunes OHV Park Ranger Training Program the BLM Standard.
Along with joint partners the Bureau Land Management will be attending the Sand Sport Super Show promoting this years Alcohol Enforcement Program.
Jerry and Pat Vine will be returning camp host for the South Dunes.

Alcohol Enforcement
BLM working with ICSO on enforcement program – there will be increased enforcement.

Road Work
Larry Caffey- Projects will be completed by the beginning of the season. Items to be completed are Clean up at Gecko & Pad maintenance, Wash Road grading. Typically a 6” to 9” lift of gravel is placed during before season road maintenance.
Larry stated that if people could encourage everyone to slow down when using the Wash Rd. that the grading would last a lot longer. 15 MPH Speed limit is posted and is to be reinforced. Speed limit signs are being stolen and/or damaged.

TRT members’ terms that will be expiring.
BLM has decided that due to changes in management at the El Centro Field office and other issues (i.e., RAMP, FWS BO, etc.), it is in the best interest of the ISDRA to keep TRT members as is at this time. Once a new field manager is in place this could change. Any member not wishing to serve can be released and replaced. No members objected.

Next Meeting- Date TBA. Plan for a Face-to-Face meeting in El Centro in Early October. Need to have plan for Halloween.

Motion: To send two letters to Mike Poole. One to show the TRT’s appreciation of Greg Thomsen’s service to the El Centro Field Office; the second letter to state the TRT’s concern in filling the El Centro Field Office Manager position permanently, instead of a detail, in a timely manner.
Made By: Glenn Montgomery
Seconded by: Roy Denner
Passed: 7 for, 0 against

Meeting adjourned at 11:45pm