WINNEMUCCA -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office, is seeking comment on a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Burning Man Event Special Recreation Permit for the 2012-2016 period.  The BLM will accept comments on the EA through April 16, 2012.

Black Rock City LLC’s proposal for the 2012-2016 permit/events includes a participant population level from 58,000 increasing to 70,000 during the 5-year period.  The festival has been held annually on public lands in Pershing County, Nev., on the dry lake playa of the Black Rock Desert 10 miles northeast of Gerlach, Nev.  The festival has been held since 1990 and has been permitted with the issuance of Special Recreation Permits by BLM since 1992.

The operations associated with the event occupy about 4,400 acres of public land for a seven week period starting with fencing the site perimeter the second week of August and concluding in late September with the final site cleanup.  The major activities are confined to several weeks in late August and early September associated with final setup, the actual event, and the initial phases of cleanup.  During this period, Black Rock City becomes one of the largest cities in Nevada.

The EA may be viewed online at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_information/nepa0.html.  Printed copies are available upon request from the BLM Winnemucca District Office. Written comments should be directed to Cory Roegner, BLM Black Rock Field Office, 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca NV 89445-2921.  Comments can also be submitted by email to burningmannepa@blm.gov. Email messages should include “Burning Man 2012-2016 Permit Renewal” in the subject line.

Commenters should be aware before including their address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in their comment, that their entire comment – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.  While they can ask BLM in their comment to withhold personal identifying information from public review, BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.  Anonymity is not allowed for submissions from organizations or businesses and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses.

For more information, contact Cory Roegner, BLM Black Rock Field Office at (775) 623-1500 or croegner@blm.gov.