Fireworks prohibited on Forest Service lands

From U.S. Forest Service

HELENA — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest reminds visitors that fireworks are prohibited on all state and federal lands, including Forest Service; however, there are many other activities that people can do on the Forest.

Fireworks — and the possession of fireworks — are prohibited on National Forest System lands, at any time of year. While exploring the national forest during the holiday, visitors are asked to be careful with fire. If camping, people should never leave their our campfire unattended and make sure it’s dead-out before leaving the site.

As folks plan their forest trip, here are a few general tips for a fun and safe recreational experience:

Fireworks and possession of fireworks on National Forest System lands is prohibited (36 CFR 261.52(f)) and could cost violators up to $330 in fines.

People should make sure to have a forest map and tell someone where they plan to be while in the forest.

When seeing that a road is under water, people should not try to drive through it. Many roadways have large segments that have partially or completely eroded making them impassable or nearly impassable.

People should always check weather conditions before heading out to the forest. They should carry enough food, water, extra clothes and gear that they may need.

People must obey all off-highway motorized travel laws and regulations when exploring on ATVs or other OHV equipment.

People must remember to pack out thier garbage and clean up your their before leaving.

While Forest Service offices will be closed Thursday in honor of Independence Day, all offices will reopen with regular business hours — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — to the public Friday.

Although Forest Service offices will be closed, firewood permits can be purchased at one of the following locations:

• Helena: South’s Market, Broadwater Market, Rockhand Hardware and Capital Sports and Western;

• Townsend: Town & Ranch True Value;

• Elliston: Elliston Store;

• Lincoln: Grizzly Hardware;

• Choteau: Rex’s Food Farm;

• Augusta: Allen’s Manix Store;

• Great Falls: Scheel’s Sports and North 40 Outfitters;

• Stanford: By-Way Service;

• Hobson: Nancy’s Country Market;

• Lewistown: Sports Center;

• Neihart: Neihart Inconvenience Store;

• Harlowton: Wheatland County Sherriff’s Department;

• Vaughn: Valley Country Store (Eli’s Sinclair Station);

• White Sulphur Springs: Meagher County Sherriff’s Department.

• These locations sell forest maps, as well.

People can find more information on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HLCNF or online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf/.