NEWS18-042 | Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, Washington State Parks, (360) 902-8562
Andi Day, Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau, (360) 642-2400 |
Washington State Parks and multiple partners advise safe, sane celebrations at Long Beach and other ocean beaches
OLYMPIA – June 20, 2018 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and community partners on Long Beach Peninsula are encouraging safe and responsible celebrations on the peninsula and other Washington beaches over the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
In 2016, several active community partners created a “Beach-Friendly Fourth” campaign intended to help ensure the safety of people and wildlife and the cleanliness of beach areas and wildlife habitat during and after the holiday. The campaign is now in its third year.
Beach-Friendly Fourth partners include the “Not a Ban—a Better Plan” community group, the City of Long Beach, Pacific County Sheriff’s Department, Grass Roots Garbage Gang, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacific County, the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau, the Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce and Washington State Parks.
State Parks manages 60 miles of ocean beach in the Seashore Conservation Area, partly through ranger staff assigned to state parks along Washington’s ocean beaches.
State Park rangers will patrol the beach on July 4, to provide education and enforcement. The Beach-Friendly Fourth partners welcome visitors over the holiday, with the following reminders:
- Use existing campgrounds and lodging—it is illegal to camp on the beach.
- Respect any burn bans. If no ban is in place, fires must be 100 feet from dunes and vegetation and no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet.
- Use only legal fireworks, and observe fireworks hours over the holiday.
- June 28: Noon to 11 p.m.
- June 29 to July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Use restrooms. Please do not use dunes as a bathroom.
- Respect neighborhoods and private property.
- Pack out and appropriately dispose of all garbage.
A special reminder to motorists on the beach: Be aware of tides, and don’t park low on the beach. Cars can get stuck in sand with little warning, and park staff and volunteers are not equipped to do vehicle rescue and responder agencies will be busy with other Fourth of July duties. A high volume of people and vehicles on the beach July Fourth can thwart motorists trying to move their vehicles.
About the Long Beach Peninsula
With its mix of great restaurants, ultra-fresh seafood, welcoming lodging, delightful festivals, unique museums, lighthouses, trails, state and national parks and a 28-mile long silver-sand beach, the Long Beach Peninsula is one of the Northwest’s most enjoyable and refreshing destinations. Located two hours from Portland and three hours from greater Seattle, the peninsula is a longtime favorite for those seeking relaxation in welcoming communities, recreation in easily accessible nature and rejuvenation in wide-open spaces. Visitor information is available through the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau at (360) 642-2400 or online at www.funbeach.com.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.