Drone and explosive testing proposed near Fly Ranch and Geyser

[some seeing eye]

The Iveson ranch is about 3 miles from the work ranch off Rte 34. The new owner is applying for a permit to test drones and explosives.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+I ... 8983,594m/

They are depending on the Gerlach volunteer fire department for firefighting.

There may be a public input process upcoming if burners would like to do some research in advance.

From the early days the Google founders were involved in Burning Man. 1999, maybe earlier. Those were the days of Google Do No Wrong. They hired Eric Schmidt as CEO. Schmidt has for the last few years gone to the dark side of military technology. He may now be involved with the project.

https://www.washoecounty.gov/csd/planni ... on_app.pdf

[Popeye]

I wonder how explosive testing would affect Fly? I didn't see any limit on the size of the explosions.
How would a drone permit/use at Iverson affect the Special Use Permit? How far could we restrict drones from the Burn? There are definitely privacy issues here, as well as safety issues with our airport. I know that drones cannot be flown within XX miles of an airport but how about a seasonal airport.

[Token]

As long as they have a FrogBat at every detonation … I don’t see a problem.

[some seeing eye]

A pro the project article

https://thenevadaindependent.com/articl ... urning-man

Our friends at Friend of Black Rock High Rock

Friends of Black Rock High Rock has serious concerns about Washoe County Planning Commission item WSUP25-0018 (Iveson Ranch Drone Testing and Explosive Detonation).

Visitors come to the Black Rock High Rock region for quiet solitude, dark skies, and incredible wildlife. Activities like drone testing, detonations, and potential future expansions to this operation threaten that experience and the health of our ecosystem.

We encourage the community to stay informed and make your voice heard.

Details of the Iverson Ranch Special Use Permit https://www.washoecounty.gov/csd/planni ... nch_sr.pdf

Washoe County Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, November 20th at 6:00PM at 1001 E. Ninth Street Building A, Reno, NV 89512 - Inside Washoe County Chambers - Zoom link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84272659406

We’ll be there and hope to see you as well!
#BlackRockDesert #PublicLands #WashoeCounty #ProtectWildlife #KeepItWil

The current runway is 5200' We shall see if they expand it.

I posted info on the project on a Gerlach Facebook group, The moderator is militantly anti-Burning Man and has retired most of the year outside Gerlach. They deleted my post.

[some seeing eye]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/maga ... =url-share

[some seeing eye]

Washoe County approves

https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2026/01/ ... 182588007/

[some seeing eye]

https://thenevadaindependent.com/articl ... urning-man