Columnist Barb Henderson: Be aware that fireworks are illegal on public lands

Barb Henderson

Thursday, July 3, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

It's the Fourth of July weekend, a time when many outdoor enthusiasts will be exercising their independence by heading outdoors.

Plans that may include relaxing in camp under a starlit sky, standing by the water's edge casting artificial lures with anticipation of catching a nice fish, lifting an anchor out of the waters to enjoy a day of boating, taking a hike from one of the many trailheads or enjoying a marvelous barbecue or picnic -- hmm, I can almost smell the aroma -- while visiting with family and friends.

Whatever your favorite outdoor recreational activity might be, the long weekend offers a window of opportunity for folks to get away and experience the enjoyment of an adventurous journey to an outdoors destination.

Just remember: Don't take any fireworks on public lands. They're not allowed.

It only takes one careless act to affect us all.

Let the enjoyment of being in the great outdoors be your celebration.

The Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service reminds the public that possession or use of any fireworks, including those labeled "Safe and Sane" is prohibited on all public land.

Affected areas include all areas, roads and trails on BLM Las Vegas Field Office-managed lands, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, including the Mt. Charleston area, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

A person found responsible for setting a wildfire through the use of fireworks on public lands will be billed for the cost of fighting the fire. Violations can include a fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months -- or both.

In addition, fire restrictions continue to be in effect on public lands due to the potential danger of forest fires.

For more information contact any of the following agencies: U.S. Forest Service, 515-5400; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 515-5450; National Park Service, 293-8990; or the Bureau of Land Management, 515-5000.

The project is scheduled to begin on July 31 and focuses on the continued effort to restore the Native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout to its historic range within the GBNP boundaries. Project activities will include stream surveys, fish population census and habitat improvement.

For more information on volunteering for this conservation project, contact the SNCTU President at 497-9396.

Jones, who once owned and operated a bait and tackle store in Henderson called the Sunset Marine and Tackle, from 1982 to 1988, sold the tackle shop to spend more of her time guiding anglers out on the waters of Lake Mead.

Recently, Karen decided to sell her professional fishing guide service to her nephew, John Alexander. She plans to spend her time traveling and relaxing.

I would imagine, Karen Jones will fit fishing into most of those traveling plans.