Washington, D.C. – An agreement has been reached that will enhance public access to Juniper Dunes, while respecting the rights of nearby property owners.  Congressman Hastings, who has previously weighed in on the issue, welcomed the news. 

“I applaud the work that the local community, private landowners and BLM have put into developing a solution,” said Hastings.  “Finding ways to make public land like Juniper Dunes more accessible without infringing on private property rights is important to Central Washington communities.”

In a July 2006 letter, Hastings urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop a solution and noted that “federal land management agencies have an important obligation to provide access to the people that fund the acquisition, protection and maintenance of public lands with their tax dollars.”

The cooperative use agreement between the BLM and a local property owner will enable outdoors enthusiasts the opportunity to access Juniper Dunes across private property via Peterson Road on a consistent basis. 

The Bureau of Land Management, area landowners, Franklin County and other stakeholders will continue working together to ensure public access and protect private property rights.  Hastings said he is supportive of these efforts and will continue to work with the BLM to make sure the federal government is a cooperative partner.

The Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area and the adjacent off-highway vehicle recreation area are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  The checkerboard pattern of federal and privately owned land that surrounds the area has created public access challenges.