Death, Taxes, and LTVAs
RVers can add one more thing to the list of the only things certain in life: Death, taxes, and increases in user fees by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Uncle Sam's desert land management agency has again issued a last minute update to warm the hearts of all those who camp on the area LTVAs (Long Term Visitor Areas). Sho' 'nuf, LTVA users are faced with a price hike. Last season, an LTVA permit for the "winter season" (September 15 to April 15) ran $140 for the season, and a 14-day permit was $30. Permit fees have upped to $40 for the 14-day user, and to $180 for the full season permit. The "good news" is that water and sewer dumps are still available at the LaPosa South LTVA; and garbage disposal will be available at all four of the Quartzsite area LTVAs.
Each year, thousands of RVers stay at the Quartzsite area LTVAs. Fee increases are typically seen about every three years; old timers will remember with fondness when the fee hike to $50 for a season permit was met with astonishment. The current hikes apply not only the the LaPosa LTVAs, but all LTVAs in LaPaz County, Arizona, and Imperial County, California. Golden Age and Golden Access card holders will not find a fee reduction available on LTVA permits. Labels: BLM, Fees, Government, LTVA
7 Comments:
Still, about the best bargain out there.....
By Alex, at October 13, 2007 6:18 AM
If the dump sites and water are free to those with a LTVA permit, the price seems reasonable. Haven't been to Quartzsite but planning to in the near future.
By Dave in Mesa, at October 13, 2007 2:09 PM
I find it interesting that, government violates the Constitution by imposing "Usury Fees" for citizens to Use the Lands which they have, do, and will always pay taxes upon. Usury is a form of double taxation. We are the Owners of that land and we pay the government in taxes to take care of it and make it available and usable for us.
Lee
By Lee Dorman, at October 14, 2007 8:18 AM
$180 for up to 7 months is still a great bargain. The costs of doing everything go up, this is really a small drop in the puddle for most full time RV'ers and all "snowbirds" who are keeping a house empty up north. And, those who never use these, appreciate thier taxes not going up to subsidize them.
By Anonymous, at October 14, 2007 12:46 PM
Yes, $180.00 seems cheap. But if you are at Quartzsite with only two dump stations if both are open it can take a long time to dump. That is two dump stations for ALL of Quartzsite. With motorhomes and buses sometimes 40 in the line to dump and hours are 8:00 AM to 5:PM. It may be cheap but to sit in line to dump two or three hours is NOT fun. It is sometimes the wait for water is long also as some rigs fill 100 plus gallon tanks and barrels also. Been there for three years now.
By Anonymous, at October 16, 2007 12:25 PM
I noticed that in many public land areas the price for camping went up this summer, or if there was free camping than now they are charging.
That's not only in Quartzsite.
Reason for this I was told by rangers that certain people carry their trash in and then don't carry them out, which means there are sub-contractors who have to be paid for trash removal.
I am in Quartzsite right now, as I am writing this and every time I walk my dog, I get disgusted about people not cleaning up after their animals. Same with trash, people do repairs at their vehicles and leave their trash and old parts behind.
So you all know, should I see anyone leaving trash behind, I will take your license plate and inform the law. Some of you are spoiling it for all of us.
By Anonymous, at November 12, 2007 6:25 PM
For those of you headed back into Calif., you could stop at the Flying J at Ehrenberg to dump. According to their website they have a dumpstation there and at almost every station they have. Getting fuel there can be a long wait hassle though, because of people coming in to AZ and wanting cheaper gas and those leaving with the same thing in mind. There is also a newer Truck Stop westbound before E-berg but I dunno if they have a dump station. I know this doesn't quite fit the mein of the story but it does help those who tire of waiting in line at BLM. I know, "I paid for it and I'll use it, B. G.!" Cheers, ~desertratdan
By Anonymous, at November 14, 2007 7:58 AM
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