Crystal residents urge county action after Best in the Desert races damage berms, block roads

Residents of Crystal, Nevada, told the Nye County Board of Commissioners that off‑road racing associated with the Best in the Desert series has repeatedly disrupted their community and damaged local infrastructure.

Dawn Duncan described arrivals at 3 a.m., prolonged noise and dust, significant trash and a biological waste bag left near staging lines. She said BLM flood berms destroyed during prior races were not repaired, leading to flooding of private roads and properties; county resources had to be used to clear mud in 2024 and 2025. "Best in the Desert group are not good stewards of the desert," Duncan said, and she presented a small sample of trash at the dais.

Laura Vavrica, who said she has lived in Crystal since 1999, said race staging blocked private property access and prevented service providers from reaching homes. Several speakers said Crystalhas about 30 full‑time residents, many elderly, and described the event as overwhelming for a small community.

Commissioner Strickland asked staff to follow up with Best in the Desert and flagged prior BLM permit denials related to cleanup; commissioners suggested BLM review permits and consider enforcement steps. The board did not take immediate regulatory action but agreed to investigate and coordinate with BLM and public works on berm repairs and cleanup obligations.

Residents asked for berm repairs, stronger permit enforcement and improved event staging so local access and safety are preserved.

No formal county enforcement action was recorded at the meeting; public comment closed with a request that staff report back.