BLM analyzes environmental assessment for desert racing

The Bureau of Land Management has prepared an Environmental Assessment which analyzes potential impacts of issuing a special recreation permit for the proposed Best in the Desert annual Vegas to Reno off-highway vehicle race. Public comments will be accepted through July 31.

This year’s race is proposed to start on Aug. 19 near Alamo and finish near Dayton on Aug. 20. The proposed route is entirely on existing roads. Most of these roads are on public lands managed by three BLM Districts (Ely, Battle Mountain and Carson City districts), including a 37-mile segment passing through the Basin and Range National Monument in the Ely District entirely on existing roads. Short route segments also pass through Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and private lands.

The route runs through southern Churchill County near the Top Gun Raceway, 14 miles south of Fallon.

The event would include trucks, cars, buggies, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. The promoter expects 330 event vehicles, approximately 5,000 spectators and 500 staff members. Conditions and stipulations attached to the SRP would include safety and resource protection measures, sanitation, cleanup and route rehabilitation.

The EA will be available for a 30-day public comment period can be viewed at http://1.usa.gov/291xoSO.Written comments will be accepted through July 31and may be submitted via the website; emailed to blm_nv_bmdo_tfo_vegastorenoea@blm.gov; or submitted to 1553 South Main Street, P.O. Box 911, Tonopah, NV 89049.