GLICKMAN ENCOURAGES SAFE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY IN AMERICA'S NATIONAL FORESTS
                                           Release No. 0217.97 
                                                               
                                    Jim Petterson(202) 720-4623
                                        jim.petterson@usda.gov 
                                       Alan Polk (202) 205-1134
                          /s=a.polk/ou1-wo1b@mhs-fswa.attmail.com

GLICKMAN ENCOURAGES SAFE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY IN AMERICA'S NATIONAL FORESTS

       WASHINGTON, July 3, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
urged Americans to be careful with fire as they celebrate the 4th of July
holiday and begin the summer vacation season.  

       Glickman encouraged forest users and vacationers to be safe with
campfires and reminded them that fireworks are prohibited in all national
forests.  

       "As the fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, thousands and
thousands of Americans will visit our national forests to spend a couple of
days taking advantage our wonderful natural resources," Glickman said.  "Yet,
as we celebrate, we must do so with care and caution.  Summer is the time of
year when our forests are the most susceptible to human-caused wildfires. 
Small fires can grow rapidly in areas filled with dry grasses, brush and
fallen trees."

       As the top official responsible for the USDA Forest Service, the
nation's leading wildland fire management agency, Glickman reaffirmed the
agency's commitment to help control wildfires through fire management
programs.

       "At the right time and in the right place, fire can be one of the most
cost-effective and beneficial ways to improve the health of forests,"
Glickman said.  "But accidental, human-caused fires can have devastating
results to the forest ecosystem and to nearby communities.  Over the 4th of
July weekend, when our national forests receive some of their heaviest use,
it is imperative that we all are careful with fire."

       Last year over 700 structures were lost to wildfire due to a lack of
planning or knowledge about fire in rural communities, Glickman said.  "With
campfires, cigarettes, or burning debris, we need to think safety.  This
includes planning for and developing fire-safe residences and communities,"
he explained.

       By cooperating with other agencies and with communities, the USDA
Forest Service helps rural communities maintain, sustain, and protect
themselves, as well as public lands and natural resources.

       "When it comes to wildland fire, we really are 'all in this together,'"
Glickman said.  "Our best solutions to the complex issues of managing
wildland fires and what fuels them will be found through working together
and in partnership.  Our successes will be measured in the future with safe
celebrations of many more 4th of July holidays free from the destruction
caused by unplanned wildfires," Glickman said.
                                
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