Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
For more information:  Jessica Andrews, 773-4235

NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED IN STATE PARKS

PIERRE – Game, Fish and Parks officials are asking visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas to please leave their fireworks at home during this Fourth of July.

Discharging fireworks is prohibited on all lands owned or leased by the 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 exterior boundaries of the Black Hills forest fire protection district, national forests and national parks within South Dakota.

"Campgrounds will be very busy during the Fourth of July holiday," said Doug Hofer, state parks director. "Combining fireworks and large numbers of people creates a dangerous situation. It also creates a serious fire hazard in parks that have an abundance of dry vegetation. Let's keep the parks safe and fun this Fourth of July."

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