The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is a place tens of thousands of people enjoy during the winter months. It’s a great place to gather with friends and family, ride ATVs and other vehicles and generally have a good time in the cool sun.
But with that many people in a limited space, there are bound to be problems. That is why since 2002, Competition Hill has been closed to the public on 12 of the most popular nights, mostly on holiday weekends. The closures are the result of drinking, violence and other bad behavior — including a fatal shooting in the area.
Now, talks are under way to look at eventually lifting the ban, although it won’t happen this year. We believe these talks should move forward, but the safety of dunes visitors and officials must be the key to any agreement that is reached.
Let us be clear: These acts are not the work of the many legitimate organizations and groups that enjoy hitting the sand. Those people care about not only the recreation area, but others as well.
The problem is with the wild cards who drink to excess and then look for trouble. They are the reason Competition Hill is off limits on those certain nights. And if measures are not being taken to control these destructive people, no agreement will last long.
The Bureau of Land Management, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and a technical review team for the recreation area are to meet and develop goals and suggestions for Competition Hill. Those will ultimately go to the Board of Supervisors.
This should be a thoughtful process; there is no need to rush forward. A quickly reached agreement could be doomed to failure and would probably lead to the same problems that brought the ban in the first place.
We agree with Glenn Montgomery, a member of the review team, when he said they would like every area in the dunes open for public use. The dunes are a wonderful jewel for our area that not only brings recreational fun, but also money into the local economy.
We just want to ensure all areas are safe for local users and visitors as well.
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