No Fireworks on Refuge

No Fireworks on the “Upper Miss” Refuge 

The 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are heading to the Mississippi  River for a boating or camping trip, there are few things to know before you go!  

Fireworks are not allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and  Fish Refuge due to their disturbance to wildlife and the litter they leave behind. As we enjoy the bright colors and thunderous explosions, it's easy to overlook  

the impact to wildlife around us. The abrupt lights and sounds are often seen as  a threat by nesting bald eagles and easily startle great blue herons and other  colonial nesting birds. Additionally, fireworks debris can be a choking hazard  and/or toxic if eaten by birds, fish or mammals. 

The Refuge includes most islands and beaches on the Mississippi River from  Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois. If you are not sure if you will be  within the refuge, please check the maps located at:  

https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/upper-mississippi-river-pool-maps.  

Federal law enforcement officers will be patrolling the Refuge looking for  

fireworks as well as glass bottles, which are also banned on Refuge beaches.  Officers also want to remind people of the importance of wearing their personal  floatation devices (PFDs) while on the water. Thank you for helping us keep the  Refuge a great place for people and wildlife.  

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants,  and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information,  visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as  Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.