Saturday, June 9, is National Get Outdoors Day

Saturday, June 9, 2012 is National Get Outdoors Day.  The BLM, along with our sister agencies will waive fees at the listed sites.  In addition, the public is reminded to be extremely careful when enjoying the outdoors, and check the fire restrictions before heading out.  Please share this information with your audience.  Remember, you can follow us at Facebook.com/BLMArizona and for the latest BLM fire information you can follow us on Twitter @BLMAZFire

 

National Get Outdoors Day Saturday

Check Fire Restrictions Before Going Out to Have Fun!

 

PHOENIX – Summer may not officially start until June 21, but with triple digit temperatures and school over until August, many people are heading out to enjoy the outdoors.  This Saturday, June 9, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will celebrate National “Get Outdoors Day” by waiving fees at the sites listed below.  “BLM invites the public to enjoy these campgrounds and other lands across the state, but ask the public to be aware of the fire restrictions in place and the need to be extremely cautious when recreating this summer” said Ray Suazo, BLM Arizona State Director.

Area	Site Name	Contact Number
Arizona Strip	Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area	(435) 688-3200
Kingman	Burro Creek, Wild Cow Springs and Windy Point Recreation Sites (The purchase price of the Desert Garden Brochure and campsite dump fees will also be waived)	(928) 718-3700
Lake Havasu	Crossroads Campground and Bullfrog, Bass Point and Quail Hollow Day Use Areas	(928) 505-1200
Phoenix	Painted Rock Campground and Painted Rocks Petroglyph Day Use Area	(623) 580-5500
Safford	Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area	(928) 348-4400
Tucson	St. David Cienega/Land Corral, Fairbank Historic Townsite, San Pedro House and Hereford Bridge Trailheads	(520) 258-7200
Yuma	Squaw Lake Campground and Boat Launch, Senator Wash Boat Ramp and Day Use Area, Senator Wash North and South Shore Campgrounds, Betty’s Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Area, Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area and Ehrenberg Sandbowl Off-Highway Vehicle Area	(928) 317-3200

 

Fire prevention restrictions greatly reduce the risk of fire on public lands. People who enjoy public lands can reduce the risk of fire by practicing safety and strictly adhering to these fire prevention restrictions until sufficient rain has been received to reduce the fire danger significantly.

 

·         Fires, campfires, charcoal and wood stove fires are only allowed in agency provided fire rings or grills in developed campgrounds.  The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed if the device meets the fire underwriter’s specification for safety. (All open fires, including in developed campgrounds, are prohibited in the Arizona Strip and Gila districts).

·         Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

·         Using tracer ammunition, explosives or any incendiary devices (including exploding targets) and fireworks are always prohibited on BLM public lands in Arizona.

·         Discharging a firearm (no target shooting or other shooting) outside of taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws in hunting season is prohibited on BLM public lands in the Phoenix District.  This includes Agua Fria National Monument, Table Mesa Recreation Area, Boulders Staging Campground, the Harquahala Back County Byway, Sonoran Desert National Monument, Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site.

 

Be aware that driving off-road over dry grass could ignite a fire; be sure that all vehicles and tires are in excellent working order; chains or other recreational equipment must not drag or dangle from the truck or trailer to the ground; secure all recreational equipment; it’s always a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher.

Fire prevention restrictions are in effect until further notice for all public lands administrated by the BLM.

Violation of Fire Restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4).