The Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services announces that beginning today, March 31, 2006, no charcoal grilling will be permitted at any County parks, public landings and other recreation areas.
Due to the current dry conditions throughout St. Mary's County, the Department has decided to ban open-air charcoal grilling at County parks, public landings and recreation areas to protect the safety of citizens and to protect the County's natural resources. The ban prohibits charcoal grilling, but permits the use of propane grills for cooking. The Department reminds the public that open air burning and campfires are already prohibited in County parks. The ban will remain in effect until the Department determines that adequate precipitation has been received and the threat for wildfire has been reduced.
This follows a similar ban issued today by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on all open-air burning in State parks, forests, wildlife management areas and other public lands. For more information on the state ban, contact Chuck Gates at 410-260-8016 or Michael Walsh at 410-260-8010.
For more information on the ban on charcoal grilling in County parks, please contact the Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1800 or ext. 1801. For a complete listing of County parks, amenities and rules and regulations, please visit the County website at http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/facilities/index.asp.