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
river a great place for people and wildlife.
