According to the American Motorcyclist Association, the Imperial Sand
Dunes Recreation Area, popularly known as Glamis, could soon see nearly
40,000 acres returned to the OHV (off-highway vehicle) ledger, thanks
to a new plan developed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

“This is great news,” says Nick Haris, AMA western states
representative. “The groups that want to restrict off-highway riding
have gone to court in the past claiming that the Peirson’s milk-vetch
growing at Glamis is endangered and needs protection, but the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of California recently ruled
that the plant is being protected appropriately.”

In April, the BLM released a draft Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the 200,000-acre California recreation area.

The Imperial Sand Dunes area ranks as one of the most important
public recreation areas nationwide, attracting more than 1.2 million
visitors each year. OHV riders, through their purchases of food, fuel
and lodging, contribute significantly to the local economy.

The public comment period for the RAMP ended June 23. Federal
officials are now reviewing the comments, and the “Preferred
Alternative” — that is, the plan that the BLM intends to follow that
adds about 40,000 more acres for off-highway riding — is likely to be
adopted unless the public-comment process points out a legitimate flaw
in the BLM’s planning.