MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D. (AP) - Officials at Mount
Rushmore National Memorial say the July 4 celebration at the
monument in 2012 once again will not include fireworks.
Superintendent Cheryl Schreier says that wildfire risks from the
pine beetle infestation and the success of the non-explosive 2010
and 2011 celebrations led to the decision.
More than 21,000 people visited the Memorial on July 3 in 2011,
exceeding the 2009 and 2010 numbers.
Efforts to combat the pine beetle infestation in the Black Hills
and reduce fire danger are ongoing. But officials say the condition
of the forest in the surrounding area continues to deteriorate and
will remain a concern for the foreseeable future.
National Park Service Regional Director Michael Reynolds says
providing a celebration without fireworks is the prudent course of
action.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-10-17-11 1729EDT
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