South Lake Tahoe, Calif. –The Forest Supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is cautioning New Year’s holiday visitors to leave their fireworks at home.
“The use of all fireworks is prohibited on all national forests and national grasslands. Regulations are enforced, and violation is punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both,” declared Nancy Gibson.
The ban on fireworks is year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Forest visitors are also reminded to ensure that all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them.
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
