DNR Enacts Burning Ban on Public Lands Only
Citizens urged to voluntarily restrict open air burning elsewhere

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ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary C. Ronald Franks announced that beginning today, March 30, 2006, at 2:00 PM, no open air burning will be permitted on any public land managed by the agency, excluding those in Garrett County.

“In light of current wildfire conditions across the state, the projected dry weather forecast, and after careful deliberation, we have decided to ban open air burning on DNR public lands only, with the exception of Garrett County,” said Secretary Franks. “As stewards of Maryland’s public lands, these precautions are necessary to ensure the public’s safety and protect our natural resources.”

The ban will impact all State Parks, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands managed by DNR. The ban will remain in effect until Maryland Forest Service officials determine that sufficient precipitation has been received across the state to reduce the wildfire threat. This policy bans campfires and charcoal grilling, however permits the use of propane grills for cooking.

Under the authority granted by Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article Title 5-720, this action is based on the following justification:

• There has been near record level of wildfires occurring across the state in March. The Forest Service has responded to 352 wildfires this month already, more than two and half times the 20-year average of 130 wildfires for the entire month of March.
• March precipitation levels are near record lows for all of Maryland except Garrett County.
• The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center outlook for the next 8 – 14 day period is for continued much below normal precipitation and much above normal temperatures, which will compound the current precipitation deficits.
• Increased visitation of DNR lands prompted by warm, dry conditions leads to an increase in the fire-start potential from public activities.

Burning restrictions are already in effect in Frederick, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. To further reduce the threat of wildfires, DNR continues to urge Marylanders to avoid open air burning and urges local governments to implement local burning restrictions as needed within their jurisdictions.

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March 30, 2006

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov