It’s almost the Fourth of July! The Nation’s 249th Birthday! I’m as excited as you are to get out there, enjoy that summer weather, and celebrate the country’s anniversary.
Our nation’s national forests are the perfect place to do that! There’s all kinds of recreation available, from boating, swimming and fishing in our many lakes and rivers, to hiking, biking and off-roading on our trails, to camping and barbecuing at our many campgrounds and recreation areas.
However, it’s important to plan ahead. There will be a lot of people coming to share in the celebrations, so learning what the rules are and how you can recreate responsibly will ensure you have the best Independence Day you can!
With that in mind, here are five tips and tricks for a great Fourth of July on a national forest:
First Tip: Prevent wildfires
My friend, Smokey Bear, would be upset with me if I didn’t start with this one. Remember his motto: “Only you can prevent wildfires!”
Make sure conditions are safe for building a campfire and that a campfire is allowed where you plan to build it. Smokey Bear has a Campfire Safety page where you can learn how to pick a campfire spot, prepare a campfire, build a campfire and put it out safely.
Also, we know that fireworks are an important part of how many people like to celebrate the Fourth of July, but please remember that all fireworks are prohibited on all national forests and grasslands every day of the year! This is to protect you, others and the forest.
Second Tip: Know before you go
Whether you’re going to the national forest in your backyard or one across the country from you, check the forest website before you go for what you need to know. You can find out what areas are open, what visitor center hours are, what kinds of activities you can do on that forest and a whole host of other important information.
If you’re looking for a campground, reservations sell out quickly. In addition, a lot of activities like fishing or off-roading require a permit. So, make sure you get the reservations and permits you need early, even before you come!
These rules are in place to protect habitat, wildlife, natural and cultural resources, and you. For more information about visiting and recreation on national forests, visit our know before you go page.
Third Tip: Be considerate of others
Our national forests and grasslands will likely be crowded with hundreds or thousands of excited people. Many of them will travel long distances to an unfamiliar place. Please respect other visitors and protect the quality of their outdoor experience.
When in or around the forest, be courteous to its permanent residents – the wildlife. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. Do not approach or follow wildlife. Instead, observe them from a distance. Do not feed wildlife because human food can make them sick. Let them feed themselves. Store your food, snacks, and trash safely, securely, and out of reach.
Before bringing a dog, make sure that your campsite or trail is dog friendly and if it is, please keep your pet on a leash at all times. Pets can react differently when surrounded by strangers or if a bug or a bee bites them. This keeps wildlife, other visitors, and your pet safe.
Fourth Tip: Be prepared
It’s the middle of summer, so it’s going to be hot. Make sure you bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Heat levels are stronger and more frequent when outdoors – water is key! Also, bring whatever insect repellent works best for you and use it. Mosquitos, ticks and other biting insects are definitely unwelcome guests at any picnic.
Check the weather before you come, so you’re ready if it rains, and make sure to check fire activity too.
If you’re camping, make sure you bring all your gear and supplies! Can you imagine getting to the forest and realizing you forgot your tent or sleeping bag? It is very important for you to notify a relative or a friend the location that you selected for your camping adventure. Make sure someone knows before you go to the woods. In some natural areas there is no cell phone coverage.
Fifth Tip: Give a hoot – don’t pollute!
Last, but definitely not least, please help me spread the word to never be a dirty bird!
No one likes arriving to a dirty campground or recreation area, so please make sure that the next groups find the forest as clean as you did. Learn to Leave No Trace. For the local wildlife, this is the most important tip!
Pick up any garbage from where you celebrate and put it in the nearest recycling or garbage receptacles. Let’s keep America clean and looking grand. Be prepared to “pack out” whatever you “pack in.”
See you soon!
My friends and I at the Forest Service look forward to seeing you on the Fourth of July to celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day. Hoot! Hoot!
