"RENO, Nev. — Conservationists are crying foul over U.S. land managers' initial conclusion that there are no environmental concerns with an off-road race that will cross 650 miles of Nevada desert and cut through a new national monument.

They say the Bureau of Land Management delayed releasing a study of the Aug. 19-20 race until last week to prevent legal challenges.

About 350 trucks, dune buggies, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are expected to compete in this year's Best in the Desert Vegas to Reno Race. It's also expected to draw 5,000 spectators and 500 staff members.

The BLM issued its environmental assessment of the proposed race route July 1. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the public has 30 days — or until Aug. 1 — to comment on it."

Scott Sonner reports for the Associated Press July 7, 2016. [2]