Juniper Dunes Closure

[Eagle-Mark]

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2009
> Release No: OR130-FY2009-010
> Contact: Scott Pavey (509) 536-1200
>
>
> BLM Issues Seasonal Road Closure in Juniper Dunes
>
> SPOKANE, WA -- Effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 1, 2009, public lands in
> the northwestern portion of the Juniper Dunes area located in Franklin
> County, Washington will be temporarily closed to motorized vehicles. These
> lands are administered by the Spokane District Bureau of Land Management
> (BLM).
>
> The closure order prohibits the operation of any type of motorized vehicle
> within the closed area during the period from March 1 to August 15, 2009.
> The temporary closure is necessary for the protection of wildlife and
> botanical resources.
>
> A copy of the closure order will be posted at locations throughout the
> affected area. A notice will also be published in the Federal Register. A
> copy of the order and a map of the closed area are available on the
> internet at http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/spok...room/index.php.
>
> Violations of this closure regulation are punishable by a fine not to
> exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
>
> For more information about the closure, please call the BLM Spokane
> District Office at (509) 536-1200, or visit the BLM Spokane District Office
> at 1103 North Fancher Road, Spokane Valley, Washington 99212.
>
> -BLM-
>
> The BLM manages more land – 256 million acres – than any other Federal
> agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is
> primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with
> a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of
> sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use
> mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for
> the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau
> accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation,
> livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by
> conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public
> lands.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
> Cheyne Rossbach
> Public Affairs
> Contact Representative
> BLM Spokane District Office
> 1103 N Fancher Rd
> Spokane Valley, WA 99212
> (509) 536-1297

[odin544]

From my understanding and from talking to the Franklin county sherriffs office. The road going in has been closed. And its been posted closed for quite some time. They also told me they dont and wont waste the resources to watch the road unless they have a reason to come out there.

When I asked the officer if I'd get a ticket his response was "well technically you could"

[Eagle-Mark]

Technically yes. There is a bill in the house now to secure access to the dunes.

If you stay on the road and drive slow no one will complain.

The closure mentioned above is for two small sections at the end of the dunes.

[smalltowncowboy]

i was there last month and spoke with a park ranger and he said that this june they are planning on installing some toilets in the main parking area. they are enforcing the helmets, flags, and permits rules/laws.

ive been told the road is open, ive been told its closed, ive seen the paperwork signed by the farmer saying there is a right of way for the use of the road.

[Eagle-Mark]

From what I was told at the last PNW4WDA from the Washington Director is there are five owners of the road. One, the first one will not give right of way and no longer lives there or in the state.