BLM Seeks Public Input on St. Anthony sand dunes

The following is a news release from the Bureau of Land Management.

ST. ANTHONY — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office wants to improve the public’s experience at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes campground by increasing shade and installing more shelters. The BLM is submitting a grant request to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for financial assistance and needs your input on this project application.

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes is a highly sought after recreation destination, which sees between 250,000-300,000 visitors a year. Keeping up with recreational demand requires more camping areas and the BLM has been trying to fulfill that need. The application will be submitted to the Recreation Vehicle (RV) Program, established using RV registration fees. The BLM is requesting funding for the final phase of shelter installation at the last eight sites in the “C” section at the Egin Lakes Campground. Many visitors camping in those locations this summer expressed support of the idea, stating they would enjoy the shade a shelter would provide. “The campground lacks shade, and these shelters would improve the comfort level of the visitors and provide health benefits by keeping them out of the hot sun,” said Shannon Bassista, Upper Snake Field Office Recreation Planner.

Part of the grant application seeks public comment related to the proposed projects.

Please send comments by email to sbassista@blm.gov or by mail to Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Shannon Bassista, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.