Alcohol back in most state parks

LINCOLN - Lake McConaughy will stay dry, but drinking a cold one or two will be allowed next year at other state parks.

Gov. Dave Heineman announced a split decision Wednesday on regulations allowing alcohol in state parks: He lifted the 15-year-old drinking ban for most state parks, effective Jan. 1.

The exceptions will be for the massive Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska and for wildlife management areas.

"While this decision won't make everybody happy, it is a common-sense solution to a difficult and controversial issue," Heineman said.

But he also warned that drinking could be banned again at other parks if problems arise.

"Personal responsibility is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for patrons of our parks," he said.

The new policy gives the director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission power to impose an immediate ban on alcohol at specific parks.

"Plain and simple, if park guests act irresponsibly, then patrons of that park will lose their privilege to consume alcohol in a responsible manner," Heineman said.
Nebraska banned alcohol consumption in all state parks after a string of liquor-related incidents at Lake McConaughy, including a couple of deaths and out-of-control keg parties during the mid-1990s.

Many in the area still oppose lifting the ban and lobbied the governor this summer to reject the policy change.

"Nebraskans don't want alcohol at Lake McConaughy, and I agree," the governor said.

But he cited the uneven enforcement of the current policy and his belief in the importance of personal responsibility as factors in approving the broader policy change.

Leaders with Project Extra Mile reacted bitterly to the governor's announcement, calling it a "profound disappointment."

The group, which works to combat underage drinking, had mounted a campaign to keep the ban.

Diane Riibe, the organization's executive director, said the change is bad public policy.

"Today, our public officials gave their support to a policy that will undoubtedly place Nebraska families and children at risk," she said. "It's a sad day, really, knowing this policy caters to the few at the expense of many - the names of the victims who are yet to come."

Heineman said he is confident law enforcement officials will be able to handle any problems arising because of the change.

"We'll have a clearcut policy," he said. "I think it will be more direct and straightforward. It's going to be easier to enforce."

Rex Amack, Game and Parks director, said the agency will have enough officers to handle enforcement. He said four new officers are in training.

The Game and Parks Commission voted 8-1 in May to lift the blanket ban.  Supporters of the change argued that it would boost park attendance.

They also cited the need for fair enforcement of state policy. Violations of the ban now are ignored in many cases.

The new policy continues to ban drinking on roadways, in designated swimming areas and in parking areas.

Nor will it change boating laws, Amack said. Open containers are banned on boats, and boat operators are subject to laws on driving while intoxicated.

Alcohol use will be prohibited in parks between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and containers holding more than one gallon of alcohol are banned.

Contact the writer:
402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com.  Published 9/22/10 in the Omaha World Herald.