Burning Man suing U.S. government to recover millions of dollars

Dreyma dancers Tracy Windisch, Aradia Julia Sunseri, Marlowe Bassett, and Cassandra Davis (clockwise from left) at Burning Man 2019, the largest outdoor arts festival in North America, in the Black Rock desert of Gerlach, Nevada. Windisch on performing at Burning Man, “It’s freeing because since no one is being paid to do it, everyone gives it their all, I don’t have to hold back because the event wasn’t willing to pay for my full expression.” less Dreyma dancers Tracy Windisch, Aradia Julia Sunseri, Marlowe Bassett, and Cassandra Davis (clockwise from left) at Burning Man 2019, the largest outdoor arts festival in North America, in the Black Rock desert ... more Photo: Jane Hu Photo: Jane Hu Image 1 of / 64 Caption Close Burning Man suing U.S. government to recover millions of dollars 1 / 64 Back to Gallery

Black Rock City LLC, the subsidiary that produces Burning Man, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, according to the Reno Gazette Journal.

The company that puts on the popular 80,000-person event in Nevada's Black Rock Desert has waited four years to hear whether the government body is justified in issuing $3 million in annual charges to the yearly event.

"This case is our attempt to break this cycle," Burning Man spokeswoman Megan Miller sent the Reno Gazette Journal in an email statement.

The BLM, which oversees public land use, grants permits for Burning Man.

The Burning Man organization is seeking "relief from defendants' ongoing, unlawful and prejudicial conduct towards (Black Rock City LLC) that threatens the viability of the iconic Burning Man event," the lawsuit said.

Black Rock City has been required to reimburse the BLM, which provides law enforcement and oversight at the event, for its services and expenses, in addition to contributing three percent of its revenue.

In 2012, Burning Man organizers reimbursed the BLM nearly $1.4 million in expenses, a 60 percent year-over-year increase, though the event population increased by only 4 percent that year, according to the lawsuit. The same bill was $2.9 million in 2013.

Black Rock City and BLM have had a tumultuous relationship for years. In 2015, top BLM officials were accused of extorting Burning Man organizers, including demanding special treatment and amenities at the event.

Tessa McLean is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her at tessa.mclean@sfgate.com or follow her on Twitter @mcleantessa.