| Contacts: | Vanessa Delgado, 303-239-3681 | |||
| John Bierk, 303-239-3893 |
New Fireworks Rule Proposed for Public Lands
Lakewood, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule to prohibit the use of fireworks and other explosive devices on all public lands in Colorado. This new rule would bring BLM regulations in line with other land management agencies in the state in an effort to reduce wildfires.
Currently, the BLM prohibits using and possessing fireworks in developed campgrounds, and on a seasonal basis during periods of high fire danger. This new rule would prohibit fireworks use and possession on all BLM-managed lands year-round to help managers be more consistent in their fire prevention efforts on public lands throughout the state.
"These rules go a long way in our efforts to effectively reduce the threat of wildland fires on public lands," BLM State Staff Ranger John Bierk said. "We hope these rules will resolve any inconsistency or confusion that existed in the past with respect to using fireworks on public land."
Authorized personnel, while in the performance of their official duties, will be exempt from the new rules.
The public is invited to comment on this proposed rule through August 9, 2010. In developing the final rule, the BLM is not obligated to consider comments postmarked or received after this date. Comments may be submitted via:
Mail: Office of Law Enforcement, BLM Colorado State Office
Attn: John Bierk
2850 Youngfield St.
Lakewood CO, 80215
E-mail: John_Bierk@blm.gov
For more information about the proposed rule, or providing comments, please contact John Bierk at 303 239 3893.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
2850 Youngfield St. Lakewood, CO 80215