dunefreak

There's no doubt that we're living in some crazy times right now. Because of the Coronavirus and COVID-19, many businesses have been told to close and people have been laid off. Although it is a scary time, there is no need to panic. This will pass and everything will eventually be back to normal. If your stuck in your house and find yourselves extremely bored with an abundance of free time on your hands, you might be thinking of getting out of town and self-distancing yourselves at Dumont. It's the perfect place to turn off the media and get away from the craziness. All of California's parks and developed recreation areas have closed, however Dumont is not a park. It is a dispersed camping and OHV area and is remaining open! We have confirmed this with BLM and we will update the website of anything changes, but we were told Dumont will remain open and fees are not waived like some other OHV and park areas. The bathrooms are still open and being cleaned/ disinfected by Lynn Construction, but this may change without notice and they could be closed/locked. So get out there and feel normal again. Just remember there are no services on off-weekends and to be extra careful. Bring plenty of supplies and still continue to take normal steps to protect yourself and prevent the spread of this virus. If you are feeling sick, stay home! Stay in the habit of washing your hands, keeping surfaces clean, distancing yourselves 6 ft from others, and covering coughs and sneezes. Keep your camp and group size limited. Most importantly...have some fun in those dunes, clear your mind and enjoy this great weather we have had lately! Share your photos/ stories with us by posting a dune report or tagging us on Instagram. photo by bigeyes10 April 17 Update- DUMONT IS STILL OPEN. There are no plans to close at this point and we will update the site if anything changes. BLM CALIFORNIA COVID-19 UPDATES The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, the BLM will temporarily close all developed campgrounds and developed recreation sites in California, to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation areas. While developed recreation sites are closed, dispersed camping and trails remain open and available to the public. Visitors may continue to enjoy BLM-managed public lands in a safe and responsible manner. We recommend visiting areas close to home while avoiding very popular or crowded locations where social distancing may be difficult and limiting group activities to members of your household. Please note that existing rules and regulations apply. Entrance fees have been waived. Other fees, such as cabin rentals, group day use, and use of special areas will remain in effect. The BLM urges visitors to do their part when visiting your public lands as some visitor services may be limited due to limited staff availability in some areas. We recommend: bringing your own supplies such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper packing out your trash reducing the handling of cash by paying recreation fees through Recreation.gov or with a check, where available Follow local, state, and CDC guidance: maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups limit your group to 10 people or less wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze stay home if you feel sick *** Please note that the BLM will be responsive to changing circumstances, and this information may change at any time. We will do our best to update this information but recommend that you also contact local offices.*** Dumont Visitor Center The BLM is temporarily restricting in-person public access to visitor centers and public rooms in our California offices.The Dumont visitor center is closed. Dumont Restrooms The restrooms are still open and being regularly cleaned by Lynn Construction. Above info from https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO RIDE DURING “SOCIAL DISTANCING” – SOME GUIDELINES National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council recently drew your attention to U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service guidance, indicating that opportunities to continue dispersed recreation may remain during the current reality we are all facing as a result of COVID-19. It is possible to abide by social distancing and other recommended guidelines while getting outdoors and engaging in all sorts of recreation – including OHV recreation. But, ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if getting outdoors is the right thing to do. NOHVCC always believes in safe and responsible recreation – this is the core of NOHVCC’s ethic; however, safety is even more important than ever if you choose to ride in the near future. Many hospitals are at or near capacity. This may not only make it difficult for you to get the care you need should you get injured, you may also turn the attention of hospital staff away from focusing on addressing the needs of other patients. Please carefully consider the potential implications should you hit the trails. Make decisions that make sense for you and your family and that abide by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other federal, state, and local agencies and governments. Some general guidelines, should you choose to engage in OHV recreation during this situation: Contact the riding area in advance – they may be closed. Visit cdc.gov for information on the latest recommendations and guidelines – follow them! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact, especially with people who are ill. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. As ALWAYS – wear all appropriate safety gear. For ATVs, ROVs, and dirt bikes this includes: a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Ride or drive on trails that do not challenge your skill level – now is not the time for technical obstacles. Ride or drive at significantly reduced speeds. Enjoy the scenery. Stop for lunch and take in the fresh air and sounds that come with being outdoors. Abide by social distancing recommendations. Ride in pairs or small groups. Keep in mind that others you come across on the trail may stay farther away than normal and may not want to engage in conversation. Experience nearby trails. This is not the time to load up the truck and try a riding area that you’ve always wanted to try but is 1,000 miles away. Comply with recommendations to stay near to home. If you are at all uncomfortable for any reason about getting out on the trail – DON’T GO! If you feel sick – DON’T GO! Recreation is an important part of life – studies show it makes us happier and healthier. However, we are experiencing a unique reality right now. NOHVCC encourages you to make good decisions, comply with mandates and guidelines from relevant authorities, and to stay safe. Info from https://www.nohvcc.org/for-those-who-choose-to-ride-during-social-distancing-some-guidelines/

Amanda sent me these from her hike up to "Amanda Mountain" today.

As we get closer to the end of the season, that means it's time to give back to our precious sandbox and do a quick sweep of the dunes. Friends of Dumont Dunes & the Barstow BLM will host the 18th annual Dumont cleanup on Saturday, March 14th. Volunteers who come out will get a free pass for the weekend (13-15th) as well as a free lunch. It's a fun community effort and a great way to get out and enjoy the nice weather with others that care about Dumont. Sponsors who wish to donate this year should Contact Jason Ardenski by phone or email (listed on flyer below).