Gov. L. Douglas Wilder on Friday took the rare step of banning hunting and other recreational activities in Virginia's forests and woodlands because of extreme dry conditions and the fear of fire.
The governor's order, scheduled to take effect at midnight, suspends hunting and some fishing on all public and private lands, as well as camping and other recreational activities, until the danger passes in the state where dozens of fires have consumed about 2,300 acres since Oct. 12.Violators would be subject to penalties that include up to six months in jail and fines up to $500.
"The conditions are very, very severe, and there is no immediate prospect for relief," said Secretary of Economic Development Lawrence Framme at a State Capitol news conference.
In his order, Wilder, who earlier had issued limited bans on open burning in Virginia, said the state forester "now advises me the conditions of our fields and forests are such that extraordinary measures must be undertaken in order to prevent a disastrous occurrence that could significantly endanger life, property and natural resources across the Commonwealth."