BLUERIBBON COALITION LAND USE UPDATE
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Issues Fire Warning
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Wednesday that county fire bans and restrictions will be strictly enforced in state parks and wildlife areas because of the extremely high fire danger across the state. All fires, including those in pits and grills, have been banned in 14 counties due to dry conditions and the risk of wildfires. Fire restrictions are in place in many other counties. The agency reminds all park visitors and sportsmen that county bans and restrictions apply to the state parks and wildlife areas in those counties. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will enforce the county fire bans and other restrictions.
Counties with fire bans that impact state parks:
- Adams County: Barr Lake State Park
- Arapahoe County: Cherry Creek State Park
- Boulder County: Eldorado Canyon State Park
- Clear Creek County
- Douglas County: Castlewood Canyon and Roxborough State Parks
- Elbert County
- Gilpin County: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Grand County
- Hinsdale County
- Jackson County: State Forest State Park
- Jefferson County: Chatfield and Staunton State Parks
- Phillips County
- Pitkin County
- Washington County
The most recent county-by-county information on fire bans and restrictions is available at the Colorado Division of Emergency Management website. http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-ban-info.html
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also manages more than 300 state wildlife areas. Many are open to recreational activities. Visitors to wildlife areas are encouraged to be aware of county restrictions and property specific regulations, which are available from local parks and wildlife offices.
Because of hot and dry weather, the public is asked to check with the state park, forest or land management agency where you are going for current fire conditions.
Visitors who are visiting state parks and wildlife areas without fire bans and restrictions must follow the regulations for campfires:
- Do not leave fires unattended or allow them to burn outside the fire ring.
- Be sure to extinguish all fires completely. Check for embers and repeatedly douse fires with water.
- Put out cigarettes and dispose of safely.
- Please check with the state parks' website, www.parks.state.co.us, for fire information at the specific park you plan to visit.
- For fire information at state wildlife areas, please visit http://wildlife.state.co.us
Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
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