Although the statement is still in its draft phase, the proposed actions therein would shake the culture of the event to its very core. As a result, Burning Man has issued a call to action for all Burners.
With an April 29th deadline looming, the call to action asks for the public to speak out. The Burning Man Project, looking to secure a 10 year permit, is asking for the public to help shape the future of the event through their public outcry. The final draft of the economic impact statement will be due out later this summer so the public will definitely need to act fast. The following statement from Burning Man via Black Rock City (BRC) News highlights the urgency:
“Some of BLM’s proposals are in direct conflict with our community’s core principles and would forever negatively change the fabric of the Burning Man event, if not outright kill it.”
Despite being a pillar of the community, respecting the environment and protecting its culture, the event is under fire. Burning Man Project feels that the reputation of the event was overlooked when the EIS was drafted. Hence, the call to action.
Changes To The Event
In its plead for support, Burning Man has listed some of the most arduous proposed changes that will alter the culture of the event. It’s biggest issues was being forced into maintaining CR-34 which leads to the entrance of the event. Measures such as enclosing the event in fencing, providing waste bins, and hiring private security also raise issues of costs. Estimates place cost increases at upwards of $20 million per year.
Additionally, a suggested change in the event’s length from 8 to 9.5 days would increase costs further. Finally, the event producers also take issue with the proposed ideas for population caps and moving the event site. Both would inevitably shake the festival’s culture to its core.
Call To Action
Burning Man has pleaded with the community and its supporters to let their voices be heard. They’re asking all stakeholders to attend the two upcoming hearings: April 8 in Reno and April 9 in Lovelock. Furthermore, they need the public to comment on the EIS but have asked that you read the commenting guidelines first which can be found here. Once you have a firm grasp of how you can be effective, they’ve asked that you comment on the BLM comment form here or by emailing blm_nv_burningmaneis@blm.gov (be sure to copy Burning Man at eis@burningman.org.)
If you love this event, consider yourself a Burner, or care about the culture these types of events promote, then you don’t want to miss this opportunity to stand with Burning Man. Read the call to action in full here to get more specific details on deadlines, meeting dates/locations, contact info, and where to find more information.
