Enjoy the Stars This July 4th When Celebrating at Hoosier National Forest
Recreate Responsibly on Independence Day
Bedford, IN, July 2 – Celebrating July 4th outdoors is a national tradition, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service welcomes visitors this Friday. However, visitors should know that fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every campsite, every day.
Campgrounds will likely be full and recreation sites will experience heavy use, please remember — leave fireworks and sparkly displays to your city and other professional organizations.
Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. So, with a bit of planning, you can safely enjoy the starry skies while being outdoors.
To ensure a safe, fun Independence Day:
Visit the Hoosier National Forest website for alerts on sites and trails.
Have backup destinations in mind, in case an area is temporarily closed or too crowded.
Stay water smart. Lots of people escape the heat by enjoying the water this holiday. Wear a personal flotation device (life vest) when participating in water activities.
Recreate Responsibly. Note any fire restrictions in place before starting a campfire, carry tools to extinguish a flame, and report a fire by calling 911.
Finally, Know Before You Go.
About the Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.