Kansas Parks Banning Alcohol

[10 90 J2]

Yes, the issue is dead in Nebraska, but thought I'd open a can of worms by bringing it back up:


MORE STATE FISHING LAKES ADD BAN ON ALL ALCOHOL

Trash, altercations, vandalism among reasons cited
Following a trend that goes back several years, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has banned all alcohol -- including 3.2 percent malt beverages -- from state fishing lakes in many parts of the state. Intoxicated drivers, trash, vandalism, fights, and rowdy parties that disturb other lake users are among reasons for the move.
Perhaps the biggest danger is intoxicated drivers leaving lakes. Not only does this create a life-threatening situation for these drivers and other motorists, neighboring landowners have had fences driven over and other property damaged as a result of drinking at state fishing lakes. Bans in recent years have almost completely eliminated this activity at the most problematic lakes.
Landowners aren't the only ones incurring property damage due to drinking at state fishing lakes. The areas themselves have had pit toilets vandalized and cans and bottles thrown into the pits, causing hundreds of dollars in clean-up and repairs. Fights at many lakes have been caused by drinking, as well, and families have threatened to abandon some state fishing lakes because of the rowdy, often dangerous behavior of drinkers.
The following lakes are closed to all alcohol possession or use:

• Rooks State Fishing Lake (SFL),
• Atchison SFL,
• Douglas SFL,
• Leavenworth SFL,
• Middle Creek Lake,
• Miami SFL
• Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area,
• Pottawatomie SFL #1,
• Pottawatomie SFL #2,
• Shawnee SFL,
• Pratt Backwaters,
• Kingman SFL,
• Black Kettle SFL,
• McPherson SFL,
• Chase SFL,
• Butler SFL,
• Cowley SFL,
• Lyon SFL, and
• Montgomery SFL.

If problems persist, more lakes may be added in the future. For more information, contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

[bassinoutwest]

excellent! two thumbs up for Kansas (not often I get to say that about them...)

Now, if only they'd bann the Phelpses...

[CanoeGuru]

I never heard how the Nebraska law turned out. The ban continues, then?

[stox4u]

I thought Geaneral Drunkeness, Fighting and All Around Chaos,Mayhem and Debauchery were all part of the Great American Outdoor Experience.

[Scott Eveland]

Originally Posted by CanoeGuru

I never heard how the Nebraska law turned out. The ban continues, then?

A very large contingent appeared at the public hearing opposed to the law change. Only one person appeared in favor. It was never voted out of committee.

[brian40]

Keep in mind that KS has many Corp of Engineers lakes that are not affected by what the state wants.

[bassinoutwest]

Originally Posted by brian40

Keep in mind that KS has many Corp of Engineers lakes that are not affected by what the state wants.

Corp lakes are patrolled. State Lakes tend not to be patrolled.

Regardless of 'the law' it's pretty typical: responsible consumption of adult beverages is not typically cracked down upon...unless it's being openly flaunted in opposition to the law... and participants exhibit behavior in need of management.

But, conveniently enough, should 'enforcement' become necessary ... it's awful handy to be able to cite a law...

[jimbosan]

Why don't they enforce the laws they already have on the books? That makes a lot more sense than creating new laws. Disturbing the peace, littering, DUI etc etc are all against the law alredy. Why let some idiot/idiots ruin it for the guy who likes an icey cold one while out fishing.

[jarredbehrendt]

Just one more thing to throw at them, I personally dont care if it gets banned in all parks. I dont need it and the problems that arise from it (the kind of people that are attracted to the drinking portion) I could definately do without during my outdoor experiences.