Reno, Nev.— The Vegas to Reno Off-Road Race brought more than 1,000 people through 16 rural Nevada communities and over 500 miles of BLM desert last weekend. While race safety is a priority in permitting the event, the economic boost to these communities is vital, too.
There were no major accidents and only a couple of minor medical incidents. The BLM will continue to permit off-highway-vehicle racing on public lands while working with promoters and participants to improve safety and reduce the impacts to public lands.
“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was comfortable permitting this event,” said Leo Drumm, outdoor recreation planner. “The race promoter, Best in the Desert, has a good safety record and planned for all contingencies.”
The race is held annually on established roads on public lands in Nevada. The race has continued running for over 20 years and has become a part of the state’s history.
Starting near Beatty, Nev., to avoid Mojave desert tortoise habitat, motorcycles, quads, buggies and trophy trucks headed north and traveled through 16 rural Nevada towns along the way. In Tonopah, restaurants were full and gas stations were busy.
Before issuing the Special Recreation Permit (SRP) for the Best in the Desert Racing Association, the BLM analyzed the Environmental Assessments (EA) used for permitting the event in previous years and determined the EAs provided adequate environmental analysis to permit the even for this year.
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