RENO - The Bureau of Land Management and organizers of the Burning Man festival have agreed on a new site for the annual arts and recreation festival in the Black Rock Desert.
The location will be midway between last year's spot four miles northeast of Gerlach and one about 14 miles northeast of Gerlach that was favored by organizers.
The BLM must complete field work before giving final approval to the permit.
The BLM said on Tuesday that the new site will improve traffic flow, railroad safety, drainage in case of rain and event security.
Event organizers expect this year's Burning Man to attract about 28,000 during its Aug. 28-Sept. 4 run.
Last year's festival site at the southern tip of the sprawling desert was unsafe because of its proximity to Union Pacific railroad tracks, according to the BLM's draft environmental assessment.
Although there were no accidents, trains were forced to slow down or stop because of festival participants on or near the tracks, BLM officials said.
The event draws participants from all 50 states to what's called ultimate celebration of free expression.
The event on the desert 120 miles north of Reno is known for art, dancing, concerts, nudity and drugs.
