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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 24-1758

NOTICES

GAME COMMISSION

Rescission of Statewide State Game Lands Fire Ban

[54 Pa.B. 8042]
[Saturday, December 7, 2024]

Order

 Whereas, On November 6, 2024, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Commission) issued public notice of its full prohibition of the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands within the Commonwealth designated as State game lands; and

 Whereas, This temporary restriction was designed and intended to reduce risks associated with wildfires on lands designated as State game lands; and

 Whereas, The Commission anticipates that this executive order will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on November 23, 2024 at 54 Pa.B. 7636; and

 Whereas, The dry environmental conditions precipitating the November 6, 2024 order have since improved as a result of recent precipitation and cooler temperatures; and

 Whereas, On November 21, 2024, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Department) issued public notice that it has lifted its previous prohibition on campfires on State park and forest lands; and

 Whereas, Section 135.2(2) of Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code (58 Pa. Code § 135.2(2) (relating to unlawful actions)) generally prohibits the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands under the ownership, lease, agreement, control, or jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Commission, including lands designated as State game lands; and

 Whereas, Section 135.41(a)(2) of Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code (58 Pa. Code § 135.41(a)(2) (relating to state game lands)) exempts from the above-described fire restriction small open fires used for cooking or warming purposes by persons exercising the privileges of a valid hunting, furtaking, or fishing license and through hikers within the corridor of the Appalachian Trail; and

 Whereas, Section 135.41(a)(2) also closes the availability of the above-described open fire ban exemption when the fire index rating used by the Department is high, very high, or extreme for that area; and

 Whereas, As of November 21, 2024, the Department listed the observed fire index rating for the entirety of the Commonwealth as ''low''; and

 Whereas, the Commission has determined that the current risk of wildfire within the Commonwealth is now below the threshold necessary to retain a Statewide ban on the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands designated as State game lands.

 Now Therefore, it is hereby ordered that the November 6, 2024 order prohibiting persons exercising the privileges of a valid hunting, furtaking, or fishing license and through hikers within the corridor of the Appalachian Trail from kindling, using, or maintaining open fires on any lands designated as State game lands within the Commonwealth is rescinded in its entirety.

 Given under my hand and seal of the Pennsylvania Game Commission on this 22nd day of November 2024.

STEPHEN SMITH, 
Executive Director

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-1758. Filed for public inspection December 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]


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