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Show Summer Sports & Recreation Page 3 1) a BLM institutes new camping regulations in Moab area for '94 r 0 9 '(Marine Products ry THE ULTIMATE RIDINO MACHINE P R O SHOP' I rf . n . .... m mm CJi 7 0 Moab, of course, remains a special place, and should by no means be totally ignored. A trip to Moab and the surrounding area, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, should be on anyone's itinerary at least once. But if you decide to make the trip this year, there are some changes to the Bureau of Land Management's policies in the area that you should be aware of. In addition to large crowds, revelers headed for BLM lands on the Colorado Plateau during springtime will find special camping and travel regulations in effect to help them tread lightly on the land, "Even though people love a place, they can be dangerous to it," said Brad Palmer, BLM Grand Resource Area Manager. "Through sheer numbers of admirers or, in some cases, inappropriate behavior, several of the more popular recreational destinations in the area have suffered resource damage in the past," Palmer said. "Things like driving and bike riding off trail, cutting live trees, and the spread of too many -campsites in the backcountry have r necessitated stricter use regulations," he added. Special camping and travel rules in effect on BLM lands surrounding the Slickrock Bike Trail (Sand Flats Recreation Area) and the public lands along the Colorado River between the Potash . Plant and the Dewey Bridge include: Vehicle use is restricted to existing roads or, in the case of Sand Flats, designated roads that are signed open. . Camping is permitted only at designated campsites. Campers must use existing Fire rings, portable grills, or metal fire pans for campfires. While driftwood may be gathered along the river, no wood collection is permitted in the Sand Flats area. Rather than gathering firewood, campers should try to bring wood from home, and leave the old desert snags to photographers and the critters. Human feces can no longer be buried in the ground. If camping at an undeveloped site , without permanent toilets, campers must use a personal toilet system like those used on river trips or toilets in recreational vehicles equipped with a holding tank. - Overnight camping is prohibited at several sites in order to let them recover or ease congestion with day use. No-camping areas include the lower flood plain of Kane Creek and Colorado River sites at Short Canyon, Take-out Beach, Sandy Beach, the beach area at Big Bend, Rocky Rapid, and the boat launch at Hittle Bottom. As always, pack out what you pack in. Alcohol consumption by minors has proven to be a particularly serious problem during spring break. BLM Rangers and Grand County Sheriff deputies promise to be out in force. "We want to make everyone's experience as memorable as possible. But on the other hand, there is no tolerance level with drinking and driving or possession of alcohol by minors," said Palmer. To assist arriving visitors, a contact point, manned by BLM personnel, will be set up along the Sand Flats Road leading to the Slickrock Trail. "Our best advice is to come prepared. And plan ahead, particularly if you plan to camp," said Palmer. New camping facilities have been developed at Big Bend, Hal Canyon and Hittle Bottom along the Colorado River. Campsite fees are $5 per day. "But," warns Palmer, "all available campsites on BLM lands will fill early and should stay at capacity during weekends and holiday periods over the next several weeks." One option is to make advance reservations at one of the many private campgrounds located in the town or nearby. For advice on camping and other recreation information, write or drop into the Moab Interagency Visitor Center located at Main and la & 0 3 O 0 2 6 0 a 0 5 c O A DIVISION OP MASTBHCHAPT BOAT CO. Personal Watercraft Sales Rentals Part & Accessories mom I I Jkmm Wale :Esn SWafd! MAY 20th & 21st 79.00 1 HJD.Edgs540 kJUMm f mto KneeBoard f - , f -) . Combo's T YOUR LARGEST PARTS & ACCESSORIES CENTER |