Law enforcement rangers suspect intoxicated visitors have vandalized some areas in the national forest. Additionally, pollution, including broken beer bottles in streams, poses a safety risk to waders with bare feet.
One of the areas, Cheoah Point, is the only free public swimming area on Lake Santeetlah and attracts large numbers of summer visitors.
The alcohol ban will also reduce the potential for drowning there.
“I would not stay at some of the sites with my kids with the current alcohol issues we are experiencing,” said Steve Lohr, Tusquittee District ranger, in a statement.
Sites where alcohol is banned include: Balsam Lake Recreation Area, Big Choga Dispersed Camping Sites, Bristol Fields Campground, Cheoah Point Swimming Area, Dry Falls Recreational Area, Fire's Creek Hunter's Camp, Fire's Creek Picnic Area, Jackrabbit Recreation Area, Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping Sites, Wayah Bald Tower and Picnic Area, and Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area.
There's nothing better than sipping a cold beer around a warm campfire at night. But thanks to a few jerks, campers at these sites won't be allowed to enjoy that aspect of the great outdoors.
Jeff
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