RRAC Proposals and Public Discussion
BLM - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Non-Commercial, Individual, Special Recreation Permit Proposed Fee Increase
ISDRA Current Fee Program
- WEEK PERMIT - valid for seven consecutive days (73% of all sales)
- SEASON PERMIT - valid from date of purchase through Sept 30 (27% of all sales)
- 89% COMPLIANCE
- Two Tier Fee Program
- OFF Site Sales*
- ON Site Sales
*The off site rates have not changed since Oct. 1, 2003.
Current Statistics
- 79,000 permits were sold in FY2008
- Project 60,000 to be sold in FY 2009
- 50% of all sales were made off site, an increase of 36%.
- 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 Visitors per season
Last Years Changes
- Increased off site sales by 36% which
- Increased convenience for visitors,
- Increased employee safety,
- Decreased traffic,
- Enhanced the recreation experience,
- Increased fee compliance, and
- Stimulated the regional economy.
- Off set the loss of revenues due to reduced permit sales and visitation.
What have fee dollars accomplished?
- Increased Compliance with existing rules and regulations.
- Prevention / reduction of OHV injuries.
- Trash collection
- Restroom facilities
- Maintained access
- Road maintenance
- Buttercup Ranger Station
- Increased camping areas
- Interpretation / Education
- Increased partnerships
- Returned the Dunes to a family oriented recreation destination
BLM Objective
- Continue to increase OFF site sales to 80%
- Increase revenues to cover the basic costs of managing the ISDRA.
Adjustment Proposal
- Continue Two Tier Fee Program
- Offsite purchases increase to the existing price on site,
- Onsite prices increase to new amounts
- Offer free use period from June 15 to Sept 15 each year.
- ISDRA Proposed Two Tier Fee Program
- OFF Site Sales
- ON Site Sales
Projected Revenues under Proposed System
$5,400,000 with the following variables:
- 60,000 permits sold
- 80% of permits will be sold off site
- Weekly and seasonal permit sales remain at similar percentages
- Visitation levels remains constant
- The BLM continues to manage at reduced levels.
FY 10 - If there is a surplus the first year, BLM will try to make improvements to the Recreation area.
FY 11 - In the second year, the BLM could break even.
FY12 and beyond - Potential shortfalls are forecasted without cost reduction measures.
How will the public benefit?
- The Public will not see a decrease in services such as:
- Law Enforcement
- Medical Rescue
- Maintenance of Facilities
- Maintenance of roads
- Potential improvements to the Recreation area
What will happen if revenues are not increased?
- The BLM has already decreased services due to budget shortfalls.
- As costs for the management of the Dunes increases over time, the BLM will be forced to continually reduce services.
- Reducing services due to budget shortfalls could lead to a reduction in visitor safety.
Comparisons to like recreation experiences and areas
- Dumont Fee Schedule
- $30 for a weekly pass for any non-holiday week
- $40 for a weekly pass that includes a holiday
- $90 for a annual pass with holiday black-out dates
- $120 for a annual pass that includes holidays
- Sold on and off site, required upon entry and exit
- Sand Mountain, NV
- $40 for a week
- $90 for a season
- free mid week Tues-Thurs
- Sold at office and on site, 30 min. grace period
- Little Sahara, UT
- $8 per day, non-holiday
- $10 per day, holidays
- $75 annual
- Sold on site upon entry
- St Anthony, ID
- $25-$60 per day, depending on amenities
Meeting Information
The Recreation RAC held a meeting on May 13, 2009 at the Region 5 Regional Office located at 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA
Documents
Proposals and Public Input
Meetings and Documents:
For more information about Recreation RACs
