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LAS VEGAS— The Las Vegas Field Office announces the temporary closure of certain public lands under its administration from March 9 through March 10, 2019. This action is being taken to minimize the risk of potential collisions between racers and spectators for the 2019 Mint 400.

The temporary closure area includes the Jean/Roach Dry Lakes Special Recreation Management Area and is bordered by Hidden Valley to the north, the McCullough Mountains to the east, the California State line to the south and Nevada State Route 604 to the west. The entire area as described above is temporarily closed to all vehicles and personnel except law enforcement, emergency vehicles, ticketed spectators, event personnel, and race participants. Race participants and spectators are required to remain within the designated areas only.

The following restrictions will be in effect for the duration of the temporary closure. Unless otherwise authorized, the following activities within the closure area are prohibited:

• Camping;
• Possession and/or consuming any alcoholic beverage unless the person has reached the age of 21 years;
• Discharging or use of firearms or other weapons;
• Possession and/or discharging 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 All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), motorcycles, Utility Terrain Vehicles UTV, golf carts, and any Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) which is not legally registered for street and highway operation, including operation of such a vehicle in spectator viewing areas;
• 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, barricade, fence, or traffic control barrier or device;
• Failing to maintain control of a vehicle to avoid danger to persons, property, resources, or wildlife; and
• Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than 25 mph.

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

-BLM-