(Rolla) – Mark Twain National Forest’s Acting Forest Supervisor Teresa Chase reminds visitors and campers that the use of all fireworks is prohibited on all national forests and national grasslands.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.
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.
Forest visitors are also reminded to ensure that all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them. Please be careful with cigarettes, matches and other smoking materials while visiting national forests and dispose of them safely.
Also while on Mark Twain National Forest, a functioning spark arrester is required on all motorized equipment.
Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.
For more information about Mark Twain National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf.