2008 Burning Man Stipulation Monitoring Report

2008 Burning Man Stipulation Monitoring Report

View from BABYLON photo credit: Robert Williams “The show-stopper art installation this year was Babylon, a 10-story steel-frame tower rising 100 feet into the sky, with a stairwell to the top. Built by union workers out of recycled materials, the structure was financed by an anonymous company and rumored to cost $700,000 to build and transport to the dry desert lakebed known as the Playa. A family financed the structure to honor its Greek immigrant father, who was one of the early builders of Las Vegas and, according to his heirs, embodied the spirit of this year's theme at Burning Man - the American Dream. Babylon came with a photo booth that projected images of people on the tower's sides. The projection combined heads, torsos and legs of different people as one person, providing endless entertainment.”

from www.sfgate.com

Report prepared for

Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office 5100 E. Winnemucca Boulevard Winnemucca, Nevada 89445 775-623-1500

Report prepared by

Laura M. Levy Integrated Mapping Strategies

Winnemucca, Nevada 89445 [email protected]

PAGE 4 OF 113 BM08 STIPULATION MONITORING REPORT

CONTENTS

I. Executive Summary………………………..…………..……..5

A. Introduction

B. Results for BM 2008

C. Recommendations for Monitoring BM 2009

D. Completed Studies

II. The Studies..………..……………………….….…………..10

For each -

A. Goal

B. Stipulation

C. Method

D. Data

E. Results

F. Recommendations

III. Exploring Cumulative Effects………..……………….…...85

A. Observations

B. Discussion

C. Recommendations

IV. Technical Note..……………………………………….….101

V. The Monitoring Team…………………………..…………111


I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. INTRODUCTION

Background

The Burning Man event was first held on the Black Rock Desert in 1990 and has

continued since annually. The combination art festival, social event, and

experiment in community living starts on Monday before Labor Day and runs for 8

days. Burning Man is the largest permitted event on public lands for any US

federal agency. Since 1990, the event participation has increased from a few

hundred participants to almost 50,000. The Winnemucca BLM Field Office

received a Special Recreation Permit application from Black Rock City LLC for the

Burning Man event for 2006 through 2010. The potential impacts of the event

were analyzed and an Environmental Assessment (EA) was issued with stipulated

terms to ensure both visitor safety and resource protection. In recent years,

permit fees paid to BLM approached $1,000,000. Given the nature of event

activities and the fees involved, Burning Man commands much public visibility. It is

critical that BLM closely monitor and document compliance with the event permit.

Project scope

• Monitor stipulations during the event

• Communicate team data and results of efforts at BM08

• Make recommendations for monitoring at BM09

Report goals

Provide managers with knowledge necessary to:

• Determine if permit stipulations were adequately met

• Modify stipulations as needed for next year’s event

• Incorporate similar stipulations for other permitted events

• Adopt these monitoring methodologies for other permitted events


B. RESULTS FOR BM08

During the event

Black Rock citizens are a self-patrolling community not shy about pointing out to

their neighbor behaviors that might challenge or bend accepted policies. All wish

to be welcomed back next year by the Burning Man LLC and BLM alike. During

the event most violations were minimal and easily resolved. Most concerns

involved greywater. These were usually minor leaks in evaporative pools rather

than outright violations.

Nearing the end of event

As the event neared Exodus, the most common violation was the trash left behind

by many camps. These violations were resolved by the Burning Man Department

of Public Works (DPW) clean-up crews, who spend almost a full month on the

playa cleaning up after the week-long party.

Six-weeks after event

In October, members of the Team returned to revisit concern areas of concern.

It was good to see that:

• All sites were cleaned to high standard.

• A repeat occurrence of the orange discoloration left from the gravel used in

burn pads in 2007 was not seen this year.

• Most stipulations appeared to have been met.

Most violations and concerns were resolved six weeks after the event. Noted

concerns were:

• Gravel was found beneath the burn pad of every art project and community

burn barrels.

• The orange discolorations at every burn pad documented in the 2007

Monitoring Report still remain on the playa with no evidence of fading.


C. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BM09

The Monitoring Team recommends:

• Continuing the majority of the studies completed in 2008

• Continuing to improve methodologies based on the lessons learned

and emerging technologies

• Shifting focus of future efforts on exploring cumulative impacts


D. COMPLETED STUDIES

Study Stipulation

Results [+ Good, - Concern]

& Recommendations (

)

1 Monitoring the Good, Bad & the Ugly

20 – Pit or hole

62 – Greywater

31 – Solid Waste Management

28 – Fire (Non- Art burn)

22 – Oil drip

30 – Fugitive dust

57, 58 – Health & safety

60, 74 – EMS & Fire

+ Minor violations resolved during event or by event clean-up crew

2 The Open Playa:

Art Projects & Burn Barrels

19 – Art burn

20 – Pit or hole

64 – Community burn barrel

68 – Art burn schedule

+ No burn scars or excessive debris

- Decomposed gravel from burn pads remain at all inspected burn pads

- Orange discoloration from 2007 burn pad have not yet faded

• Explore methods of containment to ensure efficient gravel removal

• Return to proven burn pad materials of the past

3 Airport 51 & 53 – Airport • Simplify stipulations by deferring to FAA-

standards

• Include airport location on public closure maps

• Coordinate BLM and Burning Man planning to ensure facilities are in the BM09 closure area

4 Signs 7, 35 & 56 –

Posting regulations

42 & 46 –

Exodus traffic and guards

+ Stipulations met

• Utilize multiple venues for communication


Study Stipulation

Results [+ Good, - Concern]

& Recommendations (

)

5 Hot Springs 24 – Cultural resources

+ Stipulations met

• Team monitor only Trego and Coyote Springs

• Enlist Earth Guardian help for other springs

6 Perimeter Fence

32 – Fence + Stipulations met

7 Population 1 - Ticket sales

10 - Reporting + Population kept under 50,000 participants

- Population numbers received after 60-day

reporting date outlined in stipulations

8 Trash Transects

79 – Trash transects See BLM file report for results

9 Porta-Potty Placement (PeePeePee)

61 – Sanitation - Each morning, puddles appear adjacent to the

Esplanade and on the open playa

• Develop methods to successfully document this

• Increase visibility of toilets on open playa at night

• Utilize GIS analysis to optimize placement of potties that balances the needs of users with that of pumping crews.

Exploring

Cumulative Effects

- Large dunes from 07 fence still remain

+ New dunes did not appear at 08 fence

• Include more detailed stipulation for knocking down accumulated dust at fence and other structures


II. THE STUDIES

1. Monitoring the Good, the Bad & the Ugly …………………………11 i. Sanitation

Stip 20 – Pit or hole Stip 62 – Greywater

ii. Solid waste management Stip 31 - Solid waste management

iii. Camping & recreational uses

Stip 28 – Fires (Non-art burn)

iv. Prohibited by Burning Man

v. Public health & safety

Stip 22 – Oil drip Stip 30 – Fugitive dust Stips 57, 58 - Public health & safety Stips 60, 74 – EMS and fire

2. Open Playa ……………………………………………………………27 i. Art projects ii. Large art projects iii. Community Burn Barrels iv. 2007 Crude Awakening

Stip 19 – Art Burn Stip 20 – Pit or Hole

Stip 64 – Community Burn Barrel Stip 68 – Art Burn Schedule

3. Airport.……………………………………………………..……...……51 Stips 51 & 53 – Airport

4. Signs……………………………………..………………....………….57 Stips 7, 35 & 56 – Posting regulations Stips 42 & 46 - Exodus traffic and guards

5. Hot Springs……...…………...………………….……….………...….63 Stip 24 – Cultural resources

6. Perimeter Fence ……………………………………………………...67 Stip 32 – Perimeter fence

7. Population…...………….…...………….…...….………………….….71 Stip 1 – Reporting Stip 10 – Tickets sales

8. Trash Transects …...………….…...………….….…………………..77 Stip 79 – Trash transects

9. PeePeePee (Porta-Potty Placement)…...………….……………....81 Stip 61 – Sanitation

10. Exploring Cumulative Effects………………………………...…….....85


THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY 1

STUDY 1

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY


A. GOAL

Survey the residential blocks for ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ incidents of various

stipulations. To resolve any outstanding issues as needed during the event, maps

and photos were distributed to team members for re-inspection.

B. STIPULATIONS

These are listed in results sections i - v.

C. METHODS

Each team was assigned blocks in the Residential Zone. Using GPS-ready

cameras, they shot photos of good and bad examples and outright violations of

stipulations including: personal and community burn barrels, shower and shade

structure designs, evaporative coolers, swimming pools, any potential hazards.

Drop down menus in the camera software allowed the Team to record stipulation

and status of each incident as it was photographed.

Status was indicated as:

Innovative A notable advance in form and/or function

Good Representative of typical playa life

Concern Presents the potential for negative impacts to the playa. Team recommends re-inspection at later time

Violation Clearly against permit stipulations

STUDY 1



D. DATA

The map shows the locations of photo-documented incidents. The numbers in the

legend indicate the number of photos taken and summarized by stipulation and

status.

STUDY 1



E. RESULTS

SANITATION

PITS AND HOLES

20. BRC will limit excavation of pits and holes to those absolutely necessary for administration of the event. This

includes holes and pits excavated by participants. All pits and holes will be backfilled, wetted and compacted by

physical tamping to minimize post-event pit depressions.

GREYWATER

62. Dumping wastewater (greywater or black water) on public lands directly from a vehicle, trailer, wash basin,

shower stalls, bath tubs, barrels, pools, or a wastewater containment receptacle is prohibited. BRC shall develop

and implement processes to promptly respond to wastewater dumping violations. INNOVATIONS

From the sign in the photo, ‘Archie: This evaporatron uses a bi-directional Archimedean screw of vinyl tubing. It lifts gray water for evaporation, whichever way the wind blows. A sand filter (5 gal. bucket) removes particles. Clorox (1:100) added to the pond helps reduce bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The evaporation tower is removable, to let us experiment with techniques and wick materials.’

Large evaporative pond

STUDY 1



While a few evaporative coolers have been seen each year, their popularity has not grown as expected.

Shower anyone?

STUDY 1



VIOLATIONS

These 2 photos are of concern because while wastewater is being kept off the surface, it is hard to see how these pits will be emptied at the end of the event. These occurrences missed the attention of the Team Lead during the event and therefore no intervention was made.

STUDY 1



A preferred alternative would be as in this photo as per recommendation from the Burning Man website.

This is a trash violation but the jug

in the foreground might be indicative

of a common greywater disposal method – emptying

waste in the BRC porta-potties.

STUDY 1



SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

31. BRC is responsible for all trash removal and cleanup. Trash will be transported to an appropriate landfill and

deposited accordingly. Specifically BRC will:

a. Provide dumpsters of a size and number sufficient to accommodate the event.

b. Dumpsters will be hauled when full to ensure proper disposal and timely rotation of full versus empty containers.

c. Burying of waste material, of any kind, is prohibited on public land.

VIOLATIONS

It is amazing how quickly dust piled up against any obstruction in the playa.

RESOLVED This is what this same spot looked like 6 weeks later.

STUDY 1



CAMPING AND RECREATIONAL USES

PLAYA SURFACE PROTECTION

28. Fires are prohibited except for authorized burn areas, authorized burn platforms, elevated fire receptacles,

elevated barbecues and tiki torches.

VIOLATION RESOLVED

In these cases, scars were already detected

on the playa. Both were revisited in Oct

2008 but no evidence of either scar was found

STUDY 1



CONCERNS

Burn barrels not elevated off the playa surface were easily resolved during the event.

This barrel was only for trash collection, not burning

When re-inspected, this barrel was raised off the

playa and had developed into a devil-fire sculpture

STUDY 1



When the team returned to re-inspect this barrel, members of the neighboring camp reported this barrel was later raised on a stand when its contents were burned. The best patrols are the Black Rock citizens themselves. Many watch their neighbors to ensure that the event will be allowed to return to the playa next year.

STUDY 1



PROHIBITED BY BURNING MAN

VIOLATIONS

Duck Pond Camp hosted this slip and slide. The primary concern was the greywater to which the participants exposed themselves and leaks onto the playa. Participants were on their own for bruises or worse. While a map and photos were passed onto BLM personnel, the matter was not addressed during the event.

STUDY 1



Burning Man regulations explicitly prohibits pools for bathing. This occurrence missed the attention of the Team Lead during the event and therefore no intervention was made.

STUDY 1



PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY OIL DRIPS

22. BRC will make educational materials available to participants prior to the event that explain the need to inspect

vehicles and repair or modify those with drips of oil or other fluids. BRC will also train staff involved with greeting

participants to identify vehicles likely to have an increased risk of oil or fluid drips, inspect suspect vehicles and take

appropriate actions to minimize contamination from leaking vehicles. Black Rock LLC will advise participants on

the use of materials, such as cardboard, hazmat pads, or drip pans to minimize impacts.

FUGITIVE DUST

30. The following stipulations are required to manage for air quality and surface erosion: […]

b. Fugitive dust suppression efforts on roads will be performed at a minimum of once daily by watering to keep

fugitive road dust at a minimum during event operation and during and after event closure.

c. Water trucks used for dust control will carry prominent signs stating 'Non-Potable Water--Avoid Contact" as

required by state regulations. Signs must remain visible at all times

STRUCTURES

57. BRC will make the builders of any structures open to participants aware of applicable requirements for public

safety. BRC will inspect structures and any structures that they judge are not safe for participants will be

reconstructed to be made safe or closed. The BLM authorized officer reserves the right to determine that a structure

poses an unreasonable risk to the public and must be immediately modified, closed, or removed.

58. BRC will make an effort to ensure that extension cords that cross main access roads or travel corridors are

armored or buried to prevent damage and possible electrocution.

EMS SERVICES

60. BRC shall assume responsibility for public safety and health during all phases of the event, including, but not

limited, to the following:

a. BRC shall provide state-certified emergency services at the event. At a minimum, EMS services will be

available at the paramedic level consistent with current Nevada practices.

b. Inspecting the permitted area for any existing or new hazardous conditions, e.g., changing weather conditions

or other hazards that present risks to employees and/or participants.

FIRE PROTECTION

74. BRC shall provide a minimum of two structural/brush-type fire engines, National Wildfire Coordinating Group

(NWCG) type 3-6. Engines and staff must meet NWCG or NWSA (National Wildfire Suppression Association)

standards for personnel and equipment. These fire engines will be strategically placed within BRC as determined

necessary by the BRC fire contractor.

GOOD

All these stipulations were all successfully met

STUDY 1



F. RECOMMENDATIONS

The current stipulations are being met and serve their purposes adequately

.



2 THE OPEN PLAYA:

ART PROJECTS & BURN BARRELS

i. Art Projects

ii. Large Art Projects

iii. Burn Barrels

iv. 2007 Crude Awakening

STUDY 2 THE OPEN PLAYA: ART PROJECTS & BURN BARRELS


A. GOAL

Photo document art projects on the open playa and record any areas requiring

monitoring for potential burn scars, excessive debris, deep pits and other long-

term impacts on the playa.

B. STIPULATIONS

AUTHORIZED FIRES 19. Organizers of each “Art Burn” and BRC are responsible for implementing procedures for the complete cleanup

of each burn site consistent with stipulation #79, including, but not limited to:

a. Removal of ash.

b. Removal of unburned material such as nails, screws, and glass.

c. Grading and raking to eliminate burn scars.

PITS AND HOLES

20. BRC will limit excavation of pits and holes to those absolutely necessary for administration of the event. This

includes holes and pits excavated by participants. All pits and holes will be backfilled, wetted and compacted by

physical tamping to minimize post-event pit depressions.

ART BURNS & COMMUNITY BURN BARRELS

64. BRC/Burning Man shall abide by fire restriction orders, except for the following as officially approved by BRC

in coordination with BLM: official art burns, fireworks events, and open fires within the Burning Man event area

that are to be contained on supplied fire pans and fire barrels. Fires not contained by authorized raised platforms,

fire pans, barbeques, or barrels are prohibited. The fire pans and fire resistant platforms or other protective

materials designed to protect the playa surface can be used by event participants for spontaneous burns in the same

manner as the fire pans or fire barrels after the initial art project has been burned.

68. BRC and “art burn” organizers will coordinate with the event fire contractor and law enforcement points-of-

contact. BRC shall prepare a detailed schedule of sanctioned fireworks and art burn events for review at the daily

cooperators coordination meeting, prior to the event/burn. The schedule will include a detailed description of the

event/burn, name of responsible person, map location, and approximate time of each event/burn.

C. METHODS

Sub-meter accuracy GPS was used to record larger burn pad polygons and

support points dug into the playa. Most monitoring of art on the open playa used

the GPS cameras for documentation. Each team was armed with a GPS camera

and assigned a portion of the open playa. Photographs were assigned attributes

based on their potential for leaving an impact on the playa. Status was indicated

as:

Good Does not present the potential for impacts to the playa

Concern Presents the potential for impacts to the playa Team recommends re-inspection at later time

Violation Clearly against permit stipulations i.e. burn pad absent or inadequate



In no way was the status meant to convey the artistic quality of installation. After

all, art is always a matter of opinion.

Six weeks after Black Rock City was dismantled, Trimble GPS units were used to

navigate back to the GPS polygons, points and geo-tagged photo locations to re-

inspect for excessive debris, burn scars or other impacts. The goal of the October

2008 inspection was to get a general idea of the conditions at each site – it was

not the intended to be systematic or quantitative. The trash transects that were

completed by the BLM staff in early October and will be repeated again in Spring

2009 serve that purpose.



D. DATA

OPEN PLAYA ART & BURN BARRELS

The map shows the locations of photo-documented art projects and community

burn barrels. The numbers in the legend indicate the number of photos taken and

summarized by stipulation and status.



GOOD

Six weeks later, a sampling of the smaller art burn sites were re-inspected. All were cleaned up to a very high standard.

The only evidence of the above art burn

was this imprint from a recent playa rain.

As with all sites, gravel from the burn

pad remained.



During the Event….

Six weeks later



Here too, only gravel remained at this site

Traces of these holes were not found

during the October inspection.



D. DATA

LARGE ART PROJECTS & BURN BARRELS

CENTER CAMP

Although it was not burned, Center Camp was one of the areas most visited by all

and did have numerous buried anchor points. Therefore, its location was GPS

recorded and the site was re-inspected in October.

GOOD

A quick survey of the site revealed only minimal debris as photographed below.

The support at the end of the spoon was still in the ground.

The yellow GPS unit measures 2x4 inches and was used to indicate scale in many photos.



BABYLON

Although it was neither burned nor

anchored in the ground, this 10-story

skyscraper was also GPS recorded

since it was one of the most visited

sites and presented the potential for

excessive debris.

GOOD

When re-inspected, not enough debris was found to merit a photograph.



BUMMER (HUMMER)

Bummer is a super size Humvee measuring 38 feet long x 18 feet wide x 16 feet

high. Half of the Hummer will be painted in military khaki and the other half a bright

sporty color. This sculpture epitomizes this country's obsession with power and

the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the American dream. from the Burning Man website

It would have been a real Bummer if the tires hadn’t been removed BEFORE this project

was burned



Burn area approx 2,500 Sq. Feet

GOOD

When re-inspected in October, there was

not enough debris to merit a photograph.



THE TEMPLE: BASURA SAGRADA

Constructed entirely from burnable trash, recycled materials, and the tossed-off

detritus of American society. Meticulously detailed, the temple will be a precious

space created from non-precious materials. [...] Our goal is to make something

amazing and exotic out of materials deemed unworthy, the stuff we throw away

everyday. from the Burning Man website



GOOD

Of all the large art projects, the most debris was found at the Temple, however,

this was still very little debris. Strangely enough, a few dozen or more rocks the

size of tennis balls were found at the site - presumably these were from the gravel

used for the burn pad.

Burned area was approx 4,500 sq ft



THE MAN

At 84 feet from top to the ground, this year was the tallest man yet!



GOOD

When re-inspected in October, there was not enough debris to merit a

photograph. There was no evidence of the support holes dug into the ground.

Burned area was approx 2,725 sq ft



COMMUNITY BURN BARRELS

GOOD

As per the stipulations,

particpants were reminded to

avoid overfilling burn barrels.

The only evidence left of the burn barrels were of gravel burn pad remains.



2007 CRUDE AWAKENING OIL DERRICK

a. During BM07

Note the orange coloration from the

decomposed gravel burn pad.



b. Fall Inspection for BM07

In 2007, lasting orange discolorations were left at every gravel burn pad. During

both the Sept 2007 and June 2008 inspections of BM07, these discolorations

negated the need for very accurate GPS navigation as they could be detected

from hundreds of feet away.



c. Fall Inspection for BM08

In the October 2008 inspection, while reroute to the 2008 airport site, these orange

spots were spotted (pun intended) from afar as shown in the above photo. A

closer view of this area shows the pattern of discoloration matches that of the

2007 photo recording the same observation. GIS also confirmed this to be the site

of the 2007 Crude Awakening project. While the team did not navigate back to

any additional 2007 sites, it is presumed the orange discoloration previously

recorded remains at those sites too.



D. MAP

The map displays the location of many of the large art projects from Burning Man

2007, including the Crude Awakening Oil Derrick. Text boxes provide date and

filenames that correspond to photographs shown in the narrative for this section.



E. RESULTS FOR ALL ART PROJECTS & BURN BARRELS

GOOD

Art burns were cleaned up adequately

The Team was duly impressed with how well the clean-up crews removed

debris from the playa compared to the 2006 and 2007 events.

No discoloration at 2008 gravel sites

These same orange discolorations were not seen at any of the 2008 burn pads.

It is assumed whatever material caused the discoloration in 2007 was not

present in the gravel used this year.

CONCERN

Remaining gravel at all gravel burn pads in 2008

In October 2008, bits of gravel remained at every gravel burn pad site

inspected. At the Temple site, many rocks were inches in diameter. This is at

odds with Burning Man’s highly touted Leave No Trace (LNT) policy.



F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Confirm gravel meets EA requirements

from 2.2.6. Fire Management Art Burns, the burning of larger art structures including “The Man”, would be permitted by BRC. Permitted burns

would use corrugated metal sheets or fire blankets overlain with sand under the burning objects to eliminate surface

scarring.

Improve containment of gravel

Explore methods of containment such as mesh netting or blankets to aid in

removing the decomposed gravel more efficiently. It is unknown to the Team the

amount of gravel brought to the playa for use in burn pads, but if a fraction of this

remained at each art burn site, how much remains on the playa?

Gravel stockpile -gravel for art burn pads?



Return to proven burn pad materials

Encourage the use of materials for burn pads that are more easily removed. In

the past, numerous types of materials including layers of wallboard, insulation,

sheets of corrugated metal elevated off the playa with concrete bricks, Kevlar

blankets etc have been used as burn pads.

This year, all but one art project or community barrel burn pad that the Team documented used decomposed gravel.

Corrugated metal and concrete blocks used at the 2006 Temple




3 AIRPORT

This aircraft certainly wasn’t typical

of most that flew into the Burning Man airport but it certainly was

impressive enough to attract attention.

STUDY 3 THE AIRPORT


A. GOAL

Use GPS to locate airport facilities such as the runway, camping area and helipad

were to verify they are all located within the Public Closure Area.

B. STIPULATION

AIRPORT / AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT

51. A runway approximately 5000 feet long by 60 feet wide is approved and will be marked on the existing playa

surface. No surface disturbance beyond removal of transient dunes to assure safety is authorized. The following

stipulations apply to the runway:

a. The airport runway use is limited to small general aviation only. No air transport or scheduled air carriers will

be allowed.

b. The runway will be marked to make it visible to pilots and also to alert surface traffic to avoid it. The marking

will be removed at event completion.

c. Signs with reflectors will be installed at prominent or strategic locations around the event airport to forewarn

playa travelers of safety hazards.

d. Aviation windsocks are to be placed at each end of the runway to provide pilots with a visual reference of wind

speed and direction, and to alert other recreational users on the playa of an operational runway. The windsocks

are to be removed at event completion.

e. Numbers and threshold markings at both ends of the runway will indicate compass bearing and help define the

runway boundaries. These numbers will be painted on the playa surface using a biodegradable agricultural

colorant exhibiting properties that will allow it to naturally degrade and disappear when exposed to sunlight.

53. Ultra-light aircraft take off/landing areas will be designated in the area to the southeast of the airport camp. C. METHODS

All airport facilities were located using GPS cameras or Trimble GPS receivers. In

GIS, this data was compared that of the public closure area to ensure all facilities

were within the closure area.

STUDY 3 THE AIRPORT


D. DATA

The map shows that all the airport facilities (runway, helipad etc) for the BM08

airport were within the Public Closure Area.

STUDY 3 THE AIRPORT


Corner at aircraft tie-down area

South end of runway Fortunately, neither the passengers nor anyone on the ground was injured when this mechanical failure occurred.

STUDY 3 THE AIRPORT


E. RESULTS

All airport facilities were within the boundaries of the Public Closure Area. In 2006

and 2007, this was found to not be the case and potentially endangered public

safety.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Simplify stipulations

Since the FAA must also approve the Black Rock City airport, it is recommended

the stipulations be simplified such that if facilities pass the requirements of the

FAA, then they will also pass those of the BLM.

Include airport location on closure maps

Alerting public users, event and BLM staff of the airport and runway locations has

always been a challenge. Windsocks, reflective markings and other on-the-ground

signs and markers are difficult to see while crossing the playa by vehicle. Include

the airport location on all closure maps to alert travelers as they enter the playa

and event area to the possibility of incoming and outgoing air traffic.

Coordinate airport and public closure areas in advance

It is critical that BLM and Burning Man coordinate in advance to ensure that the

airport is within the public closure area. This is of importance since the 2009 event

returns to the 2007 location. As noted, the BM07 airport was not in the closure

area and potentially endangered public safety. As part of this planning, the 3-mile

track should be GPS recorded since the track has significantly drifted from that in

the BLM GIS data. This coordination will also help to facilitate advance creation o

of the public closure area and maps.

STUDY 3 THE AIRPORT



4 SIGNS

STUDY 4 SIGNS


A. GOAL

The Team photographed and mapped each posted sign to ensure that

participants were aware of all playa rules and regulations.

B. STIPULATIONS

GENERAL

7. The permittee shall post a copy of the Special Recreation Permit (Form 2930-1); these permit stipulations and

the Federal Register Closure Orders in prominent view at Center Camp Playa Info where cooperators and

participants have an opportunity to read them. Additionally the documents referenced above shall also be

available for participants and staff on the Burning Man website within 15 days of the permit being issued.

SIGNAGE

35. The following signs and other traffic control items will be in place no later than 5 days prior to the event:

a. DOT approved, large reflective signs will be placed along County Rd 34 warning participants that the entrance

is just ahead from both the north and the south.

b. A prominent, well lit sign posted at the event entrance on County Rd 34 that clearly identifies the entrance

location.

c. The following must be posted on a large sign or signs along the 8-Mile access road into the event:

i. “Possession of personal fireworks prohibited”

ii. “Possession of weapons prohibited”

iii. “Possession of alcohol by minors is prohibited”

iv. “Drivers: open container of alcohol prohibited.”

This sign(s) must be posted not later than five days before the start of the event. Starting at sunset on the evening

of August 21, 2008, and continuing until sunrise on the morning of September 1, 2008, this sign or signs must be

lighted during hours of darkness. BRC LLC may, in lieu of lighting, have these restrictions posted on a sign or

signs prepared and installed on a reflective road sign that meets the standards in the U.S. Department of

Transportation/Federal Highway Administration Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

d. Orange trash fences, construction cones, signs or other structures should be placed on the closed roads that

cross the event site. Signs should say that the road is closed and provide alternate access information.

e. Signs identifying the public closure area should be posted appropriately around the perimeter of the event to

warn non-participants of how to legally travel around the event perimeter.

f. Signs to provide the public with information concerning closures and available playa access points during the

event should be located along County Road 34 to the north and south of the event.

g. Maps depicting public closures should be located at all playa entrances.

h. Caution signs will be placed along County Road 34 in both directions out from the event access and at other

prominent or strategic locations around the event to forewarn travelers of traffic safety hazards and the event

ahead.

TRAFFIC CONTROL 42. Coordination with County and State Highway Traffic Management Agencies

a. BRC shall coordinate with the Nevada Department of Transportation for traffic control at County Road 34

entrances/exits to BRC, the “Y” intersection of State Road 447 and County Road 34, and the towns of Gerlach

and Empire during heavy traffic periods (prior to, during exit and after the event) to keep traffic moving steadily.

BRC shall provide flaggers at the entrance at any time during the event when traffic conditions are likely to lead

to a backup of vehicles on County Rd 34.

b. BRC will coordinate efforts with Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Department of Transportation and private

business owners in Gerlach and Empire to minimize traffic congestion and vehicle back-up on State Route 447

and County Road 34. Their plan to address traffic congestion in these areas must be approved by NHP, NDOT,

and BLM at least 30 days prior to the event.

c. BRC will monitor and address the number of vehicles that arrive in the event area prior to the start of the event.

This plan should minimize the number of vehicles in Gerlach and Empire and on the roadway or shoulders of NV

447 and County Road 34. Copies of the plan shall be provided to the BLM and appropriate law enforcement

agencies no later than 30 days prior to the event.

d. No access roads or trails will be constructed.

STUDY 4 SIGNS


46. BRC shall provide staffing at each gate in the perimeter fence during the exodus period to require participants

to leave the event through the main gate unless authorized to use another gate. At a minimum all gates must be

staffed from 7 AM to 11 PM during the entire exodus period. BLM may request additional staffing of perimeter

gates by BRC if necessary.

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

56. BRC shall implement a controlled substance and alcohol use policy. This policy will be posted and maintained

on all public information boards and relayed to participants through other available means. The illegal substance

policy as identified in the “Burning Man Operating Plan” will be observed.

C. METHODS

GPS cameras were used to photo-document the appearance and location of all

required signs. During one of the dust storms, there was a duct tape failure and

the Rules & Regulations sign at Center Camp fell down. The sign was quickly

replaced and its location was photographed again to show that it was still in place.

STUDY 4 SIGNS


D. DATA

The map shows the locations of photo-documented signs.

STUDY 4 SIGNS


E. RESULTS

All signs were posted as per stipulations.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Document signs

It should be sufficient to document signs once during the event. There is no

excuse for participants to be ignorant of the laws.

Exploit multiple venues for communication

Signs are only one of many venues for communicating information to participants.

Before the event, the Burning Man Survival Guide and website postings are used

to communicate the expectations and rules of behavior at Burning Man. The

Federal Register is another publication upon which the government relies.

Upon entry to the event, information is given to everyone at the Greeter’s Station.

During the event, Playa Info and the BLM trailer at Center Camp are visited by

many and contain similar information and postings of the rules and special

recreation permit. The daily newspaper and the 3 Burning Man radio stations are

constantly updated and can be used to inform citizens of critical information as

needed. It is probably harder to keep a secret on the playa than not get

information out fast enough.

Soon after the event, the BLM posted large, permanent signs at most playa

entrances. This will greatly facilitate the distribution of information to all on the

playa during the event and year-round.


STUDY 5 HOT SPRINGS


5

HOT SPRINGS

Trails West marker at Trego hot

springs

STUDY 5 HOT SPRINGS


A. GOAL

Burning Man participants understand that they are not to be used en route to or

from the event. Even a fraction of 50,000 participants would make a sizeable

impact. This ensures hot springs remain in good condition and their value as a

cultural resource is preserved.

B. STIPULATION

24. BRC personnel will discourage travel, including travel by aircraft, to other historical, cultural, recreational or

geographical resources in the Black Rock Desert area during the event. BRC will discourage participant use of hot

springs for the purpose of bathing, or extracting mud or water. C. METHODS

The team hoped to make one baseline inspection prior to event start and a

second inspection after the event ended. Due to limited staff and the distances

involved, the only areas checked by the Monitoring Team were Trego and Coyote

Springs. The Earth Guardians, Burning Man’s BLM volunteer group, did regularly

patrol the springs. They reported little use by event participants.

D. DATA

While users are highly discouraged from using the springs during the event

window, a team member came across 3 vehicles camped at Trego near the end

of the event. These were clearly Burning Man participants based on their

conversation about that year’s event. This, however, appeared to be an isolated

case.

E. RESULTS

This stipulation is being met.

STUDY 5 HOT SPRINGS


F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Enlist Earth Guardians help

A simple form could be created for patrols to report the amount of use seen by

participants and non-participants and the general condition of the springs. With

Earth Guardians and the BLM Contact Station adjacent in Center Camp,

coordinating logistics should be feasible.

Minimize scope of this study

Due to limited playa access over the years and participant cooperation, the

springs have been less of a concern. The Monitoring Team should only monitor

Trego and Coyote Springs, if any, due to the distances involved in traveling to the

other springs.


STUDY 6 PERIMETER FENCE


6 PERIMETER FENCE

This art project of trash bags tied to the fence spanned for quite a distance. The

concern was that the bags would eventually become detached and defeat the very

purpose for which the fence was erected. They were removed and properly

disposed of during the event.



A. GOAL

The perimeter fence not only defines the boundary of Black Rock City but it

prevents wind-blown debris from bowing across the rest of the playa. Motivated

by a) a sense of civic duty, b) opportunities for solitude, and c) urban myths of

discovered treasures, Black Rock citizens volunteer to pick up debris

accumulating along the fence. The Monitoring Team patrolled each day to check

for breaks in the fence and to see it is adequately cleared of debris.

B. STIPULATION

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

32. Permittee shall install a 360° event perimeter/boundary trash fence. Any accumulation of trash that appears to

be spilling over the fence or passing through a fence break will be collected. Fence breaks will be repaired

immediately upon discovery. Permittee shall construct the southwest and southeast flanks of the perimeter fence

prior to installation of other facilities to safely direct vehicular traffic around the site.

C. METHODS

Team members started at the fence corner closest to the 12-mile playa access

and drove clockwise around the event outside the fence line. At each fence corner

and approximately halfway between each corner, the number of pieces of debris,

trash collectors and breaks in the fence were noted. The Team also shot

photographs in 2 opposing directions along the fence line to record dust piling up

along the fence. The reasons for this are detailed in the dune study.

This year, the Team aimed to make rough population estimates and compare

those figures with those of Burning Man’s counts, which are based on tickets in

and out of the gate. This differs from the previous 2 years when a more exact

count was sought. The reasons for this are two-fold: 1) BLM and BM numbers

have been comparable despite different methods of calculating the daily

population, and 2) implemented in 2007, the new cost-recovery based fees are no

longer tied to population.



D. DATA

The table displays the number of pieces of debris counted along each of the five

sides of the perimeter fence.



E. RESULTS

The fence was well maintained and patrolled as outlined by the stipulations. The

largest amounts of debris were found on the ‘B’ and ‘E’’ sides of the fence as

identified on the map. This is consistent with the prevailing winds, which originate

at the south end of the playa and continue northward, blowing trash against these

sides. The most trash was found on Monday. This is not surprising since dust

storms were strong enough that day to close the event gate.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

The perimeter fence and the current stipulations serve their purposes adequately.


7 POPULATION

STUDY 7 POPULATION


A. GOAL

It is critical to ensure that it does not grow beyond the limits of being manageable.

In the 5-year EA, Burning Man LLC suggested a population cap of 50,000

participants. This year, the Team aimed to make rough population estimates and

compare those figures with those of Burning Man’s counts, which are based on

tickets in and out of the gate. This differs from the previous 2 years when the

Team a more exact count. The reasons for requiring a less exact Team count are

two-fold: a) BLM and BM numbers have been comparable despite different

methods of calculating the daily population, and b) implemented in 2007, new

cost-recovery fees are no longer tied to population.

B. STIPULATION

GENERAL 1. Black Rock City LLC (BRC) is required to manage its advance ticket sales in a manner to keep the maximum

population of the event from exceeding 50,000 participants.

10. BRC shall provide BLM with the number of participants within the event site at noon each day and the peak

number of participants for each day during the period of site occupancy (August 8th through September 15th). BLM

can request population data any time during the event. BRC shall also provide BLM with detailed information of the

number of staff and participants on the event site for the August 8 through September 15th period within 60 days

after the event. This information shall include daily counts for the non-event period and six-hour counts during the

duration of the event. C. METHODS

Block counts

Each team was given a paper map showing which blocks they were to count.

The Team counts vehicles in which participants could have transported to the

event (art cars, golf carts etc did not count). Counts began daily before noon and

took about an hour or two to complete. Representative blocks were counted and

the population calculated accordingly. For logistic reasons, vehicles on the open

playa and at the airport were not counted.

Person per vehicle determination

Upon event entry, every participant must get out of the vehicle while Burning Man

staff search for hidden people and other concerns. This provided the Team the

ideal opportunity to count the number of people per vehicle.

STUDY 7 POPULATION


D. DATA

People per vehicle

When the gates opened at Monday midnight, Team members recorded the

number of people per vehicle at the Greeters Gate. In 2 hours, they obtained 500

counts from which it was determined that the average number of people per

vehicle was 2.31 people per vehicle.

Table 1: 2008 Census figures

The BLM-calculated population was estimated by multiplying the number of block

vehicles by the average 2.31 people per vehicle. Daily counts began before noon

and took about an hour or two to complete. Burning Man numbers, which are also

displayed in the below table, were based on ticket counts at the gate at noon.

STUDY 7 POPULATION


Table 2: Census during the current EA period

Over the years, despite different methods of calculation, both BLM and Burning

Man census figures have been comparable.

STUDY 7 POPULATION


Table 3: Peak population

Burning Man tracks tickets on an hourly basis. In 2008, the population peaked at

49,599 people on 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 30. The 50,000-population limit

has been nearly reached every year that the 2006-2010 EA has been in place.

Above figures cited from Burning Man as cited online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man

* Note, the Burning Man did not take place on the public lands of the Black Rock

Desert in 1997, but on adjacent private land.

STUDY 7 POPULATION


E. RESULTS

GOOD

Population cap of 50,000 was not exceeded.

VIOLATION

Daily population numbers were received after the 60-day reporting period as per

Stipulation #10.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Prepare a population contingency plan

With the arrival of only 400 more participants would have reached the population

limit of 50,000. Burning Man sold 55,000 tickets. This assumes a 5% non-

show/donation only rate. As notes, event attendance has increased every year

since the event first came to the Black Rock Desert in 1990. It is reasonable to

expect this upward growth will continue for the two remaining years the EA

remains in place. Given these facts, it is not unreasonable anticipate that this limit

may be reached during the life of the 2006-2010 EA.

A contingency plan is needed to provide for a) reporting procedures should

Burning Man tickets exceed 50,000 people, and b) a corresponding action plan for

the Burning Man and BLM. This plan should address the potential for large

camps of any turned away at the gates camping in large groups on the open playa

outside of the Public Closure Area on the open desert or at the hot springs as well

as congregating in areas such as Gerlach or Empire where they might impede the

traffic flow to and from the event.

Compare cost-recovery and population based fees

Since both BLM and BM numbers have been shown to be comparable, the

Burning Man population figures could be used to compare cost recovery-based

fees and population based fees.


TRASH TRANSECTS 8

Monitoring is serious work but even monitoring can be fun. This devoted

character put himself in every one of his trash transect photos to be sure the team

lead was really reviewing EVERY photo shot for the project,

(Yes…I noticed!)

STUDY 8 TRASH TRANSECTS


A. GOAL

During the event, the Team photographed each trash transect location on the

chance that if an excessive amount of trash is found during later inspections, a

record exists of that area’s appearance in August.

B. STIPULATION

79. Inspections of the event site in the fall after the event, will be coordinated by BLM using randomly placed

transects on the site and a measurable cleaning standard. The inspecting party will intensively collect debris found

on the ground within each transect. A follow-up spring inspection will be conducted only when deemed necessary by

BLM. Post-Event Cleanup Standard: The average total surface area of debris collected from either the fall or spring

transects

C. METHODS

In ArcGIS, Hawth’s tools were used to generate random points through 5 main

zones in Black Rock City (Art, Residential, Walk-in Camping, Airport and Other) as

shown on the map. During the event, the Team navigated to the approximate

location plotted on the paper map. Upon arrival they shot 4 different photos, the

first is facing towards the Man, and 3 others each rotated 90 degrees for a

complete 360 view. The location of these photo points was recorded at the click of

the shutter by the GPS camera. Single points were also generated for the Airport,

ICP, DPW and Potty Camp locations for later inspections. It is these locations that

will be used for later BLM inspections.

STUDY 8 TRASH TRANSECTS


D. DATA

The map shows distribution of random transect points and zones.

E. RESULTS

Refer to BLM files for Fall 08 and Spring 09 inspection reports.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

The current methods serve their purposes adequately.


STUDY 9 PEE PEE PEE [PORTA-POTTY PLACEMENT]


9 PEE PEE PEE

aka PORTA-POTTY PLACEMENT



A. GOAL

Minimize ‘playa puddles’ (particularly the many found every morning near the

Esplanade) to create a more sanitary and pleasant environment.

B. STIPULATION

61. BRC will coordinate with the NV State Health Division, and the toilet contractor(s) to provide the proper number of

toilets and hand sanitizers for the peak anticipated population and adequate resources for toilet pumping and

maintenance consistent with the requirements of the health department. The following additional requirements apply:

a. A minimum of two toilets with hand sanitizers each will be located in the communities of Gerlach and Empire to

reduce impacts on local sewer systems. Toilet locations will be coordinated with the communities involved.

b. Banks of toilets will be placed in the Art area and will be prominently identified at night.

c. Banks of toilets will be placed at regular intervals along the exit road during the peak exodus periods. d. Banks of

toilets will be placed near large structures at the 2:00 and 10:00 and Esplanade locations associated with large

gatherings.

C. METHODS

During the Team’s survey of the city they made note of any unsanitary toilets

(none found), puddles (many!). Attempts to note the number of rented porta-

potties participants installed in participants camps were met with limited success.



D. DATA

The map displays the approximate locations of porta-potties within the event.



E. RESULTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Ensure large camps are adjacent to facilities

Suggest adding a stipulation for large camps and areas attracting many

participants to provide their own porta-potties. Alternatively, through Burning

Man’s theme camp registration process, camps expecting large numbers of

visitors could preferentially be located near banks of toilets.

Add more facilities on the open playa and increase their visibility at night

Suggest placing more porta-potty banks in the art area and near the esplanade.

Despite current lighting, these banks are too easily lost in the dazzling array of

lights during the typical Burning Man night.

Use GIS to optimize placement of facilities

Inside BRC, consider a placement plan to balance both the needs of the

participants in locating facilities and the needs of the pump truck staff for efficient

access routes throughout the city. This can be used to analyze the minimum,

maximum and average distances to the potties and assist in future planning.

Minimize puddles on the open playa and Esplanade

Attempts to quantify and – more importantly, minimize the ongoing issue of still

remain elusive. Perhaps better placement of facilities. Suggest more banks of

toilets adjacent to the larger art projects, Center Camp and the Esplanade.

Familiarity may help over come visibility issues by placing these in places that are

consistent, easy to remember and easy to find. Marking them on Black Rock City

maps and other media will help reach this goal.


10 EXPLORING

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

This large dune traversed the open playa at the 2008 event. Its location corresponds

with that of the 2007 perimeter fence.

STUDY 10 EXPLORING CUMULATIVE EFFECTS


A. INTRODUCTION

This final study documents the formation of dunes at the 2007 perimeter and their

noted impact on the 2008 event. While there is not a stipulation per se against

the formation of dunes on the playa, these observations serve as a talking point to

initiate discussions about the possible long-term effects of the event.



B. OBSERVATIONS

i. SEPT 2007 – DUNES BEGIN TO FORM AT BM07 FENCE

During the BM 2007 event, the dust storms were the worst that had been seen in

10 years in both intensity and frequency. Impressively wide and deep sand dunes

formed along the perimeter fence during the event. After the BM07 perimeter

fence was removed, the piles were dragged by clean-up crews but still over a foot

high and hundreds of feet yards long.

The below excerpt from the 2007 Monitoring Report show the concern expressed

two weeks after the 2007 event over the potential formation of dunes at the

perimeter fence.

This photograph was taken 2 few

weeks after BM07 on the event

perimeter



ii. JUNE 2008 - BM07 FENCE DUNES SURVIVED THE WINTER

During the Spring ‘08 inspection of the BM07 site, it was noted that the dunes not

only survived but seemed to have thrived. This excerpt from the 2007 Monitoring

Report document the appearance of the resulting dunes

‘The entire perimeter fence was driven. The northern most point along the fence towards Trego was defined by marked changes in the playa surface. The driver found the track location by following defined series of dunes on the left and right side. There was also a well-defined point where the fence nears Coyote Springs and turns back south.‘

These dunes were unlike other dunes on the playa, which were a series of washboard bumps and/or larger, smooth speed bumps. The shape of these dunes resembles small mountain ranges with peaks and valleys. They are a potential hazard for those hitting these dunes unexpectedly, especially at high speeds.



A large series of dunes also appeared from the fence corner nearest Dispatch and proceeded north.



iii. AUG 2008 – BM07 FENCE DUNE CROSSES BM08 EVENT

During BM08, complaints about the how the rough playa surface made it difficult

to bike or walk throughout most of Black Rock City were heard from all. This large

dune was of particular interest since it impacted all who traveled across the open

playa during the BM08 event. GPS-tagged photos and Trimble GPS both

confirmed this dune to be in the same location as the 2007 perimeter fence.

This photo and the one on the cover page for this section show the extent of this

large dune across the open playa



iv. OCT 2008 – 07 FENCE DUNES STILL VISIBLE

Six weeks after the BM08, it was noted that the dunes are beginning to deflate but

they are still numerous and apparent to all users on the playa….amongst all the

other dunes out there on the playa.



These maps summarize the timeline and locations of the photographs described in the previous pages.





v. DURING BM08 – DUST AT BM08 PERIMETER FENCE

After seeing the unique dunes form along the 2007 perimeter fence, the Team

attempted to capture the formation of dunes along the 2008 fence. As part of the

daily perimeter fence patrols, the Team shot photos documenting any

accumulated dust against the fence. Large sand piles were also photographed

behind Dispatch for continued monitoring.

Photographs behind Dispatch documenting the large accumulation

of dust.



The area around Dispatch was re-inspected in October. The areas in the 2

previous photos at Dispatch did not show any dunes where the dust had

accumulated on the ladders and fence line and posts pictured above. Based on

these observations, it does not appear that dunes will form at the BM08 fence.

The key question is why would dunes have formed in 2007 but not 2008.

It is noted that the siting of the BLM and Burning Man ICP trailers at the beginning

of the 2008 event had to accommodate the many existing dunes in the area. This

is not surprising given the observed dunes at the 2007 fence and the location of

2008 Dispatch as shown on the map below.



C. RESULTS

Dunes along 2007 fence but not in 2008

The monitoring report from 2007 and this report document the formation of dunes

along the ’07 perimeter fence of the BM07 event and their impact on the 2008

event. Based on the Team’s observations along the ’08 perimeter fence, it

predicted that dunes would not form along the 2008 fence.

Cause of dune formation

Dunes are caused by the interaction of many factors. Including a) dust, b) wind, c)

moisture and d) time. From the Burning Man EA:

From 3.3.1. PLAYA SEDIMENTS AND VEGETATION The sediments of the playa are subject to displacement by winds when dry and disturbed. Winds that most

commonly move the surface materials are associated with frontal passage or thunderstorms. Wind movement of

sediment particles can cause the periodic formation of low, transient dunes. Wind erosion is a function of particle

erodibility, surface roughness and weather conditions. Vehicle use and other disturbances on the playa alter the

surface roughness. Increased roughness slows sediment particle movement across the surface, causing particles to

accumulate on the leeward side of low features forming transient dunes. The dunes are temporary features

generally less than a foot in height. The actions of wind and water over one or more winters lead to the removal of

the dunes. These dunes have become increasingly common over the past several years but have been documented

prior to periods of heavy human activity on the playa surface (Neal 1970).

Differences in BM07 and BM08

BM07 saw the worst dust storms that can be recalled during the event in the last

10 years. Presumably, this in combination of near drought conditions for the last 3

years are the main contributing factors to the large dunes seen along the 2007 but

not in 2008.



D. RECOMMENDATIONS

Continue to knock down accumulated dust piles after event

While Burning Man bladed the 2007 dunes after the event in order to reduce their

height, their presence is still clearly detectable. The EA currently prescribes that

as part of site clean-up accumulated dust at the perimeter fence be knocked

down. Team recommends a stipulation be added to knock down all dunes at the

perimeter fence, Dispatch and other significant finds. It should describe the

specifications to which the dunes should to be cleared.

From 2.2.10. EVENT TAKE DOWN AND CLEAN UP: ON-SITE ….The perimeter fence would be the last structure to be removed. Dunes formed as a result of dust blowing

into the perimeter fence would dragged or graded.

Continue academic studies

In a provision created to provide conditions to study the cumulative impacts of the

event, the city alternates between the “B site” of BM07 and the “C Site” of BM08.

from 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION & ALTERNATIVES b. Two sites—Rotating between two sites would potentially allow wind eroded areas additional time between

uses for recovery associated with transport of playa sediments by surface waters versus creation of a second

site with elevated levels of residual debris when compared to overall playa area. The use of two sites would

also facilitate the joint BLM/Desert Research Institute study to determine impacts to the playa surface from a

single event. This study will begin in 2006.

The research of Don Sade and Ken Adams at Desert Research Institute, Reno,

NV is titled Dynamics of the Black Rock Playa: Relationships between

Recreational Use, Physical Processes, and Biological Environments. These

collaborative efforts of DRI and BLM are scheduled from April 2006 to September

2009. It is presumed that the results will be published after this period.

Develop Team efforts to explore potential long-term effects

The Team’s efforts over the last 3 years have shown that most violations on the

playa are resolved soon after the event. The Team will continue monitoring short-

term impacts but hopes to shift efforts towards exploring the longer-term,

cumulative effects. The observed dunes at the ‘07 perimeter fence rekindled the

Team’s interest in long-term effects.



E. DISCUSSION

The human presence plays a part

While humans cannot affect forces of nature such as seasonal variation in the

rainfall and winds, they do affect the nature of the playa surface by their mere

presence by -

1) Increasing amounts of fugitive dust by breaking the playa surface via travel

across the playa surface,

2) Providing structures and barriers against which dust can accumulate and

form dunes.

The Burning Man EA describes the potential impact of the event on playa

sediments as such:

from 4.2.1. PLAYA SEDIMENTS & VEGETATION During the past several years transient dunes have become common adjacent to the primary playa “roads”

and also downwind of Black Rock City. No complete inventory of transient dunes has occurred but the

location of transient dunes downwind of the Burning Man Event suggests that some of the transient dunes

observed in the past several years are the result of disturbances associated with the event. The actual

formation of transient dunes following disturbance would depend upon the number of strong wind events that

occur following disturbances and prior to wetting rains.

It also addresses the above two points regarding increased vehicle travel and the

perimeter fence accordingly:

Continued from 4.2.1. PLAYA SEDIMENTS & VEGETATION

Dust storms during or immediately after the event would create sediment windrows along the perimeter

fence. Dragging or grading during the cleanup phase would eliminate these windrows. Event stipulations

require watering of dust areas thus reducing the amount of material potentially available for wind movement.

from 5.4.5. PLAYA SEDIMENTS AND VEGETATION Continuing to permit the Burning Man event at two alternating locations would be expected to result in cumulative

continuing wind erosion of the surface of the playa at the location of Black Rock City (1600 plus acres).… The

anticipated increase in number of visitors to the playa, including participants at permitted events, would lead to

increased surface disturbance. This would lead to the potential for additional formation of transient dunes. The

degree to which dune formation would actually occur is unknown but would be expected to be minor when compared

to that associated with the 115 miles of existing playa “roads”.



F. CONCLUSION

While adopting a Leave No Trace ethics, the goal of any event involving 50,000

participants – must be to minimize impact. There can be no such thing as LNT

with 50,000 people and their vehicles traveling on the only road to and from a 10-

square mile area. This perspective needs to be considered when modifying

stipulations or developing the next Environmental Assessment (EA) for this event.


TECHNICAL NOTE


IV. TECHNICAL NOTE

How do you monitor over 20 stipulations at the largest permitted event on the

US public lands in real-time with volunteer staff from an office trailer on the

Black Rock Desert?

This technical note demonstrates the combined power of the GPS-cameras, Trimble

GPS devices and ArcGIS to monitor permit stipulations in ‘real time’ at the Burning

Man event. The chosen tools facilitated the completion of 10 monitoring studies, the

results and recommendations of which were compiled in the 2008 Monitoring Report.

This suite of geospatial tools enabled the monitoring team to justify day-to-day

decision-making. Compiled written reports, as well as an accompanying CD of the

data and maps served as record for this year’s event as well as the basis for future

management decisions for this and other permitted events. This real-time knowledge

management is an extremely valuable tool for both short and long-term planning.

TECHNICAL NOTE


SUITE OF GPS/GIS TOOLS

Because everything in Black Rock City is temporary, using GPS technology and

photo-documentation is key to meeting resource protection goals and managing

future events on the desert. Tools were chosen to meet field conditions, staff needs

and availability. These included a) extreme temperatures and dust, b) a single

computer with supporting software but lacking of internet access, c) a staff of

primarily volunteers with minimal training time, and d) available equipment with no

new purchases.

A. GPS CAMERAS

Four Ricoh 500SE cameras were used to photo-documentation everything ‘good,

bad or ugly’ at the event. The cameras offered the following advantages that

made possible the documentation and management of over 1200 photos

compiled to complete the 10 studies detailed in the monitoring report.

1. Minimal training

Training for use of these cameras took less than 15 minutes. This was

ideal for our team of mostly volunteers.

2. GPS-record the locations photographs were taken

The accuracy of this location is approximately 2-5 m. While this is not as

accurate a location as the Trimble GPS units could record, it is sufficient

for the Team’s purposes. The cameras do have the ability to record the

location of the object photographed rather than the location of where the

photograph was taken, however, the

Team did not require this capability.

TECHNICAL NOTE


3. Record information about each photograph

Caplio’s List Editor software (which ships free with the camera) was used

to create a data dictionary to ensure all information was collected in a

standard way. Outlined below are the possible entries accessed via drop-

down menus for each of the 5 data fields.

Field Representative attribute values

Study Art Project, Perimeter Fence, Trash transects

Stipulation 19 – Art Burn, 32 – Perimeter Fence, 79 – Trash

Status Good/Stip Met, Bad/Concern, Ugly/Violation, Other

First Digit 1st digit of trash transect number (0-9)

Second Digit 2nd

digit of trash transect number (0-9)

4. Watermark photos with entered information

GPL-Photo Link generates a watermarked version of the photograph,

which can be customized to display items such as:

• Title • Comment • Location taken • File name • Date and time • Or any of the 5 entered attributes

5. Transfer data to ArcGIS

GPL-Photo Link also generates a shapefile, a common ArcGIS file format.

6. Field worthy

Despite extreme temperatures and a brutal amount of alkaline playa dust,

these cameras have continued to survive multiple Burning Man events, as

well a year-round use for other projects including hundreds of miles of

route inventories on ATVs.

TECHNICAL NOTE


B. TRIMBLE GPS UNITS

Trimble GeoXT units were used with TerraSync to map city infrastructure and

areas of concern such as art burn platforms. Although some training is required to

use these units, these efforts represented a small minority of the data collected.

This workload was easily covered by those already trained to use these units.

The units were also used data loggers to record responses in the visitor use and

greywater surveys. Trimble units offered the abilities to:

1. GPS-record locations with a high level of accuracy

Locations were GPS-recorded as distinct points, lines or polygon features

with sub-meter level accuracy. These accurate datasets allowed for

calculation of area and perimeter values and for the navigation back to

selected locations with high levels of confidence.

2. Record information for each location

Most locations captured by GPS simply required only a comment field in

which the Team could enter free-form text describing the location being

recorded. For example, ‘Burn platform at the Man.’ Date and time of

collection are automatically appended by the software.

For the visitor use and greywater surveys, data dictionaries were created

to ensure standardized entries via drop-down menus. The location at

which the survey was taken was also recorded by GPS. This could be

used to ensure a random sampling of all

areas of the city was achieved.

3. Transfer data to ArcGIS

Trimble Pathfinder Office was used to post-

process data to ensure sub-meter accuracy

of each location. This software was also

used to export the data to an ESRI

shapefiles (a common ArcGIS format).

TECHNICAL NOTE


4. Navigate to collected features

Long after Black Rock City had been dismantled, the Team was able to

navigate the empty desert directly back to sites within the former city.

Art burn platforms and other areas of potential concern, the perimeter

fence, and other infrastructure were areas subject to for post-event

inspections. Shapefiles for either GPS collected data or the photo

locations from the camera could be copied back to the unit for navigation.

Coordinates from the watermarked photos could also be manually entered

into the Trimble units.

TECHNICAL NOTE


C. ESRI ARCGIS

Data collected by both the Ricoh camera and the Trimble GPS devices share

these common abilities to:

a. Capture a GPS location (as a point, line or area)

b. Record attributes about that location

c. Export that information to an the ESRI shapefile format

The ESRI shapefile format was key to seamlessly migrate data from the GPS

cameras and Trimble devices into ArcGIS for data management and analysis.

ArcGIS was used for spatial analysis, data management and mapmaking.

1. Display locations on city grid

The GPS camera data yielded a single shapefile (GIS layer) of point locations

at which each photograph was taken. Locations captured by the Trimble GPS

units, yielded three distinct point, line and area GIS layers. Team-collected

data was combined with the Black Rock City infrastructure layer in ArcGIS.

GPS-captured locations of photos and areas of concern could then be

displayed in terms of the BRC grid.

TECHNICAL NOTE


2. Query locations based on entered information

Data from the GPS-cameras and Trimble units contains not only location

but also the attributes that were entered upon capture. These 5 attributes

entered serve as the basis for symbology, queries and spatial analysis in

ArcGIS.

3. Perform spatial analysis

ArcGIS was used to summarize documented incidences by stipulation and

status and to determine fence lengths, burn platform areas and other city

infrastructure calculations.

4. Generate random locations for trash transects

Hawth’s tools was in ArcGIS, used to generate random points through 5 main

zones in Black Rock City (Art, Residential, Walk-in Camping, Airport and

Other) as shown on the map. During the event, the Monitoring Team

photographed the appearance at these locations on the chance that if an

excessive amount of trash was found during later inspections, a record exists

of that area’s appearance during the event.

TECHNICAL NOTE


KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

This suite of geospatial tools provided for knowledge management in 3 time

frames:

A. Real-time monitoring

Teams patrolled the city with a GPS-camera. If a concern was found, it

was photographed and attributes entered such including stipulation and a

status of “concern” or “violation” depending on the severity. Data was

collected and processed daily. A GIS-query based on the ‘Status’ was

made to look for incidents of ‘Concern’ or ‘Violation’. A watermarked

image was printed with GPS coordinates and attributes. A GIS map was

also generated to show its location in on the Black Rock City grid. These

mapping products were distributed to the appropriate authorities for

resolution. When resolved, the incident would be re-photographed and its

status updated accordingly.

B. Short-term record of Team efforts during the week

The Team shot over 1,200 photographs during the event. Management of

such a volume of images would not have been possible without the ability

to view and query the photo files by attributes and/or location. This ability

was the basis for monitoring efforts while on the playa.

C. Long-term documentation of stipulation monitoring efforts

Team results and recommendations based on the collected data were

compiled in a stipulation monitoring report, which was accompanied by a

CD of data, maps and analyses. The stipulation monitoring report serves

as part of the permanent files for documenting permit compliance. It also

is the basis for managers to determine: a) if permit compliance and all

stipulations were adequately met for this years event, b) whether to re-

issue permit the next year, and if so, with what additional or modified


stipulations, and c) to base decisions for other types of future event

permits similar in nature and/or location.


V. MONITORING TEAM

Surprise BLM, Cedarville, CA

Roger Farschon, NCA Ecologist & Incident Commander Megan Farschon, Intern Nicole Kiecker, Intern

Winnemucca BLM Joey Carmosino, Outdoor Recreation Planner & Event Logistics Lead David Lefevre, NCA Outdoor Recreation Planner

Dave Martsch, Radio Tech Brooks Wilson

Great Basin Institute at Winnemucca BLM Justin Robbins, NCA Park Ranger Robert Williams, Recreation Technician Marla Kirschbaum, Recreation Technician

Nevada Outdoors School at Winnemucca BLM Holly Palmer Hayze Lindsay Megan Cupid, London, UK Jenny Deverson, Brighton, UK

Lorna Griffiths, Nottingham, UK Alexander Stross, Chichester, UK Stuart Watson, Leicester, UK Jessica Templeton, Plymouth, MI Louise Hart, NCA Transportation Specialist Burning Man participants “Arashi” “Yen” Other Dave Book, Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Reno, NV Dave, NV Dept of Health Martin, Reno, NV Bruce , Reno, NV Adam Jonathan McBride, Sun Valley, NV Seth Ames, Winnemucca, NV James, Radio Tech, Carson City BLM FO


TECHNICAL NOTE


……………’TIL NEXT YEAR!

REPORT SUBMITTED DEC 24 2008

David Lefevre, Outdoor Recreation Planner [email protected]

Bureau of Land Management 5100 E. Winnemucca Boulevard

Winnemucca, Nevada 89445 775-623-1500

An electronic version of this report is available at www.Spatial-Ed.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Laura M. Levy As a GIS Specialist for the BLM in Winnemucca, Laura led efforts to monitor stipulations and daily population figures at the Burning Man event, to inventory over 600-miles of route for travel management planning, and provided Trimble-certified GPS-to-GIS training to over 350 resource specialists. She is the founder of Integrated Mapping Strategies, a GPS/GIS consulting business emphasizing geographic fundamentals, hands-on training, and ongoing support. The Winnemucca-based company empowers clients by integrating strategic thinking and geospatial tools to provide documented, defensible data as the basis for informed management decisions. For comments or questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]

Documents

2008 Burning Man Stipulation Monitoring Report