LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced the temporary closure of selected public lands in La Paz County, for two days in January and February, in order to support the annual Parker Races. The closures will help ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary environmental degradation during these popular sporting events.

The THR Motorsports Parker 250 Desert Race closure is scheduled from 2 p.m. (MST) on Friday, Jan. 8, through 6 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, Jan. 9. The Parker 425 Desert Race closure is scheduled from 2 p.m. (MST) on Friday, Feb. 5, through 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, Feb. 6.

The closures will include all public land, including county-maintained roads and highways, located within two miles of the designated course.

“The Parker Races are an important tradition to the local community and an exciting start to the desert racing season,” said BLM Lake Havasu Field Manager Jason West. “As in past years, designated spectator areas will be available so people can come out and enjoy the races. We’ve had a perfect spectator safety record for more than 40 years and we want to keep it that way.”

Post and cable fencing and concrete barriers will be used to designate two spectator areas on BLM-managed land near Bouse. A third spectator area along Shea Road outside of Parker will provide a five-mile long, protected area for viewing.

Maps and information regarding the designated race courses and impacted closure areas are available at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater Avenue, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86406.