Things to know for a July 4th outing on BLM public land
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and for those planning to get outdoors on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, there are some very important things to remember before you venture out for a day or weekend of fun. The most important reminders are to be safe, responsible and diligent in how you use and leave public land.
On the safety front, the BLM reminds the public to be prepared for the extreme summer time temperatures. This means having plenty of water and food, wearing the appropriate shoes and clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen at all times. Another safety reminder is to be aware of your surroundings and to watch out for snakes and other poisonous insects.
Another reminder is for the public to “leave no trace” and be responsible for cleaning up picnic and campsites, as well as packing out all of their possessions and trash.
The extreme fire danger is another safety reminder the BLM wants to impress on the public. The very dry and windy conditions can spread an ignition quickly, with catastrophic results. To reduce the risk of wildland fires, the BLM Las Cruces District is currently under fire restrictions, which prohibits the following activities on public land:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove. However, the use of stoves fueled by pressurized liquid or gas (that can be turned off) is allowed only within areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed sites and areas or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Discharging, using or possessing fireworks.
While it may be tempting to ignite fireworks of any kind to celebrate the occasion, it is prohibited on all BLM-managed public land, including the Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground and the Dripping Springs Natural Area – La Cueva picnic area.
The BLM wants the public to enjoy their public land in a safe, responsible and diligent manner, leaving the public land in optimum shape for the next visitors to enjoy and appreciate.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.