State park visitors awaiting final word on whether alcohol will be allowed in state parks and recreation areas may not have to wait much longer.  Gov. Dave Heineman said he expects to make the final decision within the next two or three weeks on a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission bid to lift a 15-year ban on alcohol consumption. The commission voted 8-1 during a May hearing to allow alcohol, with restrictions, in state parks and wildlife management areas.

Since then, some opponents of the decision have lobbied for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to reconsider the decision. Heineman said he has not asked the commission to rethink the issue.

Much of the opposition has involved Lake McConaughy, the scene of drunken rowdiness and violence in years past that prompted the ban. During the commission hearing, Keith County Sheriff Kevin Mueller spoke out against the change, telling of responding to parties where deputies' cars would be pelted with beer bottles and beach parties involving live bands and strippers.

"I have heard loud and clear from the people in and around Lake McConaughy that they do not want alcohol allowed there," Heineman said.  However, he said, he will need to find balance on the issue.

While people who live near Lake McConaughy don't want alcohol allowed in its parks, other communities may be interested in allowing alcohol in parks. Heineman said the commission included a provision that alcohol consumption could be prohibited in select state park and wildlife management areas, allowing an individual decision to be made by each of the parks.  "There needs to be a balance to make sure parks are family friendly," he said.

If the change is approved, it wouldn't take effect until Jan. 1.

Article courtesy of Omaha World-Herald August 28, 2010
Alcohol in parks decision soon by Maunette Loeks

How You Can Get Involved: If you have an opinion about the use of alcohol in state parks, Governor Heineman has said many times that he wants input from the people of Nebraska and he appreciates your thoughts.

His contact information is as follows:
daveheineman@nebraska.gov
or you can call his Lincoln Office at
1-402-471-224
PO Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848