Contributed Article

Due, in part, to increasing use and the number of accidents at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, the Bureau of Land Management is proposing new supplementary rules for the 2000-acre recreation site southeast of Safford. The proposed rules would enable the Gila District and Safford Field Office to better protect public safety and natural resources.

Proposed rules relate to vehicle rider capacity, clinging to or being towed by a vehicle, safety flags, vehicle use, public nudity, firearms, pets, speed limit, camping, waste disposal and length of stay. Three rules – relating to vehicle rider capacity, clinging to or being towed by a vehicle and safety flags – are new, while the others incorporate existing BLM rules and Arizona regulations. Upon approval of the new rules, current supplementary rules will be rescinded and replaced with the revised rules.

BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Larry Ramirez said, “We truly care about the health and safety of our visitors and are always looking for ways to improve the recreation experience on the public lands we manage.”

Assistant Safford Field Manager Tom Schnell added, “We hope that these new rules will be a positive step toward that goal.”

The proposed changes were published in the Federal Register on Oct. 16, 2008. They are available online at www.gpoaccess. gov/fr/index.html by typing “Hot Well Dunes” as the online search criteria. Printed copies of the proposed rules are available at the Safford Field Office.

The BLM will accept public comments for 60 days, with the comment period ending Dec. 15. Written comments should be mailed to Scott Cooke, BLM Safford Field Manager, 711 14th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546, or faxed to Cooke at 928-348-4450. For further information about the proposed rules contact Larry Ramirez at 928-348-4400 or Larry_ Ramirez@blm.gov.

For the purpose of the proposed supplementary rules, off-highway recreation vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is operated for recreational, non-highway, all-terrain travel. It may include all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, motorized carts, dune buggies, sand rails or any other motor vehicle that is being operated for play.

The 11 Supplementary Rules proposed for the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area are:

Vehicle Rider Capacity

A person operating an off-road vehicle within the HWD Recreation Area shall ride only on the permanent, regular seat attached to the off-road vehicle. The operator of an off-road vehicle shall not carry any additional person(s) on an off-road vehicle unless the vehicle is designed and manufactured to carry such additional person(s). No person shall ride an off-road vehicle unless the vehicle is designed and manufactured to carry that person.

Clinging to or Being Towed by a Vehicle

No person operating an off-road vehicle within the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area shall attach the off-road vehicle to any object or person and tow such object or person. No person shall cling to or be towed by an off-road vehicle.

Safety Flags

Safety flags are required on all off-road vehicles used within the HDW Recreation Area. An exception to this requirement is made for recreation vehicles, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and passenger sedans. Safety flags must be brilliant orange or red in color and at least 6 inches by 12 inches in size. Masts must be securely mounted on the off-road vehicle and extend 8 feet from the ground to the mast tip. Safety flags must be firmly attached to the top portion of a mast.

Vehicle Use

No off-road vehicle within the HWD Recreation Area will be allowed within areas enclosed by the metal, tube railings there or where signed as prohibited.

Nudity

Public nudity within the HWD Recreation Area and, in particular, in the hot tubs there, is prohibited.

Firearms and Archery

Archery and the discharge of firearms or other weapons, including pneumatic and spring-loaded BB guns and pellet guns, are prohibited within the HWD Recreation Area.

Pets

Pets must be leashed or otherwise physically restricted at all times within the HWD Recreation Area.

Speed Limit

The speed limit for off-road vehicles within the HWD Recreation Area is 10 miles per hour on the main access road and within 50 feet on either side of the main access road. The speed limit is also 10 miles per hour within 50 feet of a campsite, or any concentration of 3 or more people. Operating an off-road vehicle above this speed is prohibited.

Camping

Camping within the HWD Recreation Area is not allowed within the designated parking area, within areas enclosed by metal, tube railings or where signed as prohibited.

Waste Disposal

Dumping of sewage or gray water is prohibited within the HWD Recreation Area.

Length of Stay

To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the area, camping is limited to 14 days within any 28-day period.