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This was in todays paper if anyone wants to read it.
BLM hopes to control Knolls through pay-to-play plan
Written by Tooele Transcript
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
The 36,000 acres of sand dunes, hills, and mud flats of Knolls are a favorite venue for off-roaders, campers, and weekend partiers. But as the party at Knolls has gotten increasingly crowded and unruly, the Bureau of Land Management has had to step in to police the area.
After concerns over litter, vegetation and trails destruction, drug use, and firearms violations, the BLM has enacted a user-fee system and several rules to tackle the problems. The new rules are aimed at preserving the area, protecting public health and enhancing the safety of visitors.
Since March 1, visitors at the Knolls Special Recreation Management Area are required to pay a daily fee. The charge is $6 per day per primary vehicle (street legal vehicle used for transportation to the site) or $40 for an annual pass. This year the price will be prorated at $30. There is no fee for overnight camping.
The new rules prohibit target shooting, the use of glass containers outside of enclosed vehicles, and the burning of firewood containing nails, screws or other metal hardware. Campfires outside the confines of a fire pan or other containers are also outlawed. Regulations also forbid the operation of a motorized vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit on any maintained roadway. The hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. are to be respected as quiet time.
"We've had a few problems with rave parties at Knolls," said Glenn Carpenter, the BLM field manager for the Knolls area. "These parties last all night and drugs are available. Along with alcohol, another drug used at these parties is ecstasy."
Putting a stop to such parties was one reason for the creation of the new fees and rules. Fees collected will directly benefit those who pay to play at Knolls. Throughout the last year, the BLM has upgraded and improved two bathroom facilities, constructed parking areas and installed informational bulletin boards. Future projects that may be funded through fees include installing picnic tables and additional restroom facilities, maintaining trails, and installing a traffic counter.
Last November, the BLM also added another ranger to patrol the borders of the wilderness area.
BLM hopes to control Knolls through pay-to-play plan
Written by Tooele Transcript
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
The 36,000 acres of sand dunes, hills, and mud flats of Knolls are a favorite venue for off-roaders, campers, and weekend partiers. But as the party at Knolls has gotten increasingly crowded and unruly, the Bureau of Land Management has had to step in to police the area.
After concerns over litter, vegetation and trails destruction, drug use, and firearms violations, the BLM has enacted a user-fee system and several rules to tackle the problems. The new rules are aimed at preserving the area, protecting public health and enhancing the safety of visitors.
Since March 1, visitors at the Knolls Special Recreation Management Area are required to pay a daily fee. The charge is $6 per day per primary vehicle (street legal vehicle used for transportation to the site) or $40 for an annual pass. This year the price will be prorated at $30. There is no fee for overnight camping.
The new rules prohibit target shooting, the use of glass containers outside of enclosed vehicles, and the burning of firewood containing nails, screws or other metal hardware. Campfires outside the confines of a fire pan or other containers are also outlawed. Regulations also forbid the operation of a motorized vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit on any maintained roadway. The hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. are to be respected as quiet time.
"We've had a few problems with rave parties at Knolls," said Glenn Carpenter, the BLM field manager for the Knolls area. "These parties last all night and drugs are available. Along with alcohol, another drug used at these parties is ecstasy."
Putting a stop to such parties was one reason for the creation of the new fees and rules. Fees collected will directly benefit those who pay to play at Knolls. Throughout the last year, the BLM has upgraded and improved two bathroom facilities, constructed parking areas and installed informational bulletin boards. Future projects that may be funded through fees include installing picnic tables and additional restroom facilities, maintaining trails, and installing a traffic counter.
Last November, the BLM also added another ranger to patrol the borders of the wilderness area.
