Burning Man, BLM should allow Black Rock Desert to heal properly: Blaylock

Laura Blaylock | Reno Gazette-Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: Black Rock Desert playa covered in water RGJ writer Jenny Kane reports in March 2017 from the water-covered Black Rock Desert playa.

The Black Rock playa surface in some areas needs serious restoration. Just picking up litter is not enough.

I am an advocate for our public lands, the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Leave No Trace Outdoor Education and a site steward with the State Historic Preservation Office. The Bureau of Land Management has recognized me in the past as a dedicated volunteer since 2005. I have always applauded their firefighting capabilities.

I first visited the Black Rock Desert in 1974. I lived in a cabin made from railroad ties for six years near Sulphur, and moved to Gerlach in 2012. I spend more time on the playa than anyone else, doing "playa patrol" with the Litter Truck painted with earth-friendly sayings by kids. This will be my 14th year in a row volunteering during the event promoting Leave No Trace. I volunteered last year a few days with Burning Man's Department of Public Works.

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I have "Be Playa Friendly" tattooed on my wrist — a phrase that I originated. I am a wind worshiper and land sail and fly kites.

We all realize the economic impact that the event has on our state, but the economic value of our public lands should not be the No. 1 consideration. The BLM's primary mission is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. There needs to be balance between public land use and preserving and protecting; we need more stewardship and land ethics.

It was said when the playa flooded it would heal with the flood last year. I don't believe it did. It has been documented that the fairy shrimp have been impacted. What is the carry capacity of the land? The BLM is directed to prioritize conservation above all other priorities, but is that actually happening in the Black Rock Desert with the BLM's largest client, the Burning Man organization?

Back in 2002, the BLM said that "(p)rotecting our public lands from undue or unnecessary degradation is a core duty of Burning Man and we would be remiss in not including environmental considerations as a basis for modifying a permit."

I am trying to be an instigator of common sense and change. Compromise is how we achieve something everyone can live with.

Laura Blaylock is a Gerlach resident.