Up North Progressive

On February 1, 2019, National Forests Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo signed order 09-04-19-01 making it illegal to have alcohol on portions of three rivers in the Huron-Manistee National Forests from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The order, according to Auriemmo was enacted to address safety and pollution issues on those sections of the three rivers. That order today has been delayed.

The closure order is intended to address persistent public safety issues and protect natural resources on rivers of outstanding recreational value. Our goal is to create a safer, more sustainable, and more enjoyable experience for the thousands of visitors who recreate on our National Wild and Scenic Rivers each year. Our National Wild and Scenic Rivers provide ample fresh water, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and family-friendly recreational opportunities. The Huron-Manistee National Forests are obligated to ensure that present and future generations can safely enjoy those benefits.

The following portions of these three rivers to be alcohol-free were:

• AuSable River between Mio Dam Pond and 4001 Canoe Landing
• Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the Huron-Manistee National Forests’ Administrative Boundary
• Pine River between Elm Flats and Low Bridge.

Violators of the ban faced a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail if convicted. These beautiful Northern Michigan rivers are fun places to put in a boat, canoe, or kayak and float for the day. There are floating parties where groups of boats will enjoy the water together, and parties mean people want to drink while they have fun. Unfortunately, the fun has lead to problems with pollution, damage, and littering. People finish their beer and toss the can or bottle out of the boat. They finish a cigarette and toss the butt into the water. Drinking beer means you have to relieve yourself, and where people chose to do that also caused problems for the rivers. Public sections of each of the three rivers need to be protected, and this is how initially the National Forest Service decided to protect those rivers.

Private land and campgrounds were not included in the alcohol ban, but the new rule still had people complaining. Business owners renting canoes, boats, and kayaks claimed the alcohol ban will hurt their business. There’s even a petition to have the ban overturned.

Instead, the forest service decided to delay that ban and work with the community to come up with alternatives to totally banning all alcohol on public sections of the three rivers.

To learn more about the delayed ban and why the National Forest Service wants to protect these rivers, you can contact the National Forest Service by phone at 231-755-2421 or by email at nathan.peeters@usda.gov Perhaps if people come up with a solution that will protect the rivers but still allow people to have fun this summer as they enjoy Michigan rivers, the ban won’t be necessary. It will take everyone working together to keep the rivers open so people can float AND have their beverage of choice.