Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions, in no particular order. We'll be amending this list from time to time, and we'd be happy to answer and add any questions you might have. Simply send them to Admin@duners.org and we'll take it from there.
Question: Why is this group starting? Aren't there enough OHV organizations out there?
Answer: There are many excellent OHV organizations and DUNERS was not formed to compete with any of those organizations, but rather to focus its attention on issues at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area that we feel are not receiving as close attention as they warrant. The DUNER philosophy and approach to the dunes is very different from most in that we are a very progressive and proactive organization. Rather than stand idle until the next disaster hits the dunes, DUNERS is focusing on how to improve conditions and facing the issues before they become disasters.
Question: Does DUNERS only represent the people who use the north dunes?
Answer: No. DUNERS is focusing on the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, which includes Glamis, Buttercup, Gordon's Well, Mammoth Wash, Patton Valley, etc.
Question: What types of things will DUNERS be involved in?
Answer: The focus of DUNERS is the users of the dunes, and we will work closely with those users. To help educate the people who truly hold the future of the dunes in their hands, one of our first projects will be to work with the Bureau of Land Management to develop a "Junior Duner" program at the dunes. We are also concentrating on improving the image of our sport and those who love it by presenting a more factual illustration to the general public. We will continue to respond to our members' suggestions for projects and we are currently heavily involved in the issue of funding at the dunes.
Question: How big does DUNERS expect to get?
Answer: People who love the dunes formed DUNERS, and working for the future of the dunes is our primary focus. While there are no plans to go "national" at this time, DUNERS will most definitely be part of any national sand organization that may form in the future.
Question: When you say DUNERS is instituting education and safety programs, isn't that a duplicate effort of other organizations?
Answer: Yes and no. Other organizations have been instrumental in educating dune visitors to some degree, but with so many issues surrounding the Imperial Sand Dunes and those other organizations being spread so thin, some opportunities are simply slipping through the cracks. Having DUNERS concentrate on duner education and the future of the dunes will allow the other organizations to focus on those issues they seem to be most comfortable with.
Question: Who makes the decisions about what DUNERS does, what projects the organization may get involved with, what direction the organization will take, etc.?
Answer: The DUNERS executive branch will consist of a Board of Directors made up of DUNERS members. The BOD will rely upon input from an Advisory Committee, which in turn will rely upon input from several subcommittees (i.e., volunteer organization, special events, etc.). The subcommittees will also be made up of DUNERS members. The decisions for what directions DUNERS will take will rely heavily on suggestions from its membership and networking its membership's collective talent. DUNERS is dedicated to using all available resources to make the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area what the users of the dunes want it to be.
Question:How will DUNERS keep from losing touch with its membership?
Answer: The members of the Board of Directors are very diverse and that trend continues throughout the Advisory Council and subcommittees. Frequent meetings, an emphasis on communication and an open door policy will ensure that the Board of Directors stay on track with the desires of its membership.
Question: Do I have to give up my membership in or support of other organizations to be a DUNERS member?
Answer: Absolutely not. Most DUNERS are members of and/or support other OHV organizations. In fact, the members of DUNERS' Board of Directors all hold memberships in various other organizations such as SDORC, CORVA, ASA and BRC. Remember, DUNERS is not in competition with any existing organization. We have a unique philosophy and we're finding that a lot of people share it and those people want to make a difference at the dunes.
Question: Will DUNERS be all things to all people, or will it be focused on specifics?
Answer: DUNERS is focusing on the future of the dunes and the duners that love them. Our current focus is developing a safety/conservation training program at the dunes and in securing a public relations firm to accurately represent life at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, as well as political activism. There are enough issues to keep several organizations busy for a very long time. Because there are already some excellent organizations heavily involved in the Peirson's Milk Vetch issue (CORVA, ASA, ORBA, etc.), DUNERS does not anticipate engaging in the battles currently surrounding the PMV. However, DUNERS will continue to be flexible as issues change at the dunes.
Question: Does DUNERS have the Bureau of Land Management's confidence?
Answer: Absolutely. Several members of DUNERS have developed a great rapport with both local and state-level BLM personnel. This remarkable partnership will benefit the dunes and the Bureau of Land Management.
Question: What can I do (as an individual or group) to help DUNERS in the battle to retain and improve the dunes?
Answer: There are many ways individuals can get involved while visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes and/or at home. For instance you can sign up to help with the Junior Duner program while you're out at the dunes (what a great excuse to go!) or at home you can assist in various research projects. Education is the key so just using your mouth to promote the dunes we are working for is a tremendous help. Groups can help in a variety of ways, such as organizing fundraisers and DUNERS meetings, participating in rallies, etc. One of the most important ways you can contribute is simply by helping steer the organization by offering suggestions and comments.
Question:How is DUNERS funded?
Answer: While there may be an occasional fundraiser for specific issues, for the most part DUNERS will be tapping into grant money from various agencies. There is a substantial amount of funding available through private, local, state and federal funds and DUNERS will focus heavily on utilizing all available resources.
Question:How do I join DUNERS?
Answer: Go to www.duners.org and click on "Join DUNERS" or call (951) 738-9047 and request a membership form, or simply send an e-mail to Admin@duners.org and we'll take it from there.
Question: If fundraising is being handled by a professional service and DUNERS will be contracting with a public relations firm for representation, why do you need me to join?
Answer: Because DUNERS is nothing without its membership. This organization takes its responsibility to its members very seriously and thrives on the involvement of the users of the dunes to help steer the organization. The input of each and every member is vital to the success of DUNERS and subsequent success of the dunes. Without your voice, DUNERS has no future.
Question: How can the average DUNER with limited time or means help to make a difference?
Answer: There will always be active projects that require little or no money or time, such as sending a quick e-mail, fax or letter. Also, every bit of input given by you will help build the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area into what we all want. Offering your advice and suggestions is the key.
Question: What are the three top priorities of Duners as an organization and how will you implement them in the months ahead?
In no particular order of priority:
1) Design and develop an active Junior Duner program that will combine conservation education with OHV training. How: Develop a program for OHV training at the dunes that emphasizes conservation, combined with duning etiquette.
2) Retain a public relations firm that will promote the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area as a world class riding spot and also more accurately represent the people who recreate there. How: Contract with a top-level agency that will work closely with the duners of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to enhance the public's view of our sport, the dunes, and the people who love them;
3) DUNERS will pursue a variety of fundraising methods to seize every available opportunity for funding. How: Private research/pursuit of available grants, as well as contract with a professional grant writer and/or organization whose sole purpose is to find money that is available through private, local and state funding programs;
Question: This question is from DUNERS to you... What is it YOU (as a duner) want to see done?
What can DUNERS do for you?It's your turn to provide the answers. Write to Admin@duners.org or call (951) 738-9047.