Crowdog Posted March 29, 2005 Report Posted March 29, 2005 A few idiots are going to have the place crawling with law enforcement, and make the BLM close down more riding area..... --------------------------------- http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/.../News/103290021 BLM rangers pelted with eggs at Sand Mt. over weekend Marlene Garcia, [email protected] March 29, 2005 Three major accidents, two arrests and personal attacks on Bureau of Land Management rangers marred a crowded Easter weekend at Sand Mountain, 30 miles east of Fallon. A BLM official estimated there were 2,500 people at the popular off-road recreation area between Thursday and Sunday. Elayn Briggs, associate field manager for the BLM, said extra park rangers were sent to Sand Mt. after raw eggs were thrown at rangers enforcing the law and at their vehicles. The egg-throwing occurred Thursday night, Briggs said. On Friday, there were eight rangers patrolling the area. On Saturday night, someone threw a rock at a BLM vehicle, breaking out a window. A sign at the Pony Express Station nearby was also chopped down and stolen. Briggs said there have been verbal confrontations between law enforcement and campers in the past but rangers had not been physically targeted like they were over the weekend. "I don't know that the crowd was more unruly but we had incidents we hadn't experienced before. We never had eggs thrown at us," Briggs said. "I wouldn't say the crowd was more unruly than normal." Careflight was called to three "major medicals" that were described as serious by Briggs. One of the victims refused to be airlifted just as the helicopter was preparing to land, she added. Churchill County Sheriff Richard Ingram said the county responded to a total of six requests for ambulances between 11 a.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday. At least one minor was arrested by the Churchill County Sheriff's Office for alcohol violations. An adult was taken into custody on suspicion of violating probation because he was consuming alcohol, said Briggs. "Law enforcement issued about 100 warnings and 50 citations," said Brings. Citations are issued for violations such as open container, failure to pay entrance fees, riding without a whip flag, riding without headlights and tail lights at night, possessing glass containers and trashy campsites. Briggs said the BLM will be exploring a hike in fees at Sand Mountain and possibly limiting the number of campers next year. She said the public will have plenty of time to comment on any proposed changes before they are implemented. Currently, campers pay $20 to stay up to a week. A $45 annual pass is also available. "The BLM is facing budget problems and the fees are not nearly enough manage it by providing law enforcement, emergency medical, road grading, restrooms and dumping the trash," said Briggs. "The fees don't begin to cover it appropriately. "We'll be looking to increase the fees next year and look at the carrying capacity - how many people that area can sustain. We'll be looking for public input on that." On Memorial Day and Labor Day, up to 5,000 people have camped at Sand Mountain in the past, according to Briggs. Marlene Garcia can be contacted at [email protected] Quote
racer Posted March 29, 2005 Report Posted March 29, 2005 FUCKING IDIOTS 346729[/snapback] Dipshits. Quote
Ducman Posted March 29, 2005 Report Posted March 29, 2005 Stupidassholes! I guess they should make the camping area like a typical improved camp area, provide full hookup sites, and charge similar fees and enforce rules like any private or state run camp area. Still let the hard core party nuts camp out on the sand but way the hell away from the sane campers where they cant get themselves in trouble and throw fuel out of the race can and light themselves on fire all they want. Maybe that would tame down and manage the crowd as well as provide enough funds to keep the area open because that place does get stupid crazy and I'd hate to see it shut down. I don't think they have anywhere near as bad of problems on the Oregon coast dunes. Quote
Crowdog Posted March 30, 2005 Author Report Posted March 30, 2005 You can submit a letter to the editor at: http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/apps/pbc...etter/index.pbs ---------------------------------------------------- http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/...0009/-1/OPINION BLM needs to keep rowdies in check at Sand Mountain March 30, 2005 It was disturbing to learn some yokels threw eggs at Bureau of Land Management rangers, cut down a pony express sign and broke out a window in a federal vehicle at Sand Mountain over the Easter weekend. While BLM officials have dealt with big crowds before, the actions of a few troublemakers crossed the line this time. BLM rangers felt they had to call in extra help to deal with a few bad apples in an estimated crowd of 2,500. The busy weekend at the dune also brought accidents, six requests to Churchill County for an ambulance, underage drinking and other assorted activities. Sand Mountain is far too important as a regional attraction for thousands of off-road enthusiasts to let it be taken over by rowdies. The economic importance of Sand Mountain is tremendous. Fallon is the last stop for food, gas and supplies on the "loneliest" highway to the recreation area. RVs hauling ATVs, sand rails, dune buggies and motorcycles stop in Fallon every weekend to gas up and buy food at local grocery stores. Many visitors are families looking to have a little off-road weekend fun, and we'd hate to see the public recreation area get a reputation for out-of control partying and trouble makers. The BLM is already talking about the possibility of hiking users fees to cover the cost of dealing with the crowds, the garbage they leave behind and law enforcement. The land management agency also is considering limiting the number of users. We'd prefer neither of those scenarios take place. The minimal rules and regulations in place are not onerous to observe, and they are what make the area so attractive. It's the freedom to camp out most anywhere, go sand boarding at midnight and race dune buggies nonstop that brings up to 5,000 people on big weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day. We don't advocate a heavy-handed approach to policing Sand Mountain, but we would encourage the BLM to keep rowdies in check on big weekends. Enforce the laws in place so that everyone else can enjoy one of Nevada's most unique places. Quote
locogato11283 Posted March 31, 2005 Report Posted March 31, 2005 some ppl love to mess shit up for everyone... Quote
05bansh Posted March 31, 2005 Report Posted March 31, 2005 FUCKING IDIOTS 346729[/snapback] No shit!! Thats lame!! I bet that half of them dont even own wheelers too, they are just there to party and Fuk it up for everyone else Quote
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