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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2005

 

Fireworks Display Cancelled for July 4th at Weldon Springs
Dry Conditions Blamed

Clinton—The annual fireworks display at Weldon Springs State Recreation Area has been cancelled for this year, due to dry conditions. Fires are also banned in the tent camping and backpacking areas of the state recreation area in Dewitt County.

“We made this decision after meeting with the Clinton Fire Chief,” said Weldon Springs State Recreation Area site superintendent Dave Herzog. “Our primary concern is avoiding risk to visitors to the park.”

Across Illinois, fire risk is high in state parks. During the months of March, April, May, and June, the third lowest amount of rainfall was recorded since 1895. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has activated the Drought Response Task Force in Illinois as a result of the conditions.

“Within the next week, without significant rainfall, we may be forced to completely ban campfires in some parks,” said Tony Mayville, director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Land Management.

To assure utmost safety, Mayville offers the following suggestions:
• Check each site for specific restrictions
• Use only designated fire rings or camp stoves.
• Attend to fires at all times.
• Dowse all embers completely, including charcoal.
• Fireworks are illegal in Illinois State Park, unless ignited under special permit.
• Make sure smoking materials are disposed of properly.

“While a campfire may be a tradition of visiting a park, it is very much possible to have a good time without one,” said Mayville. “Illinois State Parks are one of the most economical forms of entertainment around—it’s free to visit. We are confident park visitors will take extra steps to protect parks as drought conditions persist.”
 


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