More than 119,000 visitors reported at sand dunes" (Imperial Valley Press, 1/4/12)
"The number of sand dunes visitors was about the same as the previous New Year’s holiday .... The next date that is expected to draw a comparable crowd is President’s Day weekend, Feb. 18-20, although more than 1,000 people are expected to take part in the annual dunes cleanup that is scheduled for Jan. 14 during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend."
http://www.ca.blm.gov/m4jd

Over the past weeks numerous incidents of vandalism and theft have occurred in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. These acts of vandalism range from graffiti on signs and restrooms, and most recently, damage to a safety message sign. During the week of January 22nd a programmable highway message board was dismantled and stripped of its parts. Solar panels and batteries were taken and many wires were cut. The sign displays safety messages to the visiting public, reminding them, for instance, not to drink and ride.

When vandals strike, everyone pays. The repair for vandalism like this can be anywhere in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. “For every dollar spent on vandalism repairs it takes money away from services and site amenities such as trash collection and toilet cleaning.” says Neil Hamada, ISDRA Manager.

Visitors witnessing vandalism in progress are encouraged to call 911 and report it. If possible, and from a safe distance, try to obtain vehicle and license plate information and descriptions of persons involved. Never try to stop the offenders. Visitors who discover vandalism after the fact should report it to the El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400.

Holiday weekend draws thousands to local sand dunes" (Imperial Valley Press, 2/20/12)
"More than 100,000 people found their own flavor of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to enjoy over President's Day weekend," which is usually "one of the three busiest weekends of the season, drawing about five times what a weekend normally does in season .... Many find Buttercup on the south end of the area to be the most family-friendly and is generally less crowded."
www.ca.blm.gov/p6jd