DNR to hold hearing Tuesday on July 4th Great Lakes alcohol banChapter 68 - Restrictions on Alcohol Use at State Parks, State Recreation Areas, and Public Access Areas on the Iowa Great Lakes During the Fourth of July Holiday.
The proposed new chapter bans alcohol as the term is defined in the chapter at all state parks, recreation areas, and public access beaches on the Great Lakes during the Fourth of July holiday period. The specific time frame for the ban depends upon the weekday on which the holiday falls. Beer and wine, as defined in the chapter, may still be consumed at the campgrounds, picnicking areas located outside the beach area, rental shelters and lodges during the period of the ban.
It is well-documented that excessive alcohol consumption at public access beaches is destroying the resource and presenting legitimate safety risks to the public and Department personnel. Documented incidences at beaches due to excessive alcohol consumption include assaults, unconsciousness, public intoxication, drunk driving, destruction of public property, littering, public urination, indecent exposure, minors in possession, noise, trespassing, and overcrowding.
The proposed new chapter bans alcohol as the term is defined in the chapter at all state parks, recreation areas, and public access beaches on the Great Lakes during the Fourth of July holiday period. The specific time frame for the ban depends upon the weekday on which the holiday falls. Beer and wine, as defined in the chapter, may still be consumed at the campgrounds, picnicking areas located outside the beach area, rental shelters and lodges during the period of the ban.
It is well-documented that excessive alcohol consumption at public access beaches is destroying the resource and presenting legitimate safety risks to the public and Department personnel. Documented incidences at beaches due to excessive alcohol consumption include assaults, unconsciousness, public intoxication, drunk driving, destruction of public property, littering, public urination, indecent exposure, minors in possession, noise, trespassing, and overcrowding.
Over the Fourth of July holiday, conservation officers and park rangers are typically outnumbered several hundred to one and are therefore unable to manage the crowds or protect the resource from harm. These same problems have already been addressed at the local level with an alcohol ban on all city beaches. Unfortunately, the city ban has exacerbated the problem at the state beaches because they are now the sole public waterfront area permitting alcohol.
Public comments shall be accepted through July 13, 2010. A public hearing will be held July 13, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Gull Point Lodge, West Lake Okoboji, 1500 Harpen Street, Milford, Iowa.
Written comments may be sent to Sherry Arntzen, State Parks Bureau, DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to Sherry.Arntzen@dnr.iowa.gov. Please be sure to include "Chapter 68 Comments" in your subject line.
To view the proposed rule, please download the pdf file below.
Chapter 68-Restrictions on Alcohol Use at State Parks, State Recreation Areas, and Public Access Areas on the Iowa Great Lakes During the Fourth of July Holiday (*.pdf file)
Public comments shall be accepted through July 13, 2010. A public hearing will be held July 13, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Gull Point Lodge, West Lake Okoboji, 1500 Harpen Street, Milford, Iowa.
Written comments may be sent to Sherry Arntzen, State Parks Bureau, DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to Sherry.Arntzen@dnr.iowa.gov. Please be sure to include "Chapter 68 Comments" in your subject line.
To view the proposed rule, please download the pdf file below.
Chapter 68-Restrictions on Alcohol Use at State Parks, State Recreation Areas, and Public Access Areas on the Iowa Great Lakes During the Fourth of July Holiday (*.pdf file)
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