California BLM Announces Interim Supplementary Rules for California Desert

Shawn Tabb | June 30, 2010 | 0 Comments

BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!

BLM Announces Interim Supplementary Rules for California Desert

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today released interim final supplementary rules for public lands managed by the California Desert District. The rules clarify and simplify guidelines for visitors to public lands within the BLM California Desert District.

The eight common sense rules were developed in coordination with the Desert Advisory Council and recreation user groups. They are designed to enhance the safety of visitors, protect public health, protect natural resources, and improve recreation experiences and opportunities.

The rules include restrictions on people riding in truck beds; burning metal such as nails in firewood; glass containers; public nudity and the use of metal or wooden stakes. The rules also address saving camping spaces in open off-highway vehicle areas, require people to keep trash picked up at their campsites and impose limitations on camping at Competition Hill at Dumont Dunes.

Proposed penalties for violating could include a fine of $1,000 or no more than 12 months in prison, or both. The deadline for comments is July 26.

Even though these supplementary rules go into effect immediately, the BLM is seeking public comment on issues, concerns, potential impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures that should be considered during a 30-day comment period that will end July 26, 2010. Publication of final supplementary rules will occur after all public comments are considered.

Information on the rules is available in the BLM California Desert District Office as well as all BLM field offices in Barstow, El Centro, Moreno Valley, Needles, Palm Springs/South Coast and Ridgecrest, and at other visitor areas throughout the Desert District. The rules can also be viewed online at www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/cdd_supplementary.html.

Comments can be submitted by mail or delivered to BLM California Desert District Office, Attn: Lynnette Elser, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California 92553. Comments can also be emailed to lelser@blm.gov.

For further information, contact Lynnette Elser at (951) 697-5233 or by email to lelser@blm.gov.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107