97-5529. Establishment of Supplementary Rule for Use Management of Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, California Desert District

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 44 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 10291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5529]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[CA-067-1230-00]


Establishment of Supplementary Rule for Use Management of 
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, California Desert District

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Establishment of supplementary rule.

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SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this supplementary rule is enhancement 
of public safety in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. This rule 
will provide a safety zone between the heavy traffic on Gecko Road and 
those camping off the road.
    The following rule is therefore recommended:
    1. No person shall camp or park on the shoulder of Gecko Road in 
the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area except where permitted by 
posted signs. In areas where there is no obvious shoulder, no one shall 
park or camp within 10 feet of the pavement of Gecko Rd. This includes 
all portions of Gecko Road. For purposes of this rule, the shoulder of 
the road is the compacted road base that extends from the edge of the 
pavement to where it drops off and resumes the natural contour of the 
surrounding terrain.

Background

    The need for safety rules was identified during a series of public 
meetings held during preparation of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation 
Area Management Plan, completed in 1987. Safety hazards and methods of 
reducing them were high priority planning issues identified by 
participants at the planning meetings.
    Additional safety precautions are needed to prevent accident or 
injury along Gecko Road. Visitors are parking and camping immediately 
adjacent to the road, and there is a high likelihood of accidents or 
injuries involving visitors parked or camped on the shoulder of the 
road.

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effect until rescinded or modified by the authorized officer.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 
Resource Area, 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: February 26, 1997.
Terry Reed,
Area Manager.
[FR Doc. 97-5529 Filed 3-5-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-M