GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

Superintendent Jerry Eubanks would like to remind all visitors to Gulf Islands National Seashore, park neighbors and the surrounding community that, due to the very low rain fall since the end of February, 2006, the fire danger is very high. In addition, the 2004-2005 hurricanes, which created elevated amounts of dead and downed trees, increase the chances of a fire starting and spreading quickly. The stress of the hurricanes and the drought have also created opportunities for pine beetle infestation, creating a bug kill in the pine areas. While these beetles are a part of the natural system, their opportunity to remove the weaker trees from the ecosystem will only increase the current fire danger. Visitors to the park are encouraged to take precautions to minimize the chances of starting a wildfire. Considering the current drought index and in accordance with the park's Fire Management Plan, effective immediately no open burning is permitted within the National Seashore. Grills with charcoal or gas may still be used, but care should be exercised. It is also a good idea to grill well away from wooded areas, as well as to have a source of water close by while grilling, such as a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher in the event an uncontrolled flare-up should occur. Cigarette and cigar smoking within the park is allowed but visitors should take extra care to assure they are extinguished and disposed of properly in suitable containers and not discarded into wooded or other vegetated areas. In anticipation of the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday weekend, visitors to the park should also take note that no fireworks, including sparklers, are permitted within park boundaries. If you should witness a wildland fire or other emergency situations occurring within park boundaries, please call 911, or the National Park Service/Gulf Breeze communications (dispatch) center at 850-916-3010.