SAN BERNARDINO, California, July 19, 2017 – Recreational target shooting restriction will go into effect starting July 22, 2017 throughout the San Bernardino National Forest.
After increase in fire activity across the forest, a heat wave in late June that has sped up the drying trends in vegetation and caused rapid down turns in live fuel moistures, along with the above average grass crops this year Fire Managers have decided to implement restrictions on recreational target shooting restriction within the San Bernardino National Forest.
“Our number one priority is always the safety of our firefighters and the public we serve which is why we have decided that restrictions for recreational shooting is necessary at this time” said Dan O’Connor the fuels and fire prevention officer on the San Bernardino National Forest.
The recreational target shooting restrictions are effective July 22, 2017 on all San Bernardino National Forest lands are as follows:
· Discharging a firearm is prohibited
· Persons exempt from this restriction include:
o Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
o Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
o Persons engaged in lawful hunting are exempt from this prohibition.
Fire Management Officer Jaime Gamboa said that everyone can play a role in keeping our community safe. “The community and all forest users can help in the prevention of fires by being careful when using your public lands and by remaining vigilant in reporting illegal and inappropriate behaviors within the forest and our community.”
The US Forest Service will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law. Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.
Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions at the following offices:
San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino
(909) 382-2600
Big Bear Discovery Center
41397 North Shore Drive / Highway 38, Fawnskin
(909) 382-2790
San Jacinto Ranger Station
54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild
(909) 382-2922
Front Country Ranger Station
1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek
(909) 382-2851
Mill Creek Visitor Center
34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone
(909) 382-2881
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
51-500 Highway 74 Palm Desert
(760) 862-9984
