Published in Federal Register on May 16, 2000. Vol. 65, Number 95 -
Proposed Rules, Page 31233-31244

Would require a permit for any organized activity on BLM land.

Organized Activity is defined as a "structured, ordered, consolidated, or
scheduled meeting on or occupation of the public land for the purpose of
recreactional or other use that is not commercial or competitive.
Would require a bond to be posted to cover fees and defray costs of
restoration and rehab.

Public Comments are being accepted by mail:

Director (630)
BLM Administrative Record,
Room 401 LS
1849 C Street NW
Washington DC 20240
or WOComment@blm.gov - include ATTN: AD25 and your name and return address.
You will receive a confirmation - if you do not, call 202- 452-5030

Comment period ends July 17, 2000 - WE MUST ACT NOW!

This is the link to the BLM page with the general info on the proposed regs. General Info This is the link directly to the Regs. The Proposed Regs Within the regs you will find more instructions on commenting and contact numbers of real people who you are encouraged to call and speak with about what these regs mean in real terms. Please read the regs before calling these guys and submitting comments so we can present a well informed and coherent front.


Below is a post from Karin about the proposed regs, along with a couple of sample letters. Thanks, Karin!

The Bureau of Land Management has proposed regulations that would require a group use permit us to gather on BLM land. You would need to apply for the permit 6 months in advance and be prepared to pay for a performance bond (insurance). THE COMMENT PERIOD ENDS ON JULY 17th - so it is critical that you act TODAY! and send your comments to:
Director (630)
Bureau of Land Management, Administrative Record
Room 401 LS, 1849 C Street NW,
Washington, DC 20240
RE: Subpart 2932--Special Recreation Permits for Organized Group Events
You can comment via email by sending your comments to WOComment@blm.gov. (Include ``Attn: AD25''.)
If you would like to read the complete text of the proposed regulations, they are available at Regs
The BLM claims this is an administrative regulation that will not result in any significant changes - I consider requiring all groups to obtain a permit 6 months in advance a significant change. These regulations would severly impact the folks in Southern California as we gather almost exclusively on BLM land, have a wonderful relationship with the local BLM law enforcement, and want to keep being able to communicate freely with the BLM on issues pertaining to resource protection and public safety.
As usual, I have a copy of the letter that I sent - feel free to use what ever you want from it or write your own letter.
------------START SAMPLE LETTER I SENT TO BLM-----------------------
Director (630)
Bureau of Land Management, Administrative Record
Room 401 LS, 1849 C Street NW,
Washington, DC 20240
RE: Federal Register: May 16, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 95)
Proposed Rules (Page 31233-31244)
43 CFR Part 2932

Dear Director,

I am strongly opposed to subpart 2932, the requirement for a special recreation permit for non-commercial group events. The land managed by the BLM is public land. BLM land belongs to the people of the United States. The role of the BLM is to protect the land, not to bury the public in a bunch of red tape.
It is my experience that most people assembling on public land want to work closely with BLM resource personnel to protect the environment and to minimize impact on the land. Protecting the land can be best accomplished by removing a bureaucracy that threatens people with jail for violations of the law. People who are afraid of receiving jail time can not work in partnership with the BLM resource people to protect the land.
I strongly urge you to reject the proposed regulation requiring that non-commercial users obtain a permit to enjoy our public lands. I am writing you as a concerned citizen of this country. I represent no other viewpoint than my own. I welcome your support and your prayers in ensuring the rights of all people to assemble on our public lands.

Respectfully,

-----------END SAMPLE LETTER TO BLM----------------------------


--------------START SAMPLE LETTER I SENT TO MY ELECTED OFFICIALS-----------------------

ATTN: Your Elected Official
RE: Federal Register: May 16, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 95)
Proposed Rules (Page 31233-31244)
43 CFR Part 2932

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed a new regulation that would require non-commercial groups to apply for a permit to meet on BLM land. I am writing at this time to voice my strong opposition to these proposed changes to the regulations. The land managed by the BLM is public land. BLM land belongs to the people of the United States. The role of the BLM is to protect the land, not to bury the public in a bunch of red tape.
It is my experience that most people assembling on public land want to work closely with BLM resource personnel to protect the environment and to minimize impact on the land. Protecting the land can be best accomplished by removing a bureaucracy that threatens people with jail for violations of the law. People who are afraid of receiving jail time can not work in partnership with the BLM resource people to protect the land.
I strongly urge you to tell the BLM that your constituents are strongly opposed to the proposed regulations. As members of the United States Government, I hope that you will uphold the high ideals of this country and encourage the BLM to consider the viewpoint of the people it proposes to serve-government by the people, for the people and of the people. I welcome your support in ensuring the rights of all people to assemble on our public lands.

Respectfully,

-----END SAMPLE LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS-------------------------

PLEASE! THE COMMENT PERIOD ENDS JULY 17th!!! ACT NOW! ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1