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Manitoba’s annual ban on liquor in provincial campgrounds for the May long weekend has been lifted.

“We know Manitobans love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors whenever possible, so we want to make this change and allow adults the opportunity to responsibly enjoy their experience at our provincial parks,” Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said in a statement.

Those campers who still want to enjoy the sights while in an alcohol-free environment will be able to do so in special family-friendly camping bays at Birds Hill and Grand Beach provincial parks.

Most provincial campgrounds opened on May 11, but the May long weekend signals the start of the camping season for many people.

The province first enacted the ban on alcohol during the second weekend of May after several incidents at provincial parks. The ban on alcohol in six of the busiest provincial campgrounds came into effect in 1995.

Officials are also warning campers and tourists not to transport firewood out of Winnipeg for fears of spreading emerald ash borer. Anyone caught transporting firewood could be fined and charged up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses.

Boaters are also be reminded to clean their vessels, trailers and water-related equipment of any visible aquatic plants, invasive species or mud to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.