Parker Races Temporary Public Land Closures Scheduled

Temporary Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land closures are scheduled for January 11-12, and February 1-2, 2013, for the annual running of the Parker 250 and Parker 425 Desert Races.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced the temporary closure of selected public lands under its administration in La Paz County, Arizona.

The Parker 250 Desert Race closure is in effect from 2p.m. (MST) on Friday, January 11, 2013, through 6 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, January 12, 2013. The Parker 425 Desert Race closure is in effect from 2 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 1, 2013, through 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, February 2, 2013.

The closures are being done to help ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary environmental degradation during the permitted running of the 2013 Parker 250 and Parker 425 Desert Races.

Areas subject to this closure include all public land; including county maintained roads and highways located within two miles of the designated course.

“As in past years, we will have designated spectator areas so people can enjoy the races,” said BLM Lake Havasu Field Manager Kim Liebhauser. “Post and cable fencing and concrete barriers will be used to designate two spectator areas in Bouse, Arizona. The five-mile long spectator area along Shea Road outside of Parker is above the race course; protected with post and cable fencing along the bluff; and will not require a speed zone.”

Liebhauser added, “The Parker Races are an important tradition to the community and public. We’ve had a perfect spectator safety record for over 40 years and we want to keep it that way.”

The race courses and closure areas descriptions, restrictions, and maps of the designated race courses are available at the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater Avenue, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86406.

For more information contact Michael Dodson, Field Staff Ranger, BLM Lake Havasu Field Office at 928-505-1200.