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LAS VEGAS— The Las Vegas Field Office announces the temporary closure of certain public lands in the Jean Dry Lake Bed area from October 4 through October 6, 2019. This action is being taken to help ensure public safety during the 2019 Rise Lantern Festival.

The temporary closure area includes the Jean Dry Lake Bed and is bordered by Hidden Valley to the east, Sheep Mountain to the southwest, and Interstate 15 to the northwest. The entire area is temporarily closed to all vehicles and personnel except Law Enforcement, Emergency Vehicles, event personnel, and ticketed festival participants. Festival participants are required to remain within the designated spectator areas.

In order to ensure public safety, unless otherwise authorized, the following activities within the temporary closure area are prohibited:

• Camping.
• Possession and/or consuming any alcoholic beverage unless the person has reached the age of 21 years.
• Discharge, or use of firearms or other weapons.
• Possession and/or discharge of fireworks.                                      
• Allowing any pet or other animal in their care to be unrestrained at any time. Animals must be on a leash or other restraint no longer than 3 feet.
• Operation of any vehicle including any off-highway vehicle (OHV) or Golf Cart within the closure area, except along designated event routes to and from entrance/exit points and parking areas; or designated event vehicles and official vehicles.
• Parking any vehicle in violation of posted restrictions, or in such a manner as to obstruct or impede normal or emergency traffic movement or the parking of other vehicles, create a safety hazard, or endanger any person, property or feature.  Vehicles so parked are subject to citation, removal and impoundment at the owner’s expense.
• Operating a vehicle through, around or beyond a restrictive sign, recognizable barricade, fence or traffic control barrier or device.

Signs and maps directing the public to designated spectator areas will be provided by the event sponsor.

The above restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles and vehicles owned by the United States, the State of Nevada, or Clark County. Vehicles under permit for operation by event participants must follow the event permit stipulations.  Authority for temporary closure of public lands is found in 43 CFR 8340 subpart 8341, 43 CFR 8360 subpart 8364.1, and 43 CFR 2932.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Clark, BLM Law Enforcement Chief Ranger, BLM Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 North Torrey Pines, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130, (702) 515-5000.

Kenny Kendrick, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130, (702) 515-5073