Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

[SFX fireworks]

When it comes to celebrating our nation’s birthday at Texas state parks you can bring the barbecue, the watermelon and the outdoor games…but not the fireworks.

06—It is illegal in Texas state parks…it is a Class C misdemeanor to possess fireworks in a state park.

That’s Wes Masur, the state park law enforcement coordinator at Texas Parks and Wildlife. He says even sparklers… black cats… and bottle rocket are prohibited in state parks, not only on the 4th of July, but everyday, and for good reason.

09—Within the state park system we have different types of wildlife and different types of grasses and we don’t want to get any type of forest fire started…people are there to enjoy the state parks.

While a few state parks do offer organized fireworks displays, not everyone appreciates traditional holiday pyrotechnics.

05—Some people don’t like fireworks…the noises that go along with that stuff—we just don’t allow it in the state parks.

For more information on which state parks offer public fireworks displays, log onto the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

That’s our show for today…we record our series at the Production Block Studios in Austin, Texas…Joel Block engineers our program.

Fireworks in State Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

[SFX speed boat on water]

Having fun and being safe are not mutually exclusive goals when boating this Fourth of July weekend. In fact, Steve Hall, Education Director at Parks and Wildlife says boating safety is as easy as one-two-three.

And the first one is wear a life jacket. That would prevent 90% of all fatalities in the water, especially those involving boating accidents.

So, when you don’t have stoplights on the water, and you have no breaks and you’re operating a tonnage of a vessel….yeah…you have to take that just as seriously, if not more seriously, than a vehicle on the highways.

Find boating safety information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website.

That’s our show… We receive support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…working to increase fishing and boating in Texas…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Boating Safety Play Now | Play in Popup | Download