Desert Messenger

May 17, 2023 www.DesertMessenger.com 15 Planning to visit Los Algodones? BLM issues emergency temporary closure of Fortuna Pond due to flooding YUMA, Ariz. — To ensure public safety, the Bureau of Land Manage- ment, Yuma Field Office, has issued an emergency temporary closure of the Fortuna Pond recreational area located north of Yuma. The clo- sure is the result of flooding of the area due to extreme spring run-off and subsequent water release from several upstream dams on the Gila River. The closure went into effect May 11, 2023 and it will be evalu- ated after 30-days. Staff will patrol the area to evaluate the safety of the area before lifting the closure. In addition to the Fortuna Pond closure the BLM Yuma Field Office is recommending use of extreme caution or avoidance of the areas around the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers as well as any downstream sites from that loca- tion. For additional information regard- ing this notice or public lands ac- cess please call the BLM Yuma Field Office at (928) 317-3200. EMERGENCY CLOSURE NOTICE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT YUMA FIELD OFFICE Under the authority of the Fed- eral Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and pursuant to 43 CFR §8364.1. This closure applies to lands ad- ministered by the Yuma Field Of- fice. Notice is hereby given that the Colorado River District (BLM) will immediately close selected pub- lic lands to public access in Yuma County, Arizona. This closure has been issued for the affected area due to extreme spring run-off and subsequent water re- lease from several up-stream dams on the Gila River. BLM closes Fortuna Pond due to flooding Effective at 1200 P.M. 05/11/2023 an Emergency Closure Notice has been issued for the area surround- ing Fortuna Pond, Yuma County Arizona. This emergency closure is placed in effect by the Bureau of Land Management Yuma Field Of- fice, Colorado River District in ef- fort to avert property damage or loss, personal injury and or loss of life, and shall remain in effect for a period of 30 days. Upon completion of this initial 30-day period water flow on the Gila River as well as on the ground conditions at Fortuna Pond will be evaluated. (1) Persons exempt from the closure and that are allowed in the closed area without written permission in- clude the following: a) Emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel. b) Government employees acting in the performance of their duties. (2) This closure follows provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and 43 CFR § 8364.1. Any person who fails to comply with a closure or restriction order issued under this subpart may be subject to the penalties provided under 43 CFR § 8360.0-7 which are punish- able by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. In addition to the Fortuna Pond Closure the BLM Yuma Field Of- fice is recommending use of ex- treme caution or avoidance of the area around the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers as well as any downstream sites from that location. For additional information regard- ing this notice or public lands ac- cess please call the BLM Yuma Field Office at (928) 317-3200. Los Algodones, Mexico: According to Sandi Dental Group located in Los Algodones, Mexico, "Los Algodones Mexico Border Crossing times have returned to their normal schedule: opening at 06:00 AM and closing at 10:00 PM California Time." Los Algodones operates on Arizo- na time. Be sure to check the time of your appointment against your time zone. As of May 9th, 2023, the Biden ad- ministration has announced that over 1,500 troops will be sent to the bor- der between the U.S. and Mexico in order to reduce and detain the entry of illegal immigrants to the country. This measure derives from the de- cision of reverting Title 42, a law that aimed to control the spread of COVID-19 in the United States by restricting the entry of illegal immi- grants into the country. The expira- tion of this law will take place on May 11th, a few days after the WHO an- nounced the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency. Border crossing times will re- main normal – also, this new mea- sure won't affect legal crossing for both citizens and tourists. As a rec- ommendation, Sandi Dental Group advises you to have your papers in order and within reach when cross- ing into the United States. "The crossing checkpoint of Los Algo- dones, being an international focal point for both medical and dental tourism, will stay like it always has been. Due to its size, you'll be able to travel hassle-free." You will need a passport to return to the U.S. Citizens of other countries should bring their passports and vi- sas if applicable. U.S. citizens need a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or other approved document. Get quick facts and more details at Travel.State.gov. The proper authorities might carry out spontaneous revisions as a way to prevent illegal immigration. San- di Dental Group said, "We advise you to have valid identification and your appointment confirmation to show that you're having an appoint- ment with us just in case it is neces- sary." Allowances to bring to the U.S. U.S. residents must declare pur- chases when re-entering the coun- try, even from a day trip to Mexico. If you have not used your duty-free exemption in the past 30 days, you may bring back $800 worth of items for your personal or household use, including—if you are over 21—not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 non-Cuban cigars and one liter of alcohol. If you have used any part of your duty-free exemption within 30 days, different rules apply. If in doubt, ask U.S. border officials before you cross and buy more. Pharmaceuticals As a matter of law, the U.S. bans "importation" of prescription drugs, but exceptions are usually made for "personal use" amounts of FDA-ap- proved drugs (a 60- or 90-day sup- ply). If your prescription contains a narcotic, you may need a prescrip- tion from a Mexican doctor to buy it AND one from a U.S. doctor to bring it across the border. For details, see FDA.gov or CBP.gov. How safe is Los Algodones,? Sandi Dental Group stated, "We know that when traveling to an- other country, safety is a big con- cern. Don't worry, in Los Algodo- nes, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your visits completely safely. "In our small community of Los Algodones, medical tourism is the main activity. We receive foreign patients every day, every year, tak- ing care of all their medical needs during their trip. Security is always being reinforced in several tourist destinations in the state, and Los Algodones is no exception, so you don't have to worry, just enjoy all the incredible services and ameni- ties that this town has to offer. Get the latest updates at www.VisitYuma.com

• Cover