State Park Visitors Should Leave Fireworks at Home

PIERRE, S.D. – The upcoming Fourth of July holiday is always a busy time in South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. As you celebrate, Game, Fish and Parks Department officials ask you to please leave fireworks at home.

 

According to Doug Hofer, state parks and recreation director, campgrounds are traditionally very busy with campers and other visitors enjoying the parks during the Independence Day period.

 

“Combining fireworks and large numbers of people creates a dangerous situation,” said Hofer. “We appreciate your help to keep the parks safe and fun this Fourth of July.”

 

Discharging fireworks is prohibited on all lands owned or leased by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The ban includes state parks, recreation areas, lakeside use areas, game production areas and nature areas. Discharging fireworks is also illegal within the boundaries of the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, national forests and national parks in South Dakota.

 

For more information on the South Dakota State Parks, visit www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391.

 

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