The Independence Day Holiday weekend offers an opportunity for people to get outside and explore and enjoy Alaska’s Chugach and Tongass National Forests.
Francisco Sanchez, Seward District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service says that it’s going to be a busy weekend:
“I think that last year, being in the COVID-19 environment, a lot of people came to the Kenai for the first time and what they saw and what they experienced, I think is something that’s going to continue to keep people coming here to the Kenai. We’re seeing a lot more people in our campgrounds and in our side streets and pullouts where we usually didn’t see people. There’s quite a bit of folks coming and, 4th of July weekend is always busy in national forests. We make sure that we are ready for whatever comes our way. We will be around patrolling on the Peninsula this weekend.”
Sanchez says that fireworks are to be left home:
“Fireworks are completely illegal on any national forest, not just the Chugach National Forest, but even sparklers can start fires. Any type of bottle rockets or anything like that are very dangerous around national forests and private lands as well.”
Sanchez also says prevent unintentional fires. Minimize fire threats by coming prepared with the tools necessary to properly extinguish a legal campfire.
It’s also that time of year where bear activity increases. Sanchez says:
“I encourage people to make sure that you have your bear spray and make sure that you keep food where it belongs and away from bears because if a bear gets into any type of food, pretty much going to be a problem bear. It’s sad what happens to bears after they get food conditioned. Please, keep food where it belongs, in your cars or in a bear box or something where bears cannot get it.”
Residents and visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly and to pack out trash by leaving with everything that was brought in and used and properly dispose of trash. Trash and debris left behind can be harmful or even fatal to the wildlife. It also represents a human health hazard. Plan ahead and bring a trash bag with you.
The U.S. Forest Service advises you adhere to precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local health and safety guidance, including social distancing.