Are you still planning a trip to the Black Rock Desert?

[Token]

The Facebook group that is serving as a repository for Renegade Burn info is Black Rock Plan B. It is a private group so you'll have to request an invite to view and join in the discussion.

The latest information posted there suggests:

• Permits are only required for large camping groups.
• What constitutes a large group is not defined, but most are assuming 50 or more, but again, no one has been able to cite an official figure.
• Groups of campers exceeding the permitting threshold will be subject to fines.
• No one in the FB group currently knows of any permits that have been requested or granted.
• A requisite for the permit is proof of $1 million liability policy. There are various opinions on whether such a policy can be obtained for what is officially an unorganized event.

Of course, there's no assuming that what is posted on a FB or Reddit page is factual, but the stated purpose of the Black Rock Plan B group is to quash rumors and help people plan and so far has been a reliable source of information.

Sorry (many will disagree with me on this) but the hole point of a non-event is for people to just show up without any of the organizational bullshit that happens when people want to feel important and "in charge" of something. That's the root of most drama found on the Playa.

Last year by all accounts was great and they didn't have a fucking private FB page.

When I saw people starting to plan and organize a baby burn I threw up in my mouth a little. What could have been a great non-event is now lost.

I'm sure some of these people think they are doing a great thing & I hope the babyBORG has a great baby burn. Too bad they can't envision a non-event without their meddling and had to hi-jack what would have happened anyway.

Like I said, many will not see eye to eye with me on this. I embrace your difference of opinion. I just don't want to drive 2,000 miles & hang out with burner busy bodies.

Looks like I have to go to freaking Hawaii with Captain now (metaphorically of course)

You got my vote for mayor of non-BRC!

[sadie]

I totally agree. You put my thoughts into words…

[Captain Goddammit]

Looks like I have to go to freaking Hawaii with Captain now (metaphorically of course)

It really doesn’t suck.
When you’re there, you don’t give half a crap about that dirty desert.

[some seeing eye]

All the news that fits to print:


Good Morning,

You are being contacted because you have reached out with questions or you have submitted an application for a commercial or organized group Special Recreation Permit (SRP) to come out to the Black Rock Desert playa this summer.

I am writing to inform you that the Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office (BLM), has made decisions regarding the activities mentioned above. These decisions have been made with Public Health and Safety, and Resource Protection in mind, and we hope that you all and other visitors will respect these decisions. The decisions are:

No Organized Group SRPs will be authorized/issued. People are still welcome to visit the Black Rock Desert playa and camp.

No Commercial/Vending SRPs will be authorized/issued. Camps must be self-sufficient. No deliveries, or services will be authorized. This includes porta-potties. Camps can get their own toilets, off of public land, and bring them out themselves, then return them. This must all be done by someone in your camp. No pumping services will be authorized.

The BLM will also be implementing Temporary Restrictions of the playa. These restrictions include:

Commercial activities, as defined at 43 CFR 2932.5, are prohibited.

Camping use is limited to the flat and un-vegetated playa surface.
Building of structures is prohibited. A structure is defined as construction, placement or organization of parts, pieces, or objects that are not intended for sleeping, cooking, or protection from the elements, such as shade tents.

Ignition of fires other than a campfire is prohibited, unless specified by a fire prevention order. Campfires may only be burned in containers that are sturdily elevated six (6) inches above the playa surface and in a manner that does not pose a risk of fire debris falling onto the playa surface. Plastic and nonflammable materials may not be burned in campfires. Burning of construction materials, pallets, or wood with screws or nails is prohibited.

Possessing, discharging, using or allowing the use of fireworks, pyrotechnic or incendiary devices is prohibited.

Possessing, shooting, or causing to burn; explosives or explosive material, to include binary explosive targets is prohibited.

The discharge and dumping of grey water or black water onto the playa/ground surface is prohibited. Grey water is defined as water that has been used for cooking, washing, dishwashing, or bathing and/or contains soap, detergent, or food scraps/residue, regardless of whether such products are biodegradable or have been filtered or disinfected. Black water is defined as waste water containing feces, urine and/or flush water.

Depositing human waste (liquid and/or solid) on the playa/ground surface is prohibited.

Dumping or discharge of vehicle oil, petroleum products or other hazardous household, commercial or industrial refuse or waste onto the playa surface is prohibited. This applies to all recreational vehicles, trailers, motorhomes, port-a-potties, generators and other camp infrastructure.

Storage of over 20 gallons of fuel must include secondary containment capable of holding and preventing leaks and spills on the playa surface. Storage of less than 20 gallons must include a spill pad or other measures to prevent leaks and spills. Secondary containment is defined as capturing the entire contents of the largest tank in the containment area in the event of a leak or spill.

Unauthorized dumping or discharge of fresh water onto the playa surface in a manner that creates a hazard or nuisance is prohibited.

Aircraft landing, taking off, touch and go’s, and taxiing is prohibited. Aircraft is defined in Title 18, U.S.C., section 31 (a)(1) and includes lighter-than-aircraft and ultra-light craft. However, in an emergency, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters that are providing emergency medical services are not prohibited.

Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage by the driver or operator of any motorized vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is in motion, is prohibited. An open container is defined as any bottle, can, or other container which contains an alcoholic beverage, if that container does not have a closed top or lid for which the seal has not been broken. If the container has been opened one or more times, and the lid or top has been replaced, that container is an open container. The possession of an open container includes any open container that is physically possessed by the driver or operator or is adjacent to and reachable by that driver or operator. This includes, but is not limited, to containers in a cup holder or rack adjacent to the driver or operator, containers on a vehicle floor next to the driver or operator, and containers on a seat or console area next to a driver or operator.

All motor vehicles must comply with the following requirements:
A. The operator of a motor vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license.
B. Motor vehicles and trailers must possess evidence of valid registration.
C. It is prohibited to ride on the top of or outside of the passenger compartment (the area intended for sitting inside a vehicle).
D. Motor vehicles, other than a motorcycle or golf cart, must be equipped with at least two working headlamps and at least two functioning red tail lamps. Motorcycles or golf carts require only one working headlamp and one working red taillight during night hours, from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise. Trailers pulled by motor vehicles must be equipped with at least two functioning tail lamps and at least two functioning brake lights.
E. Motor vehicles, including motorcycles or golf carts, must display a red, amber, or yellow light brake light visible to the rear in normal sunlight upon application of the brake.
F. Except for the flat and un-vegetated playa surface, all vehicle use is limited to designated vehicle routes (roads and ways).
G. Motor vehicle is defined as any device designed for and capable of travel over land and which is self-propelled by a motor.
H. Trailer means every vehicle without motive power designed to carry property or passengers wholly on its own structure and to be drawn by a motor vehicle, this includes camp trailers, pop-up trailers, 4’x7’ or larger flatbed trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, or RV style trailers.

The possession and or use of lasers is prohibited. A laser means any laser beam device or demonstration laser product that emits a single point of light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation that is visible to the human eye.

The discharge of any firearm is prohibited within the flat and un-vegetated surface of the Black Rock Desert playa. Firearm means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other device which is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the ignition of a propellant. Discharge means the expelling of a projectile from a firearm. Discharge of firearms outside of the flat and un-vegetated playa surface requires a safe back shooting across or towards roads and trails is prohibited.

The use or discharge of flame effects is prohibited. Flame effect is defined as the combustion of solids, liquids, or gases to produce thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomena. This includes all flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any other action than simply being lit on fire; as well as projects using propane or other liquid or gaseous fuels.

We also ask that everyone continue to follow Leave No Trace principles and follow all other state and local laws.

Please be respectful of the communities and services you use when coming to the Black Rock Desert playa.

Please use best judgement and know your limits. The BLM wants visitors to have a good time when visiting public land but we want you to be safe. Be aware that Emergency Services (medical, fire, law enforcement) are limited around the area.

I want to thank you all for reaching out and being responsible recreationists. I hope to see you out on the Black Rock Desert playa this summer. If you have questions please email me to schedule a time to talk. Thank you.

Chelsea McKinney Burning Man Project Manager Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Black Rock Field Office

[Jackass]

Damn, it sounds like they're dropping the hammer on a few things that were no big deal last year... we'll see how this goes. Hey, thanks for trying to organize an unorganized event... friggin idiots

It was all unnecessary attention, how's that for a response to your permit inquiry?!

It was so simple, if you can't shit in a bucket, don't go.

[JohnEBGud]

Yeah, I think either that BLM was caught off guard last year or they realized from the buzz on social media and publicly posted city maps that the population this year is likely to be 10x greater than last.

Porta potties are allowed, you just can't have them delivered to the Playa by an outside vendor. They have to be rented off playa and brought in and out by a camp member. On the other hand, pump-outs are prohibited so you don't want to be the camp member responsible for returning them.

[Popeye]

Well, it's better than I expected but worse than I hoped. They must have gotton a whole bunch of "We don't want your bullshit letters". I encourage everyone to write one, doesn't have to be well written just expressive.
I wonder how much of this is salami slicing- adding a little bit of regulation then a little more then more and more.
I have to say I really like the no commercialization.

[lucky420]

Damn, it sounds like they're dropping the hammer on a few things that were no big deal last year... we'll see how this goes. Hey, thanks for trying to organize an unorganized event... friggin idiots

It was all unnecessary attention, how's that for a response to your permit inquiry?!

It was so simple, if you can't shit in a bucket, don't go.

You get all my upvotes today

[Captain Goddammit]

I think they think what I think.
Last year was cool, this year was shaping up to be a train wreck.

[some seeing eye]

Damn, it sounds like they're dropping the hammer on a few things that were no big deal last year... we'll see how this goes. Hey, thanks for trying to organize an unorganized event... friggin idiots

It was all unnecessary attention, how's that for a response to your permit inquiry?!

It was so simple, if you can't shit in a bucket, don't go.

Yes!

Actually it may be worse. There is a report the rules start July 1, in other words, including the 4th of Juplaya.

The organizer online attention whores got the attention they deserved and brought it on everyone too. Several people here have said similar. Last year was better, as usual.

It also sounds like that BLM letter was written by a lawyer.

[burner von braun]

The first rule of going renegade is...

You don't talk about going renegade.

Really though, it was never going to fly under the radar this year. At least BLM released this statement now, rather than in August.

But yeah, not good if rigidity begins to spill over into other events that happen on playa. I still think that Juplaya sounds to me much more like the experience many seem to be craving.

[lucky420]

Damn, it sounds like they're dropping the hammer on a few things that were no big deal last year... we'll see how this goes. Hey, thanks for trying to organize an unorganized event... friggin idiots

It was all unnecessary attention, how's that for a response to your permit inquiry?!

It was so simple, if you can't shit in a bucket, don't go.

Yes!

Actually it may be worse. There is a report the rules start July 1, in other words, including the 4th of Juplaya.

The organizer online attention whores got the attention they deserved and brought it on everyone too. Several people here have said similar. Last year was better, as usual.

It also sounds like that BLM letter was written by a lawyer.

The BLM rules that they’re enforcing this year are still the same rules they’ve always enforced. There might be 1 or 2 new ones (source Juplaya FB page) so same old

People’s heads be exploding all over FB. Y’all can still go camping up here and be weird

[M F Bonz]

Snickers~
That’s the way I read it. Kind of expected this from BLM.
I would have been surprised if they’d actually gave out permits.
Bump and I will be going … not sure about the rest.
Still waiting for some people to respond.

See you in the dust.
I’ll bring the beach.

E1C4FDA1-E084-4724-ADE5-27B37524E4D3.jpeg

[The Rod]

Interesting to note that sending out personally signed emails as to what is and isn't allowed does not equal either laws, official closure orders and/or regulations and restrictions. Most of that shit is legally unenforceable... Sure it wont stop the LEO's from trying to fine you for erecting your art or find probable cause to further infringe on your rights, because we all know that pigs will be pigs.

It's worth waiting to see if BLM releases an actual official statement or public notice of usage restrictions.

[some seeing eye]

If you have time to waste on the book of face...

$64k question: did anyone get ticketed this weekend for any of the “Rules” BLM published for this year?

"The BLM rangers were great. One ranger up on our Tesla coil extravagant lightning performance and asked permission to take a video to show his colleagues in order to win their informal “coolest thing seen on the playa this weekend” contest."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1009341 ... 3562988753

TL:DR Juplayans and LEO were well behaved

[M F Bonz]

TL:DR Juplayans and LEO were well behaved

I’m not sure why anyone would be surprised juplaya was relatively uneventful as far as problems. It’s been going on for years without any major problems. No reason that would be any different this year.
Possible the camp out in August can be the same with no major problems???
Hard to say….

Just remember ignorance of the law is not a defense. If somebody tells you there could be some laws restricting what you do out there. That’s a courtesy.
It’s not in their responsibilities to teach you those laws …it’s yours to know them ….well if you don’t want to be ticketed or arrested.

See you in the dust~

[Captain Goddammit]

I find it amusing that the BMORG will only refer to going without them as “visiting the playa”

[some seeing eye]

What I find interesting is that BLM used Washoe County as LEO instead of Pershing County where the land lies.

The legal complexity of continuing that is beyond my knowledge. But it would be a big step up to the burn, and Hualapai, if that could be made so. That's why we pay the BORG the big bucks to maneuver shit.

[gaminwench]

If BRC were gerrymandered from Pershing to Washoe ... ???

[Captain Goddammit]

If BRC were gerrymandered from Pershing to Washoe ... ???

I just learned a new word today

[XPTom]

If we're going to gerrymander don't we need to have an election process to gerrymander? I vote no on the election idea. ......Tom

[Montanarchist]

No lasers, no fire effects, no explosive targets- this no longer has even a taste of the original freedom that was created during Zone Trip 4 (the first Burning Man after the gestapo shut down Bakers Beach). Gotta wonder if these draconian restrictions aimed at only Burners has anything to do with the BLM being afraid of losing all the income from what has become a huge cash cow for them?

[ygmir]

If we're going to gerrymander don't we need to have an election process to gerrymander? I vote no on the election idea. ......Tom

testify.
I like what you say here, and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[FlyingMonkey]

If you have time to waste on the book of face...

$64k question: did anyone get ticketed this weekend for any of the “Rules” BLM published for this year?

"The BLM rangers were great. One ranger up on our Tesla coil extravagant lightning performance and asked permission to take a video to show his colleagues in order to win their informal “coolest thing seen on the playa this weekend” contest."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1009341 ... 3562988753

TL:DR Juplayans and LEO were well behaved

I'm still trying to figure out why Black Lives Matters gives 2 shits about Burning Man anyway.......

[some seeing eye]

Rogue Burning Man 2021: Should you go? Probably not.

https://mashable.com/article/burning-man-2021

"We're not dissuading people from going," says Marian Goodell, longtime CEO of the nonprofit Burning Man organization, who plans on visiting Rogue Burning Man herself. "But I don't think you should try to go if you're not an experienced Burner. And if you last went in 1996, when we respected the dangers of the desert and communal effort was key, this is your year."

[M F Bonz]

Bawhaha…. Trying to scare real burners off with smoke and dust storms…… brilliant!!
Why didn’t I think of that.

I think we all need a little break from this wild ride we all seem to be on….. but where? how? It’s fucking problems everywhere!! no exception.

Oh well.

If you don’t have the skill set to be out there all by yourself with no support from anyone…..don’t fucking go. Wait for the next burn.

The rest of us don’t want to babysit your ass. Just stay home.

But! ..if you have the skills and thrive on this kind of hard core survival…….. like some of us do ..then…… be safe and I’ll see you in the dust.

Mozy Fucking Bonz~

[Captain Goddammit]

Showing up prepared as though no one else was going to be there was always the right way to go to Burning Man.
Now, the people who say stupid shit like “the playa provides” are going to learn something about what dry empty deserts provide.

[M F Bonz]

Showing up prepared as though no one else was going to be there was always the right way to go to Burning Man.
Now, the people who say stupid shit like “the playa provides” are going to learn something about what dry empty deserts provide.

No doubt my friend.

[some seeing eye]

The first rule of the renegade burn is don't use the 3 mile entrance. The second rule of the renegade burn is don't use the 3 mile entrance.

(Found on the Internet - don't be them. Asking the Internet to save your ass is not self reliance.)

Posted by -Bliss-

"EMERGENCY PLAYA RESCUE REACH OUT!!!
Hi fellow burners who are out there already...
My best friend and 20yr playa buddy car is stuck on the playa in a hidden patch of mud with her boyfriend not too far off the hwy turn off.
They easily got turned around off their heading. (She's a veteran 20 burner, knows the terrain, etc...
They turned onto playa as it was just getting dark around 830 following tire tracks thinking were right ones and still got turned around, could not see lights/camps anywhere.
There's hard playa just few feet away, MUD WAS HIDING UNDER THIN DRY LAYER OF CRUST.
They are on edge of playa on eastern (Gerlach) side very close to Gerlach as the bird flies.
If there's anyone out there with vehicle and means to help them..... pleaseGerlach toy guy will call them in morning and hopefully b willing to help...???? Sheriff will rescue them but not their car.
Below is a screenshot of her GPS coordinates, Google map location, vehicle make etc. Not enough service for her to upload herself on this group page. They have small car and camp set up for the night (they were only planning for an over-nighter) there are safety/glowy lights around there camp for the night.
Thank you so much
Any helpful reply I can forward to her. Please no negative feedback!!!! We all know it's a wild land out there and will be chaotic without regular beacons and boundaries!
(SO FYI TO ANYONE ELSE HEADING OUT THERE....
it's a wild land out there even for someone who knows the land and extremes, be safe and extra cautious!!! No road cones, lights, obvious tire tracks anything marking the correct path entering and journeying out into playa!!!)
Toyota Venza

Red dot is them. Yellow dot is BRC.

[M F Bonz]

The first rule of the renegade burn is don't use the 3 mile entrance. The second rule of the renegade burn is don't use the 3 mile entrance.

(Found on the Internet - don't be them. Asking the Internet to save your ass is not self reliance.)

Posted by -Bliss-

"EMERGENCY PLAYA RESCUE REACH OUT!!!
Hi fellow burners who are out there already...
My best friend and 20yr playa buddy car is stuck on the playa in a hidden patch of mud with her boyfriend not too far off the hwy turn off.
They easily got turned around off their heading. (She's a veteran 20 burner, knows the terrain, etc...
They turned onto playa as it was just getting dark around 830 following tire tracks thinking were right ones and still got turned around, could not see lights/camps anywhere.
There's hard playa just few feet away, MUD WAS HIDING UNDER THIN DRY LAYER OF CRUST.
They are on edge of playa on eastern (Gerlach) side very close to Gerlach as the bird flies.
If there's anyone out there with vehicle and means to help them..... pleaseGerlach toy guy will call them in morning and hopefully b willing to help...???? Sheriff will rescue them but not their car.
Below is a screenshot of her GPS coordinates, Google map location, vehicle make etc. Not enough service for her to upload herself on this group page. They have small car and camp set up for the night (they were only planning for an over-nighter) there are safety/glowy lights around there camp for the night.
Thank you so much
Any helpful reply I can forward to her. Please no negative feedback!!!! We all know it's a wild land out there and will be chaotic without regular beacons and boundaries!
(SO FYI TO ANYONE ELSE HEADING OUT THERE....
it's a wild land out there even for someone who knows the land and extremes, be safe and extra cautious!!! No road cones, lights, obvious tire tracks anything marking the correct path entering and journeying out into playa!!!)
Toyota Venza

Red dot is them. Yellow dot is BRC.


Screen Shot 2021-08-29 at 7.06.26 AM.png

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your posts.

Well It’s already starting.
Skill sets people. Small car was the first red flag …..a skill set would’ve Identify the problem early.…..Before they ever hit the desert.
Skill: identify the problems and plan accordingly. If you get stuck in the mud or sand ….do you have the skills and tools to get it out? Seasoned experience off roaders get stuck all the time …. It’s ok to ask for help …The difference is they expect it and plan for it. And they usually travel in groups just so those resources are available.

Good luck.
Hopefully someone’s going to save you.
You’re not the first to get stuck and I’m sure you won’t be the last. No shame in Learning the skills and that’s what you’re doing now. All off-roaders have done it at least once …. Whether they want to admit it or not. It happens. I got stuck in a 1968 Mustang in sand dunes once…. I had no business being in the dunes in a 68 mustang with street tires. What can I say…. Other than my wife has a scar and we have a great story from it. We did get unstuck all on our own. Skill: Years of playing in the desert.

If you have plans to head out to Black Rock. Reassess your abilities to be out there. Plan accordingly. Don’t die.

Mozy Fucking Bonz~