Embedded Files
-------- Original message --------
From: rwmskm <rwmskm@cox.net>
Date: 12/17/25 4:59 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: nathan_naldu@ios.doi.gov
Subject: ISDRA Plubic Safety Coridors
Nathan Naidu, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the Department of the Interior.
RE: The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) Public Safety Corridors
Dear Nathan,
My name is Bob Mason. I am writing this personal email to encourage you to contact Matt Lohr, the BLM El Centro Field Office Manager. Doing so will allow you to become familiar with the long-standing relationship between American Sand Association (ASA) and the BLM concerning sand sport activities at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA). This recreation draws over 1,000,000 visitors a year.
During your discussions with Matt, I urge you to learn about ASA's proposed enhancements to the access of Patton Valley via our proposed Safety and Compliance Corridors.
While these corridors traverse critical habitat, they are essential for public safety. A white paper written by Dr. Art Phillips, a prominant biologist, demonstrates the viability of these corridors. His paper is available upon request. This ASA Corridor proposal appears to be consistent with the Trump Administration's public land goals that you have expressed in your public communications program.
I also suggest reaching out to Neil Hamada, the recently appointed BLM California OHV Travel Management Lead, who can validate the depth of the ASA and BLM relationship over the past 25 years.
In addition, I believe this is a critical time to revisit the proposed delisting of Peirson's Milk-vetch (PMV), Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii, in the area as endangered under the ESA. ASA has previously sought the removal of this designation twice, but those requests were denied, even though 2005 population counts yielded an estimated 1,831,076 plants. Given that rainfall is the primary driver of the plant's reproductive success, the underlying biological evidence supporting delisting remains unchanged.
I strongly urge the Department to conduct a fresh review of the current scientific data and consider the fact that the plant thrives in the adjacent dunes in Mexico and the Wilderness Area north of Highway 78. The continued endangered species listing imposes land management restrictions that are disproportionate to the available biological evidence. These decisions negatively impact recreational activities and the businesses supporting the dune recreation community near Highway 8 in California.
The archives of both BLM and ASA are rich with successful joint venture activities that include receiving the BLM Director Kathleen Clarke's 4 C’s award and the formation of the United Desert Gateway partnership with BLM.
To better understand ASA and its mission, I suggest you visit the ASA website, particularly the "Did You Know?" section, and review Article #36:
In addition to a large web following, the ASA has over 29,000 Facebook Page members with over 22,000 monthly views and almost 23,000 views on Instagram.
My involvement with ASA has included being elected to the Board of Directors (BOD), serving as President for several years, and currently acting as an Advisor to the ASA BOD. Over the years, I have met with National Directors of both the BLM and USFWS, as well as many National, State, Regional, and local leaders.
The courtesy of your response to this inquiry will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bob Mason
3113 n 52 St
Phoenix, AZ 85018
c 602 818 1748
Rwmskm@cox.net
CC :
Joseph Stout - BLM CA State Director
Matt Lohr – BLM ECFO Manager
Neil Hamada - BLM California OHV Travel Management Lead
Mike Carpenter – BLM ECFO Chief Ranger
Dave Hubbard - Environmental Attorney
ASA Board of Directors
Dave Kuskie - ASA Executive Director
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse