142,000 visit Imperial Sand Dunes during Thanksgiving holiday

"142,000 visit local sand dunes during Thanksgiving holiday" (Imperial Valley Press, 11/28/11)
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area: "Over the Thanksgiving weekend 142,289 people visited sand dunes in the area, down only slightly from last year, said Park Ranger Michelle Puckett with the Bureau of Land Management .... This year’s turnout was only down about 2 percent, she said. The numbers, though, have dropped quite a bit from previous years that had more than 200,000 visitors on Thanksgiving weekend. Visitation throughout the season starting Sept. 30 is still up by 8 percent as compared to last year."
http://www.ca.blm.gov/42jd

"Sun, sand and speed: Incredible pictures as 170,000 thrill-seekers ride buggies, bikes and quads at dune festival" (London Daily Mail, 11/28/11)
"With the sun beating down and the stench of petrol in the air, all manner of vehicles from dirt bikes to sand rails descended on the Imperial Sand Dunes at Glamis in California for the Thanksgiving holiday. But the event was marred by the death of a 32-year-old Tucson man when his all-terrain vehicle rolled over on top of him just after midnight on Friday." The man "was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet, the California Highway Patrol said."
http://www.ca.blm.gov/52jd
 

"U.S. Border Patrol say drug smugglers could blend in with dune enthusiasts" (KSWT Yuma, AZ, 11/29/11)
"Members of the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue Unit join forces with other law enforcement agencies around this time of year to make sure you have a safe holiday. But the main mission is to find those drug and human smugglers who might be blending right in with you .... Though there will be too many people for agents to keep an eye on, they encourage you to report any suspicious activity you may see."
http://www.ca.blm.gov/82jd