Date: February 2, 2005

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

BLM RECEIVES PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR 2005 DESERT OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE EVENTS

Three motorcycle racing organizations have applied to the BLM Winnemucca Field Office for permits to conduct desert off-highway racing events in this area. These events would occur from February 2005 through mid-October 2005. The applications are from the Trailblazers Motorcycle Club of Reno, the Flying W’s Motorcycle Club of Winnemucca and the Tankslappers Motorcycle Club of Reno.

The three races would take place northeast of Fernley, west of Winnemucca and in the Nightingale Mountains/Winnemucca Lake area respectively. The proposed motorcycle race routes would traverse washes, two-track roads, and parts of previously used courses. Approximately 200 racers are expected to participate in each event. The youth events would be held on the Saturday dates, and the adult events on Sunday.

The Trailblazer’s race is proposed for February 19th and 20th. The race area is located north of the I-80, Nightingale exit. This race follows existing courses through the southern end of the Shawave Range and parts of the Sage Hen Creek area. The beginning/ending point would be located in Sage Hen Wash about three miles south of the Pershing/Churchill County Line.

The Flying W’s Blue Mountain Race, March 19th and 20th will primarily follow the 2004 race route north of Pronto near Blue Mountain. The beginning/ending point will be moved to a new location north of Jungo Road due to safety concerns.

The Tankslappers motorcycle race, originally slated for February 5th and 6th, has been delayed until mid October. It would begin near the north end of Winnemucca Lake and follow a course through the northern end of the Nightingale Mountains on existing courses.

Anyone having questions or comments is invited to contact Gerald Gulley at the BLM Winnemucca Field Office, 5100 East Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca NV 89445 (775-623-1500). Please forward any comments regarding these proposals to the above address by March 1, 2005.

- BLM -