STATE GAME LANDS CAMPFIRE BAN LIFTED

HARRISBURG, PA - With recent rains reducing the threat of wildfire, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is lifting the temporary ban on building fires on state game lands.

While camping on state game lands is prohibited, regulations allow game lands users to build small fires for cooking or warming purposes. However, with much of the state under drought conditions and wildfires popping up, the Game Commission on Nov. 5 enacted a temporary ban on game lands campfires.

Conditions have improved since, allowing for the ban to be lifted.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which had issued a similar ban on campfires in state parks and state forests earlier this month, lifted its ban, too.

Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith noted the importance of stepping in to ensure wildlife, habitat and hunting opportunities on state game lands remain protected.

"While the temporary ban remained in place for only about two weeks, it provided an additional layer of protection during a span when extremely dry conditions were fueling wildfires statewide," Smith said. "State game lands are important to Pennsylvania's wildlife and hunters, which we're reminded of frequently at this time of year, when so many hunting seasons are hitting their prime."

A full list of state game lands regulations can be found at www.pgc.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Travis Lau - 717-705-6541

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