FIRE RESTRICTIONS AT SOME STATE WILDLIFE AREAS

FIRE RESTRICTIONS AT SOME STATE WILDLIFE AREAS

Extremely dry conditions in southeastern Colorado have prompted the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) to remind campers that where local fire restrictions are in effect they include DOW State Wildlife Areas. Fire danger is extremely high in most counties in southeastern Colorado and that means fire bans are in effect at several popular state wildlife areas including; John Martin, Adobe Creek (Blue Lake), Queens, Turks Pond, Two Buttes, and others. "We expect an influx of campers over the Fourth of July weekend," said Steve Keefer, a district wildlife manager in Bent County. "People need to realize that hot, dry conditions combined with campfires, fireworks, and strong winds can be a recipe for disaster." In most cases, cooking with charcoal or gas grills is allowed, but open fires and fireworks are prohibited. Campers should check with the local sheriff's office to get additional details regarding the location they plan to camp. The decision to declare a fire ban is made on a county by county basis. As of June 20, the following counties had fire restrictions: Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Elbert, Kiowa, Lincoln, Otero, and Pueblo. Campers can get a complete, updated list of counties with fire restrictions from the Department of Local Affairs website at http://www.dola.state.co.us/dem/public_information/firebans/firebans.htm The fire bans remain in effect until such time that the local counties lift them. There are over 200 State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) managed by the Division of Wildlife in Colorado. Visitors are reminded that anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 must purchase an annual Habitat Stamp before entering SWAs. Hunters or anglers who have already purchased a hunting or fishing license have already met the requirement. Wildlife Habitat Stamps can be bought anywhere hunting or fishing licenses are sold. They can also be purchased by calling (800) 244-5613 and over the Internet. The $10.25 annual fee covers unlimited visits onto any of the SWAs in Colorado. State Wildlife Areas are properties owned or managed by the DOW for the benefit of wildlife. A few SWAs allow camping, but unlike parks or private campgrounds, the primary purpose of State Wildlife Areas is to set aside land to benefit wildlife. Funds collected from the sale of Habitat Stamps are earmarked for easements and acquisitions of critical wildlife habitat. Since its inception two years ago, the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program has been instrumental in protecting more than 30,000 acres for wildlife and wildlife related recreation.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.