The proposed visitor management strategy is based on a desired range of visitation that falls between the site’s capacity and lowest daily visitation expected. The site’s capacity was determined by the number of cars that could be parked on areas previously denuded by humans (e.g., in the corrals) which total approximately 4 acres. This previously disturbed area of the ranch could accommodate approximately 450 vehicles, which would equate to approximately 1,000 visitors (average vehicle is assumed to carry 2.3 passengers). This level of visitation would be undesirable from a visitor experience and resource impact perspective, but could theoretically be accommodated within existing disturbed areas. However, the Proposed Action would limit special event parking to approximately 200 vehicles. The low daily visitation estimate is based on the average number of occupants in the proposed permanent residences (see Caretaker and Manager’s Residence discussion above.) With permanent staff and families, this estimate is anticipated to be less than 10 daily.

Based on the use of all proposed parking areas, including special event parking in the corrals, the peak visitation level is estimated to be 563 persons (includes general public, short- and long-term guests, and permanent residents) at any one time. This could occur multiple times each year.

All special events that would exceed the capacity of the primary parking area (Table 2.2, “Parking Capacity for All Action Alternatives”) would need to be approved under a BLM Special Use Permit. Visitors would be limited to designated areas, paths, and trails at all times. Signage and rules would be clearly posted and provided to visitors. Overnight use would be permitted only in designated camping areas or buildings, not to exceed the overnight capacity of the ranch camping areas and guest quarters.

Though the optimal visitor experience and management level has not been defined, the conservative approach to visitation management would be to cap peak daily visitation at the proposed parking capacity level (563 persons/day). On most days, however, public visitation is anticipated to be far below peak capacity. In shoulder seasons and off-peak months (six months out of the year), daily visitation/guest levels would be in the range of 10-75 persons per day. For context, the museum at Searchlight receives approximately 4,500 visitors annually, or an average of 12 visitors per day.

Click here for a larger view (figure opens in a new window).

Figure 2.11. Estimated Average and Peak Daily Visitation Levels (Persons at One Time)

The proposed visitor management strategy would be to allow up to 563 persons on the ranch at any given time on several occasions throughout the year, although typical daily use would be much lower. In any setting that allows visitor use, some degradation of resources and visitor experience is possible. In order to maintain the desired quality of resources and experiences, a visitor impact monitoring program would be established. This annual visitor impact monitoring program would be operated by UNLV to evaluate visitor experience, resource conditions, and site characteristics during peak events to determine if peak visitation should be adjusted (e.g., more/less events per year, adjustments to the maximum allowable numbers at these events, or additional conditions on issuance of Special Use Permits). If it is determined that peak visitation could be increased, additional visitation would be accommodated via shuttle buses from the community of Searchlight or surrounding jurisdictions No additional parking spaces would be added without a separate planning and environmental assessment effort. If it is determined that peak visitation should be decreased, proposed parking areas could be reevaluated for restoration potential.