Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands: Fireworks Prohibited at State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands

AUGUSTA, Maine – Visitors to Maine state parks and historic sites are reminded for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday that fireworks are not allowed on park and historic-site properties and public lands.

“We really want people to come and enjoy the Fourth with us and have a grand time,” said Will Harris, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands director at the Maine Department of Conservation. “However, we are not allowing fireworks on our public properties.”

Harris said that fireworks are not permitted at state parks because of safety reasons for park visitors. On public reserve lands, which are more remote and back country, fireworks are prohibited because of fire danger, he said.

Park staff will be monitoring Maine’s state parks, while public-lands staff will monitor public-reserve land units for compliance, Harris said.

Maine has 48 state parks and historic sites, as well as 29 public-reserve land units. The state parks and historic sites will be open and staffed on Wednesday, July 4, the BPL director said.

Last year, more than 2.4 million people visited Maine’s state parks and historic sites. Total day-use and campground attendance to date already is 30 percent higher than last year, according to BPL figures.

Under new Maine law, people can use fireworks on their own property or with written permission from landowners.

BPL officials are encouraging people to enjoy both Maine’s public fireworks displays and the quiet beauty of the state’s natural areas for the holiday, Harris said.

 “If you have fireworks to shoot off, please shoot them at home, or go and watch some of the fantastic municipal displays,” the BPL director said. “Then come to our Maine state parks and enjoy the best that Maine has to offer in scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.”

For more information about Maine state parks and historic sites, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com