When did BLM institute the previous dry season closure? Why?
Sampling conducted by EPA in September and November of 2004 found elevated levels of airborne asbestos fibers present during various recreation activities. The soil is driest from June through October, so there is the greatest potential to generate dust and airborne asbestos. Therefore, BLM has been restricting public access during the “dry season” (June 1 – October 15) within the CCMA since 2005. The Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club, American Motorcyclist Association District 36, CAL4WD, CORVA, Off-Road Business Association, and the Blue Ribbon Coalition appealed the decision to implement 2005 dry season use restrictions to the Interior Board of Lands Appeals (IBLA) on May 25, 2005. In an opinion dated July 10, 2007, the IBLA affirmed the decision by BLM to implement the dry season use restrictions. The dry season use restrictions were formally approved in the Record of Decision for CCMA Route Designation Plan. In the 2006 ROD, BLM and EPA also agreed that further use restrictions in
