Date: May 20, 2004

CONTACT: Jamie Thompson, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 623-1500

BLM PROVIDES FOR DIVERSE RECREATION EVENTS IN BLACK ROCK DESERT

BLM has issued permits for several diverse recreation events in the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA) located about 100 miles north-northeast of Reno. The activities include two high-altitude rocket launches, the Burning Man festival (authorized for both 2004 and 2005), the Holy Gale landsailing race, a Shakespearian play on the playa, and a moonlight horseback ride.

The first rocket launch took place on Monday, May 17th. The other permitted events will occur throughout the summer and fall. BLM is also analyzing permit applications for other proposed activities in the NCA for this year including four-wheel-drive adventures, educational tours, several hobby and experimental rocket launches, and several permits for commercial outfitter-guide hunting.

"These permitted activities provide important opportunities for the public that would not otherwise be available and also help bolster local tourism economies," says NCA Manager Dave Cooper. Monitoring and environmental assessments have not identified any detrimental long-term environmental effects caused by these activities on public lands. Stipulations in the permits require organizers to take actions to protect the environment as well as to provide for the health and safety of public land users.

General information on the NCA and Wilderness areas is available online at http://www.nv.blm.gov/winnemucca and a schedule of NCA events is available at http://www.BlackRockHighRockInfo.net. Further information is also available by contacting David Lefevre, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at the BLM Winnemucca Field Office, 5100 East Winnemucca Boulevard, Winnemucca NV 89445-2921, at 775-623-1500, or by email request to wfoweb@nv.blm.gov (please put "Playa Permits" in the subject line of your message).

- BLM -