FE135

For Pismo, I was refering to this: STATE PARKS AND RECREATION PASS THE BENEFITS A lifetime State of California Parks pass for only $3.50. WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE Any veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or a former Prisoner of War. HOW TO APPLY To apply by mail, a veteran should submit: (1) a completed Department of Parks and Recreation form DPR 619, (2) a letter from the USDVA verifying a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or former Prisoner of War status (3) a copy of the veterans drivers license to verify California residency, and (4) a check or money order for $3.50 made payable to the Department of Parks and Recreation. California Department of Parks and Recreation Field Services Division P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 (916) 653-4272 http://www.parks.ca.gov/. Taken from: http://www.cdva.ca.gov/cdva/benefits.asp#parks

Thanks, I'll look them up. Pismo is a state recreation area. They have there own rules for vets. They offer certain % disabled vets a discount to all state parks and they DO return phone calls( are you listening BLM ).

Your not reading it wrong. Dumont doesn't even meet the requirement for a category 3, which would allow the pass. They used the one option that kills it by calling it a special recreation permit fee area. The verbage specifically exempts that area from passes. BTW, its the same for Glamis. Aceisback, what dune area has allowed your pass? That way I can compare their rules.

Well after some research, this is my conclusion: The Golden access or Access pass commonly used by disabled persons are not required to be accepted at Dumont. Dumont is designated a “special recreation permit fee area” which falls under category 3j in the fee guidelines issued by the BLM. This category exempts the passes. http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/wo/fy05/im2005-063attach1.pdf Attachment 1-7 http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/ca/p...ent_Act_REA.pdf Page 4 I am very disappointed that no provisions exist for disabled vets or any disabled person. I’m still awaiting some phone calls but don’t foresee any sense of urgency on the BLM’s part to change this. I can only hope I misread something and welcome any inputs from all of you. This is a subject that should be brought up at the TRT. If a road can be built on the non existent threat of dust, perhaps a reasonable request from some vets can be heard. Neal FE135

This one seems to escape logic based on Dumonts location. Who or what are we protecting from dust?

Absolutely no offense taken here. I truly believe Vicky is ultimately on my side of this discussion but must look at it from all angles. This is OK with me. From what I have read so far (barring a little more research), the Barstow BLM is not in compliance with the recreation act. This is my opinion only. I will call the BLM myself. Probably next week, and ask them some specific questions. I will also contact the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and see if this has been a problem before and ask some advice. If I’m wrong then so be it. I’ll pay my $120 and go out to the dunes and break my buggy again anyway (bad joke). Based on Aceisback’s experience, the program is accepted elsewhere and must be equally applied.

Agreed!! I will attempt to make myself available at the next TRT.

Found this from the: RECREATION FEE GUIDELINES FOR THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT National Passes – For visitor convenience, an interagency national pass will be developed “America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” Until this pass is available, the Golden Passports, i.e., Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports, will be accepted as the national pass for all sites and areas that meet the definition for standard amenity fees (change “entrance” fee definition from Land and Water Conservation Fund Act-LWCFA-to align with the “standard amenity” fee definition). Until they are replaced, Golden Age and Golden Access passports will continue to provide benefits as currently authorized for expanded amenity recreation fee sites in category 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, (50% discount). Passes will not be accepted for sites and services meeting category 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l, or 3m. http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/wo/fy05/im2005-063attach1.pdf

Check this out, from what I read so far, the law that allows the fees at Dumont is the same law that allows the passes. http://www.doi.gov/initiatives/ImplementationFAQ.pdf

I disagree. I can't enter unless I pay, therefore an entry fee. What it is based on means nothing in this regard. I know your playing devils advocate on this and I understand. The web sites we are quoting from are not the final word on the subject and an analysis of the actual federal legislation is necessary. I will try to find and read it. Perhaps there are enough questions here to at least address the subject at the next TRT meeting. I’m sure you have a few phone numbers handy. If this privilege is extended at other BLM areas then it must be here.

This shouldn't be difficult. I show my pass to the workers that take my money, and get a pass. Since this is a fereral law, Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, The BLM should already have a plan.

Looking further, I think this question is answered. Taken from FAQ's: Which Agencies will honor the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes? The Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation will honor all three passes at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior and Access Passes. Your thoughts?

Not what I had in mind.

Your right, 1/2 price. I see that now.

Vicki, Here is a link to the National park passes. If I interpret them correctly "Access pass" allows one entry onto federal lands and does not prohibit overnight stay. Since Dumont is under federal jurisdiction (BLM) then I could assume the pass is good at Dumont. Perhaps the BLM side of the TRT wasn't aware of this program? I could only hope they are not adverse to pass holders entry and stay. As a disabled vet and duner this particular subject holds my interest. Again, Thanks. http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

Maybe I should of been more specific. What about Disabled Veterans? Thanks.

I also would like this question asked.

I remember that accident.

This just seemed appropriate. CBD's Dan Patterson.

Found another one OK for posting

Yes I do, but can't post them since they reveal more. There were a lot of kids and familys around.

You mean this pole from thanksgiving?