The deployment of a new rescue sand rail at the popular St. Anthony’s Sand Dunes Recreation Area in eastern Idaho is providing a safer and more enjoyable family experience for the visiting public this summer.

The new four-passenger rescue sand rail was purchased through an innovative three-way cost-share agreement among the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Emergency Medical Service and Bureau of Land Management’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security.

Loren Good, Idaho BLM special agent in charge, said the new sand rail was deployed May 2006. “It is being shared by both BLM Idaho Falls District and Fremont County Law Enforcement Officers and is clearly marked with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and BLM Law Enforcement logos,” he said. BLM Idaho Falls District and Fremont County Law Enforcement Officers are sharing use of the sand rail to enforce off-highway vehicle registration and safety laws, such as helmet and safety flag requirements and open alcoholic container restrictions.

“This cooperative rescue sand rail operation has helped in apprehending and transporting several DUIs (Driving Under the Influence) and intoxicated OHV users in the sand dunes, which is making a big difference in encouraging safe, family-type use of the Dunes,” Goodsaid.

The sand rail has been deployed to more than 20 serious medical emergencies in the Dunes this past summer. “Together, using the news and rail, we have been able to efficiently transport emergency medical service personnel and recover injured parties from all-terrain vehicle and motorcycle accidents in the area,” Good said.

The St. Anthony’s Sand Dunes Recreation Area is administered by the BLM Idaho Falls District Office and is located 10 miles north of St.Anthony, Idaho.