The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) which analyzes potential impacts of issuing a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) 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 Friday, August 19, 2016 near the town of Alamo, NV and finish near Dayton, NV on Saturday, August 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 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 beginning July 1, 2016 and can be viewed at: .Written comments will be accepted through July 31, 2016 and may be submitted via the
website; emailed to ; or submitted to 1553 South Main Street, P.O. Box 911, Tonopah, NV 89049.
For more information please contact Melanie Hornsby, Outdoor Recreation Planner at 775-885-6000. Questions specific to the Basin and Range National Monument should be directed to Alicia Styles, Monument Manager at 775-726- 8100.
