The Forest Service reminds the public:
Using fireworks or possessing fireworks
on Forest Service lands is prohibited
(but they also
remind all that many other fun activities
allowed) |
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July 2, 2018 |
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the
Idaho Panhandle National Forests would like to
remind visitors that fireworks are prohibited on
all National Forest System lands; however, there
are many other activities that people can do on
the 2.5 million acre Idaho Panhandle National
Forests. “There are many ways to enjoy the
Forest such as camping, hiking, mountain biking,
OHV driving, bird watching, fishing, to name
just a few,” said Forest Supervisor Jeanne
Higgins. “While we encourage people to get
outside and enjoy their public lands this
holiday, we want them to be aware of the rules
that are in place to keep us all safe.”
Before you head outside to enjoy your public
lands, here are a few tips for a fun and safe
recreational experience!
· Always check weather conditions before heading
out to the Forest. Carry enough water, food,
extra clothes and gear that you may need. Make
sure to have a forest map and tell someone where
you plan to be while in the forest!
· Fireworks—and the possession of fireworks—are
prohibited on National Forest System lands,
regardless of weather conditions or holidays.
Instead, folks are encouraged to attend
community-hosted events for Fourth of July
activities. Exploding targets and other
pyrotechnic devices are also prohibited on
public lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle
National Forests.
· Visitors to the forest are asked to be very
careful with fire. If camping, be sure to pack a
shovel and a bucket for extinguishing your
campfire. Please practice good sense by using
caution with fire and smoking at all times, and
in all places. Never leave your campfire
unattended, and before leaving your campsite,
douse the fire with water, stir, and check your
campfire for heat with your bare hand. ALL fires
must be DEAD OUT when left unattended and before
leaving the site.
· Be aware of your surroundings while in the
forest. Watch out for wildlife and be sure to
give them plenty of space.
· Please stay on designated routes and obtain
the appropriate travel maps before you go. Obey
all off-highway motorized travel laws and
regulations when exploring the forest on
motorized equipment. Visitors should carry a
Motorized Vehicle Use Map, available for FREE at
any of our offices.
· Store food in hard-sided vehicles or
bear-proof containers. The Bonners Ferry, Priest
Lake, and portions of the Sandpoint Ranger
District all have food storage requirements in
place. For more information, read the forest’s
Food Storage Order on our Web page.
· Remember to pack out your garbage and clean up
your site before you leave.
Forest Service offices will be closed on
Wednesday, July 4, but will be open on Tuesday,
July 3 and Thursday, July 5. For more
information on the Idaho Panhandle National
Forests, please visit
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/home.
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