97-33072. Establishment of Supplementary Rule for Parking/Camping Restrictions Along California State Hwy. 78 in the Imperial Sand Dunes.

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 243 (Thursday, December 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 66384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33072]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[CA-067-7123-6683]


Establishment of Supplementary Rule for Parking/Camping 
Restrictions Along California State Hwy. 78 in the Imperial Sand Dunes.

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management.

ACTION: Establishment of supplementary rule.

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SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this supplementary rule is to prohibit 
parking or camping within 25 feet of California State Hwy. 78 where it 
passes through the Imperial Sand Dunes. This rule would reduce the 
potential of serious injury or death to both campers and drivers as 
they recreate in or pass through this area of the Imperial Sand Dunes.
    1. No person may park a vehicle or camp within 25 feet of 
California State Hwy. 78 where it passes through the Imperial Sand 
Dunes. This prohibition will extend along both sides of Hwy. 78 from 
the intersection of Hwy. 78 and the Coachella Canal easterly to the 
intersection of Hwy. 78 and the Glamis Flats off ramp.
    Background: In the past, hundreds of off highway vehicle (OHV) 
enthusiasts have parked immediately adjacent to Hwy. 78 during the 
winter and spring months. They car-camp out of sedans, trucks and RV's. 
By camping along this stretch of the highway, they expose themselves 
and their children to a high potential of being struck by traffic along 
the highway. Campers step out into the line of traffic in their normal 
meandering around their campsite, when they work on their vehicles or 
in the process of loading or unloading their trailers and trucks. In 
addition, they pose a serious hazard to passing motorists who must 
swerve to try to avoid hitting them. Hwy. 78 is a major truck route 
through Imperial County and traffic travels at 65 MPH in this area. The 
chances of a serious accident due to a blown tire, sleepy driver or 
other vehicle or driver malfunction is greatly increased with such 
large crowds lining the side of the highway.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Effective upon date of publication and will remain in 
effect until rescinded or modified by the authorized officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chief Area Ranger Robert Zimmer, Bureau of Land Management, El Centro 
Field Office, 1661 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243; [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The authority for this restriction is 
provided in 43 CFR 8365.1-6. Violation of this restriction is 
punishable by a fine not to exceed $100,000.00 and/or imprisonment not 
to exceed 12 months.

    Dated: December 10, 1997.
Terry Reed,
Area Manager.
[FR Doc. 97-33072 Filed 12-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-M