Fireworks Banned on BLM Lands in Oregon and Washington 2012
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The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) prohibits the use of fireworks on all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. “We manage some amazing public lands in Oregon and Washington, and take that responsibility very seriously. The wet and cool spring weather has kept things green in the western valleys, but we have some very dry areas east of the Cascades. The snowpack is actively melting now and there is much more activity outdoors. Climate forecasts suggest a fairly normal pattern this year, but unmanaged wildfire is always a risk," explained Mike Mottice, Acting State Director for Oregon/Washington BLM. “The wet and cool spring weather has kept our forests moist in the western valleys, but we have drier forests and some very dry rangelands east of the Cascades. We have already had several range fires this year and we will be moving into a more active fire season fairly soon," explained Mike Mottice, Acting State Director for Oregon/Washington BLM. “The upcoming 4th of July holiday is a great occasion for families and friends to get outside to enjoy our public lands. Please do so carefully. Help protect important wildlife habitat, watersheds and our working forests and rangelands," said Mottice. Those who ignite or operate fireworks on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both. This also includes Tannerite and other target shooting with exploding targets. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression. The BLM manages 16 million acres of land in Oregon and Washington. The agency cooperates with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group to fight wildland fires in the Pacific Northwest. Information about the BLM's fire program is available on the Oregon/Washington BLM web site at: blm.gov/or/resources/fire/index.php
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.