Fees are now collected under the
Federal Land Recreational Enhancement Act (FLREA). The
fees being collected at the ISDRA are a Special Recreation
Permit (SRP) under this act. Our understanding is that
Fees can't be changed unless approved by a oversight
committee that has to be set up according to this new
plan. There is no committee yet and we would be surprised
if one gets set up in time for anything to change for
the 05/06 season.
Permit prices are the same as last year - The season
Permit is $90 and is good starting Oct 1 to Sept. 30.
The only other permit available is a 7-day permit that
costs $25. Until the machines are installed you can
get the seven day permits or season permit from a Imperial
County employee that will be coming around to the camps.
When the machines are up and running you will be required
to purchase a permits on your way in or have a season
permit.
Basically the procedure for
paying is: BEFORE you set up camp, go to the nearest permit
vending machine. It will vend the actual permit. Pay your
fee, display your ticket on the dash or windshield of
your primary camp vehicle.
The dispensers accept cash and major credit
cards. Dispensers are located at: the El Centro BLM office,
the ranger station on Gecko Road, each camping pad, Gecko
and Road Runner Campgrounds and along the utility road
next to the railroad tracks from approximately wash 3
to wash 17. The areas along Interstate 8 are placed
in a similar fashion.
The Imperial County Sheriff's
Office (ICSO) is now in charge of selling and enforcement
of the permits. In the near future, permits will be available
online at http://www.imperialsanddunes.org/
or by calling 800-278-0165. The department has been taking
phone orders over their regular lines to the main office
in El Centro. A good number for now is 760-339-6303.
A word about the new permits.
If you tow your jeep in behind your motor
home and drive the Jeep on the road – you need 2
permits.
ICSO is able to read your permit from a distance with
a scanner - they have radio frequency identification (RFID)
chips in them - don't even think about counterfeiting
or stealing one. Permits still need to be visible and
displayed at all times while in the ISDRA.
ICSO will be going camp to camp to enforce compliance
and litter laws. The fine for no permit is $100 –
there will be zero tolerance.
Permits can not be replaced
if lost or stolen.
Permits are required as soon as you enter the permit
area – so don’t go set up camp then ride to
a machine – you may find a ticket on your vehicle
when you return.
Weekly permits can be purchased in advance - a scanner
activates it when you arrive to the ISDRA and your 7-day
clock starts ticking.
Enforcement will be 24/7 – they are hiring at least
2 new people for this. They will bring in others from
other agencies on an OT basis for big weekends and as
needs arise.
For a complete explanation of the fees go
to The TRT web site .
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