2009 Burning Man Exhibit Proposal
3/6/09
David Mensing

BM Theme: Evolution
BLM Exhibit Title: How the West Was Won - The Evolution of Public Lands

Public Lands - a legacy unique in the world. A concept envisioned by our forefathers and passed down generation to generation and entrusted to all Americans to protect and conserve. The story of America's public lands is essentially the history of the nation. It is a story of
victories and defeats, of hopes and disappointments, of justice and injustices, of men and women looking for better lives, of men and women fighting to keep the lives they know. It is a story written in blood, sweat, and tears, on landscapes of indescribable beauty and richness.

From the Louisiana Purchase to Lewis and Clark to the Indian campaigns to the westward migration of the pioneers to the gold rush to the formation of the major land managing agencies to the building of railroads and great dams to the training of our troops in the desert in WW II to nuclear testing in the Nevada Desert - the Public Lands played a crucial role.

The goal of this year's exhibit will be to educate Burning Man participants about this valuable public lands legacy. The exhibit will be designed in a museum-type format with exhibit panels displayed in a chronological format telling the public lands story and tying the story to key historical events. Tactical displays (hands on) and first person interpretation will accompany the panels to bring the exhibit to life. A traveling exhibit (Art Car), which can be taken out onto the playa, will further enhance our ability to reach Burning Man participants.

Key Exhibit Themes:
• Where it all started-The Louisiana Purchase
• Lewis and Clark and Other Explorations
• The Mountain Men
• The Gold Rush
• The Indian Campaigns
• The Creation of the Public Domain
• The Pioneers
• The Agencies
• The Great Land Rush - The Homesteaders
• The National Forests
• The National Park Service
• The Bureau of Land Management
• Range Wars
• The Watering of the West - The Great Dam Controversy
• The Military and WW II Desert Training
• Nuclear Testing
• The Challenges of Today
• The Future?

Main Exhibit Components:
• 2 Yurts w/shade structure
• Vinyl Interpretive Panels
• Entrance Structure
• Rope Fence
• Gas Campfire/Chairs/Benches
• Outside 4x8 Interpretive Panels
• Decorative Lighting/Flags
Exhibit Elements:
• Outside Interpretive Panels
• Campfire
• Covered Wagon
• Mining Implements
• Indian TeePee
• Livestock Statues
• Military Implements
• Inside Interpretive Panels
Special Programs:
• Presentations on Emigrant Trail Experience
• Talk on public lands history
• Traveling Medicine Show Art Car
Special Needs:
• Entrance credentials/volunteer paperwork at ICS for Exhibit volunteers and staff (Saturday thru Monday).
• Golf Cart for Exhibit transportation.
• BLM and others (FOBR, NOS, etc.) to assist in staffing the exhibit from Monday morning thru Saturday night. Usually 4 hr. shifts.
• NOS or others to assist in constructing exhibit on Saturday, and BLM or FOBR to assist in takedown on Sunday (2 to 3).
Estimated Budget

• Re-imbursement of Travel Expenses $3,000 (1st Person Interpreters; Camp Manager)
• Fabrication of Interpretive Panels $2,000
• Misc. Camp Materials $750
• Art Car Construction $500
Total $6,250