Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 26, 2002
For more information:  Division of Parks and Recreation, 773-3391

FIREWORKS PROHIBITED ON GFP LANDS

PIERRE – Drought conditions across South Dakota has prompted a warning from the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) that fireworks are prohibited on all lands managed by GFP. This warning includes game production areas, nature areas, lakeside use areas, recreation areas and state parks.

According to Division of Wildlife Director Doug Hansen, "Conditions are critically dry across the state. This has caused a great deal of stress on land and wildlife. Good habitat becomes extremely important. Some of that habitat will be required by landowners for grazing livestock."

That, says Hansen, makes habitat available on GFP-managed lands increasingly important. Fireworks are banned from all GFP lands, and this ban will be strictly enforced.

The same ban applies to state park and recreation areas. Division of Parks and Recreation Director Doug Hofer said, "We are always vigilant in enforcing the ban on fireworks in park areas for the safety and comfort of our visitors. The Fourth of July holiday brings thousands of people out picnicking and camping. The dry conditions and fire danger will make that ban particularly important this year."

Hofer and Hansen joined in encouraging holiday revelers to celebrate with cautious use of fireworks this Fourth of July. Fireworks are best kept at home with ample safety measures taken to prevent the possibility of igniting a fire.

Besides the GFP lands, fireworks are also illegal within the exterior boundaries of the Black Hills Fire Protection District, national forests and national parks in South Dakota.

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