America’s public lands have long been a popular location for still and video photography. The desert landscapes, dry lakebeds, mountain terrain, and open range of the American West provide some incredible scenery. Many commercials and print advertisements have been captured on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-administered lands right here in Harney County. Here’s the latest.

The name Mercedes-Benz is familiar for its global, ultra-luxury auto manufacturing. But the company’s mission is even bigger: to “move the world.” Recently, they helped one man do just that – on the Alvord Desert.

Bart Hickey, a mechanic from the suburbs of Chicago, has been legally blind and exceptionally capable his entire life. He runs a successful auto-repair shop and says about life, “It’s great to be here.” This part of his story was featured in a mini-documentary by Mercedes-Benz TV in 2011. You can see this video here:  https://bit.ly/1LxXtFk .

Since, Hickey has pursued building his own car and aspiring to drive it. His car isn’t done yet, but Mercedes-Benz stepped in to make his dream come true just a little sooner.

In October of this year, Hickey, his son, a large production crew, and the Mercedes-AMG GT R — Beast of the Green Hell (Google that), gathered on the Alvord Desert for the drive of a lifetime. Watch for a video about this experience and all its worth in January 2019!

The BLM works hard every day to protect our nation’s special places. We are proud to manage public lands like the Alvord Desert. Remember: Some photo and film work on public land requires a permit. For more information, give us a call at 541-573-4400.