Fish And Game Sets Fire Restrictions

The Magic Valley Region, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has set fire restrictions on all department property in the region effective Wednesday, June 27, 2001. As a result of the extremely dry conditions and the potential for fires so early in the summer, the Region has decided to impose these restrictions now. Last summer, fire restrictions on department lands were not put in place until August. Regional supervisor Dave Parrish urges caution whenever dealing with fire, regardless of property ownership. "Conditions now on Department lands are like what we had in August last year. The potential for losing wildlife habitat is so great we have to take these steps now instead of later." The fire restrictions specifically prohibit any open campfires, smoking outside of enclosed areas (vehicle or camper), and the total ban on all fireworks. The wildlife management areas (WMA's) in the region that are affected by this include Hagerman, Billingsley Creek, Niagara Springs, Big Cottonwood, Carey Lake and Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh. These restrictions apply to all Department fish hatchery grounds and the camping area at Hayspur. Also affected are all twenty-plus Fish and Game access sites throughout the region. This includes such locations as Silver Creek and Stanton Crossing on the Big Wood River, Bell Rapids, Bordewick and Scott on the Snake River, and access sites at reservoirs in the region. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.