Here's a copy of the press release DUNERS sent to the media on Friday:

THE RAMP HAS SOME GOOD POINTS, BUT DUNERS WANT MORE

The Recreation Area Management Plan for the Imperial Sand Dunes has been out for a week and after several re-reads, meetings and lots of consideration, the reception for many duners is lukewarm at best. Yes, DUNERS members are happy to see some of the changes contained in this final version, such as a slight increase in the visitor capacity; although still inadequate, the increase is a step in the right direction. We are also pleased to see the elimination of much of the offensive language that had painted such a negative picture of the OHV community and the addition of positive language that acknowledges the unique social culture of the Imperial Sand Dunes OHV community.

However, we disagree with much of what has been held over from the draft RAMP, such as the inadequate mitigation plan in the event of a loss of campsites (.25 acres for every 10 acres closed), the "bidding process" suggested for the Road Runner pilot reservation program, and the designing of new law enforcement "tools" such as additional curfews and a ban of alcohol outside of designated camp areas. We feel very strongly that there are already adequate laws and regulations in place to properly police the Imperial Sand Dunes and would rather see the agencies master those tools before turning to something new.

The Adaptive Management Area is also cause for concern in that it is rather misleading. For instance, many people mistakenly believe 525 individual permits will be handed out under the proposed system. In reality, the permits will be handed out to groups of no more than 7 riders and no more than 75 groups. This leaves a lot of room for abuse of the process. A "group" could easily be one or two people, so the actual amount of riders permitted could be as few as 75 per week. DUNERS founding member Frankie Flores disagrees with the whole concept: "The proposed permit-only system for the AMA is fatally flawed in theory and procedure. The fact is, allowing permit-only riding within the AMA makes no sense and appears to be an attempt to appease the anti-access groups, since sound science has already proven that the PMV is not being harmed by OHV use. And, as a monitoring tool, the proposed system will fail as it is much too easy to abuse and will produce inaccurate results."

Aside from the pros and cons of the RAMP, another primary concern right now are the publicized statements that the plaintiffs in the lawsuit which temporarily closed 49,000 acres at the Imperial Sand Dunes are going to sue to keep the unsubstantiated closures in place. Chuck Mobley, Vice President of DUNERS, said: "The anti-access groups that sued to close thousands of acres at Glamis agreed in writing that those temporary closures would be lifted after consultation with the FWS. Any attempt to sue to retain those closures would be unethical to say the least. I sure hope the judge is paying attention to such unscrupulous tactics and will recognize them for what they are."

Overall, although this is an improved management plan for the Imperial Sand Dunes, we hope that prior to filing the Record of Decision this document will more closely match the wants and needs of the duning community.


Vicki

Don't forget to get your comments in. The deadline is June 30th and they will NOT except an email.

For the proper way to send YOUR comments on the plan that will manage Mother G for the next 10 to 15 years!!!! Go here:
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2003/05/nr/CDDn...leased/Conv.htm

"unique social culture"
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :? :? :? :? :? :roll2: :roll2: :roll2: :bandit:

Of course you wouldn't know about it you momo. Just like we are unaware of your gay-communist-green social culture. :x

[quote]unethical to say the least. [/quote]

The CBD and ecco-terrorist like them, are willing lie (they have) cheat; mame; threaten the likes of you and I to further their agenda.


Where's the ethic's there?

That was/is a poor choice of words.

Chuck: It must suck to have to be PC ...

VICKI, YOU ARE AWESOME !!! ( AND ALL THE OTHER ASA PEOPLE )