Yes. On June 27, 2008, Arizona OHV Bill SB 1167 was signed into law by Gov. Napolitano. The Bill took effect Jan 1, 2009. There is a new OHV sticker that is placed on either an RV or MC plate. Detailed information on the new OHV program can be found at: http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ohvFAQ.shtml

Yes and No. County maintained and main paved roads require you to have a street plate and that means meeting our MVD requirements for equipment. This is also true for the Prescott Forest. The Flagstaff Coconino FS has started posting "must be street legal" signs on selected FS routes, both paved and unpaved, to help clarify this issue. (Jeff Gursh Arizona OHVC and ATR)

Forest Service and BLM lands are one of the biggest draws for OHV use. Both agencies have fair websites for where to ride information. But if you go to the Arizona State Parks OHV website, you will find a great OHV guide / map available as a down load. It shows many of the most popular OHV sites in the State and has info on needed permits and equipment for each area. These are some of the best signed and mapped areas in Arizona, Enjoy. (Jeff Gursh Arizona OHVC and ATR) <www.azstateparks.com> or call 1-866-INFO-OHV. This State Parks map also has current OHV regulations included with the map.

The operation of an off-highway vehicle requires skill and good judgment. Drugs and alcohol impair both. You become a danger to yourself and others when you operate your OHV and take drugs or drink alcohol. Laws regarding DUI apply everywhere in the state. You can be arrested if you are driving under the influence even if you are on a backcountry trail, and the penalties are the same including jail time and the loss of driver's license.

State motor vehicle laws apply on many Forest Service and BLM roads, meaning your vehicle must be registered and you must be licensed. A good rule of thumb is if a passenger car can use the road, your vehicle will need to be "street legal". Some roads and trails are open to unlicensed recreational motor vehicles. Check with the local land manager for information on road status.

Yes, contact the AZ Motor Vehicle Division for more information on the equipment and inspections needed to register a motor vehicle. However, it is unsafe to ride ATVs on paved roads. ATVs are not designed to be operated on a paved surface. They are difficult to maneuver and increase the danger of an accident. If you must cross a paved road, cross at a 90 degree angle where there are no obstructions and your visibility is good.

The "RV" plate on your ATV is only an indication that the ATV has been titled in the State of Arizona. It is NOT a registration plate and does not allow you to ride on roads that require your vehicle to be registered. To ride on paved or maintained roads you need the "MC" or Motorcycle registration plate. The RV plate will be honored in CA as AZ OHV registration through 6/30/09. After that date it will not be valid for OHV operation in CA without the AZ OHV sticker.

The minimum equipment necessary to ride on Federal public land is:

1. Brakes in good working order.

2. Spark arrester (ATVs and motorcycles) and muffler.

3. Lights, headlights and taillights if riding at night.

State Trust Land is land that was granted to Arizona by the federal government when Arizona became a state in 1912. Trust lands total approximately 9.4 million acres and are managed by the State Land Department. The land is held in trust by the State of Arizona, and by law, must be used to generate revenue to fund public schools, universities and other state institutions. State Trust Land is NOT public land. You must have a permit to be on State Trust Land.

No. While the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is responsible for regulating and licensing motor vehicles and other forms of transportation; only the ASLD has the authority to grant access to Trust Land. Whether on private or Trust Land, ADOT requires a person operating an ATV or OHV to have an Off-Highway Vehicle Decal issued by ADOT. (See OHV Decal Information Guide)

The State Land Department (ASLD) is presently working to identify potential routes than may be designated for OHV travel. Once a route has been designated by the ASLD, a properly licensed OHV may use the designated trail for limited travel, subject to the rules and regulations of the ASLD. The designation of an OHV route does not permit holders of an OHV Decal to recreate, stage or park on Trust Land without a Recreation Permit.

Yes. You must have a recreational permit or a hunting or fishing license to be on State Land. However, a hunting or fishing license is valid only if you are actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Recreational Permits are available for individuals and families and are issued for one year from the date of purchase. As of Aug. 1, 2008, The Individual Permit is $50.00 and the Family Permit is $75.00. You may pick up your recreational permit in person at the State Land Department main office at 1616 West Adams, Phoenix AZ 85007. Permit applications can also be requested by mail or by telephone during normal business hours by calling (602) 364-2753.

All uses of the land must be permitted and must benefit the Trust; a fact that distinguishes it from the way public land, such as parks or national forests, may be used. While public use of Trust land is not prohibited, it is monitored to ensure protection of the land and compensation to the beneficiaries for its use.

Your recreation permit allows you to enjoy non-consumptive recreational activities including: hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, picnics, photography, bird watching, sightseeing, camping (limited to 14 days per year), and limited off-highway vehicle use (restricted to designated roads and trails), for non-commercial and non-competitive purposes.

You may download a recreation permit application from the Recreation Page of the Arizona State Land Department website. Once completed and signed mail the application and corresponding application fee to:

Arizona State Land Department C/o Public Records 1616 W. Adams St. Phoenix, AZ 85007

Please allow 3-6 days to process Individual & Family Permits, 60 days to process Event Permits, and 3-6 months to process Special Land Use Permits.

You are required to have a State Trust Recreation Permit to enter State Trust Land. This is for all recreation, not just OHV. This allows you on any State Trust Land that is open to Motorized use. Unfortunately the lands that are open or closed are not posted very well. Few maps show more than WHO owns the land; much less what is open to OHV. Most maps State Trust put out are for closed areas, not open. In addition to the recreation permit, a valid hunting or fishing license will work too, BUT you have to be perusing this activity while on State Trust Land. (Jeff Gursh Arizona OHVC and ATR)

As part of the Land Department’s budget reduction, the Land Commissioner was instructed by the Arizona State Legislature to offset $600,000 in 2008-2009 budget in reductions with increased fees (Laws 2008, Chapter 291, Section 12). The Department primarily charges application fees for use of Trust land, which had not been adjusted since 1990.

A family permit extends the same privileges and responsibilities as the individual recreation permit, but includes a family unit of two (2) adults and children under the age of 14 years.

An ‘event permit’ is designed for small group/club events between 12 and 50 people that are non-competitive and non-commercial. Event permits are limited to no more than 5 days, and require specific dates and locations to be requested for the proposed event. Participants under a group permit are not required to obtain an individual recreation permit; however, the group must submit a complete roster of all individuals to be covered by the event permit.

The State Land Department will notify existing lessees and permittees of the group's intention to congregate for non-consumptive recreational purposes on their leased Trust Land. The lessee will then have the opportunity to voice any concerns or objections to the proposed event. In the event that the proposed event involves more than 50 people or is competitive or commercial in nature, then a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) is required.

A SLUP extends the same privileges and responsibilities as the recreation permit, but allows for groups larger than 50 participants, and/or competitive, and/or for-profit events. See SLUP Fee Schedule for more information.

Recreation permits are an accommodation made by the Department to casual non-consumptive recreational users. Recreation Permits were never intended to permit large events that have a consumptive impact on the land and that sometimes impact our grazing lessees. Competitive events involve sponsors, prizes or vendors that the Department can not subsidize, and must ensure compensation to the Trust. Furthermore, competitive events typically involve more concentrated impact on the land than casual recreation.

If the group is larger than 50 people, or is competitive in nature, then the group must apply for a Special Land Use Permit. The fee is established by our published fee schedule. The schedule accounts for the level of impact, the location, type of event/ activities proposed (i.e.; For-Profit, Competitive, Non-Competitive/ Non-Profit) and the number of participants.

Failure to obtain a valid Recreation Permit before entering, or violating the terms and conditions of your Recreation Permit while on Trust Land, may result in criminal misdemeanor charges for trespassing on Trust Land.

Remember, your Recreation Permit is only valid if you fully comply with all terms and conditions of your permit.

No. The BLM, National & State Parks are not authorized to grant access or recreation permits for Trust Land. At this time, Recreation Permits can only be obtained at the Arizona State Land Department Phoenix Office, 1616 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Most state land is already leased to someone. When recreating on state land, please keep in mind that someone else is trying to make a living from that land.

1. Leave gates the way you find them, either open or closed.

2. Vehicles must travel on existing roads and trails.

3. Camp at least 1/4 mile from any livestock or wildlife water catchments, tanks, etc.

4. Obey posted signs, respect closed areas.

5. If you pack it in - pack it out, don't litter.

Lands leased for agriculture, mining, commercial, or military purposes are not open to recreational use. Other Trust Lands may be closed to some or all recreational uses due to hazardous conditions, dust abatement, in coordination with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, or based on certain State, County or Local laws or ordinances. Read more about the Land Department's Dust Abatement and Management Efforts on our Air Quality web page, or see the Trust Land Dust Abatement Closure Map.

The Arizona State Land Department manages 9.3 million acres of land; of which roughly 8 million acres are available for some form of recreation or another. While the Department makes every effort to ensure that signage is well placed on Trust Land, limited resources make it impossible to place signs on every parcel much less every trail. Know before you go; and check your map.

Most threats of closing State Trust Lands are due to repeated complaints about dust, unlawful target shooting, unlawful cross-country travel, illegal dumping, vandalism, and other irresponsible use of the lands. There is no formal monitoring program for OHV use of State Trust Lands. (Tim Holt – AGFD)

The State Land Department has not published a collection of ‘trail maps’, however, Surface Management Responsibility Maps, that indicate where Trust Land is located, may be purchased at the Public Records counter. Also, please check the ‘Places to Go’ tab for updates and view our Interactive Map Server for more information.

Yes. It has decreased over the last two years.

No, we are about $200,000 below projected revenues due to reduced permit sales.

Although the number of visitors has marginally decreased, the number of enforcement actions has increased. Because Rangers are now able to focus on the enforcement of existing laws and regulations in support of the ISDRA management objectives, this has caused some to question the need for a continued law enforcement presence. The BLM will continue to staff the holiday events with 40 to 50 federal law enforcement officers to deter lawless behavior and continue even handed enforcement of federal and state laws which has significantly reduced injuries and fatalities.

The trash service contract will go out to bid this summer for a five year contract.

Yes. The toilet pumping contractor is paid per request to pump and the new trash contract RFQ will consider fluctuations in volume as well.

BLM is willing to consider various options to reduce costs, including partnering with the County or UDG if they are willing to manage these contracts.

BLM does not have records for the number of life-flights initiated directly by ISDRA visitors.

During all Dunes seasons, BLM makes adjustments to ensure there is the appropriate level of staffing for EMS incidents, including reductions and increases. Also, we have rescue services at no cost to visitors.

The BLM is analyzing this issue in the RAMP as well as the Wash Road EA.

Building a new Wash Road (mostly federal funding). The watchable wildlife site will be renovated (TIO and donations). New Plank Road Fence (mostly federal funding). Miscellaneous fee dollars will cover some of the labor costs for these projects.

BLM is on the agenda for the RRAC and will have a proposal for a fee increase on the May 13 meeting. We have provided information to the RRAC for review. The RRAC will accept comments from the public at the meeting; you can e-mail the RRAC at mr5rrac@fs.fed.us and visit their website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/passes/rrac/.

BLM has contacted our partners over the last few weeks to advise them of the proposed fee increase.

If there were a formal request, BLM would consider increasing the services in those areas if the requestor and visitors also supported an increase in fees to cover the increased costs. However, BLM manages the ISDRA for a variety of recreational experiences. At this time visitors who want a more developed site can choose to visit a different Dunes camping area with an increased amount of development.

No. However, BLM is considering a proposal to make the period from June 15 to Sept 15 a free-use period each year.

The fee area boundary originally ended at the UPRR tracks. At that time, BLM saw a large number of visitors move to the east side of the tracks to avoid the fee and still use the Dunes resources. BLM then extended the fee area to one mile beyond the recreation boundary to reduce the shift in visitation patterns and return use back to historical levels. Visitors who choose to use those areas must comply with all rules and regulations per NECO and ISDRA. If visitors feel those rules are too restrictive, they can choose to camp in the adjacent open area on the west side of the UPRR tracks.

Yes.

Short term visitors need to purchase a permit unless they are exempt under FLREA.

We expect the draft RAMP to be published in Mid-late June, pending Washington Office briefings that need to be conducted.

Yes, BLM will conduct public comment meetings for the RAMP. A short presentation on an overview of the RAMP will be conducted, and an open house type forum will follow. Members of the public will be free to ask questions and get clarifications from the BLM staff. Comments will be collected in written form only. Public comment meetings will be held in the same cities as the public scoping meetings were held: Phoenix, El Centro and San Diego. Public meeting dates will be announced no less than 15 days prior to the date of the meeting via BLM news release and BLM El Centro web site.

The draft RAMP is still in development, however, ROS will be used in the RAMP to identify Recreation management zones that offer differing types of recreation experiences (natural, roaded natural, primitive, etc.) Maps of the proposed recreation alternatives can be found on the El Centro BLM web site.

A visitor reservation system will be included in the RAMP as a possible development scenario (should a concessionaire ever take over operations at the ISDRA). BLM does not anticipate proposing or implementing a visitor reservation system prior to the completion of the RAMP.

BLM has had 2 SCA interns whose entire job consisted of signing NECO routes. They have made great progress in signing routes and are finishing up their season. BLM plans to hire interns again (if funding allows) next season to continue signing routes in the NECO area until each route is properly signed.

The BLM defers this question to the County of Imperial for answering.

From ISDRA, the only legal access to this area is by Hwy 78. Per state law, OHVs may not travel on a highway.

The BLM defers this question to the Union Pacific Railway. The BLM does not manage access on or through this Right-of-Way.

We are currently seeking funding.

The EA analyzing the proposal to construct a new road is currently available for public review on the ECFO web site. BLM has initiated informal consultation with USFWS on desert tortoise and PMV for the project. BLM archaeologists have surveyed the area.

No. The funding is needed prior to an open application period for the CA OHMVR Division grant process.

The BLM plans to meet with the UPRR. However, we do not plan to ask for an extension for access on Wash Road at this time.

Yes, Dallas Meeks is the BLM ECFO volunteer coordinator.

Interested volunteers should contact the BLM ECFO Volunteer coordinator and apply for a position. At this time, BLM has several types of short and long term volunteer positions. These include but are not limited to camp hosts, trash pickup, restroom cleaning, fee compliance, outreach / education, and staffing the visitor center.

Yes we could. The BLM is already staffing the Buttercup Ranger Station with volunteer camp hosts who receive a stipend to compensate them for expenses.

No. BLM believes this closure must remain to prevent the formation of unlawful assemblies occurring in this area at night due to its proximity to Hwy 78. The current closure was initiated by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors in consultation with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department and the BLM.

It is unknown. However, the BLM will continue to enforce the current littering laws.

Yes, the BLM enforces all applicable county, state and federal laws in the ISDRA.

The BLM is analyzing geothermal leasing as part of the RAMP process.

The CDD plans to issue a news release and an invitation to apply for membership on the sub-group soon. The BLM plans to present membership recommendations to the DAC in June.