Forest Service bans discharge of firearms in Colorado units
Forest Service bans discharge of firearms in Colorado units
23 June 2012
published by www.reporterherald.com
USA –-FORT COLLINS — Due to extremely dry and windy conditions on National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service officials increased fire restrictions to Stage II for the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on Friday, and will begin restricting the discharge of firearms on forest lands on Monday.
The restrictions will be placed on the Boulder, Canyon Lakes, Clear Creek and Sulphur Ranger Districts and Pawnee National Grassland.
“We have a major fire burning on our Forest. Protecting people and homes is our main priority. Since fire danger is at an all-time high, doing what we can to prevent additional ignitions is imperative,” Forest Supervisor Glenn Casamassa said in a press release.
The firearms prohibition restricts all discharge of firearms on the forests and Grassland, except for persons shooting at game while carrying a valid hunting license during the established legal hunting season.
The fire restrictions also prohibit:
- Open fire, except when using a petroleum stove, grill, or lantern with a buffer cleared of all vegetation on all sides for at least three feet.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Possessing or using fireworks or other pyrotechnic device.
- Using an explosive.
- Using any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting device properly working.
- Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads, except when parking in areas completely cleared of all vegetation and operating a vehicle as described in a valid ARP Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Discharge of a firearm, except when possessing a valid Colorado hunting license while lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game during the appropriate season.
