Juniper Dunes finally reopened!!!!!!

[rambrush]

We only started fighting this back in the 80's and finally its reopening!

Juniper Dunes pact requires cooperation





Published Monday, February 26th, 2007

Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy Juniper Dunes can finally return to the popular site without trespassing.
Decades of uncertainty about public access to the designated wilderness area have been resolved. At least for the next two years.
And as long as everyone behaves.
Those who gave up on the area after finding roadblocks and reading about the impasse over Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area and Juniper Forest -- 17,000 acres of federal land surrounded by private property -- can now return with their motorcycles, four-wheelers, horses and hiking boots.

The Bureau of Land Management has struck a deal with dairyman Steve DeRuyter for a cooperative use agreement and lease of a private road on his property.
Previously, DeRuyter had blocked the road to the public after years of frustration over trespassing and inconsiderate behavior by recreational users crossing his land to get to Juniper Dunes.
But access to the dunes has been an issue for more than 40 years, and DeRuyter's roadblock was just the most recent chapter.
For now, recreational users can thank the government and the farmer for finding a way to keep the area available to those who enjoy it.
But users need to respect the terms of the agreement. The BLM will maintain the road. The agency will also put up signs in the next few weeks spelling out directions for those using the farm's Peterson Road to get to Juniper.
Signs marking property lines and interpretive kiosks are also planned. Both should help alleviate some of DeRuyter's headaches from travelers crossing his property.
The farmer maintains the right to request that the road be closed during planting and harvest times to ensure he has the access he needs to support his livelihood without any interference from those trying to get to the dunes.
And he also has the right to terminate the agreement if the road is abused, or drivers are reckless or careless or interfere with others' enjoyment and access to the area.
The public and private partners in this agreement deserve recognition for finally finding a solution to a long-term problem.
Public lands are precious and should be accessible. As the population in our region grows, places to ride ATVs and horses legally in wide open spaces are becoming scarce.
This agreement expands those opportunities, but only if users respect the private property around Juniper Dunes and the farmers trying to make a living on adjacent lands.
The rules outlined in the agreement boil down to acts of common courtesy. That's not too much to ask.
Without cooperation, this agreement could go away and Juniper Dunes could again become isolated and unused.