"Dry" rivers in Michigan

[GordonThree]

Apparently the National Forest Service has declared it a federal felony to drink alcohol on or near several popular rivers in Northern lower Michigan, starting this summer.

Clicky

Edit, looking like it's been the law since 2003 maybe, but enforcement will be much stricter going forward.

[valhalla360]

wrktfsh wrote:
I read about this on a fishing website. Apparently it’s not a few ruining it but a whole bunch of slobs ruining it. Apparently it’s like a drunken zoo during the summer

Taking a couple coolers and having a fun afternoon has been going on for decades.

Now if they are littering or vandalizing the area, sure go after them but really more of using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.

[GordonThree]

wrktfsh wrote:
I read about this on a fishing website. Apparently it’s not a few ruining it but a whole bunch of slobs ruining it. Apparently it’s like a drunken zoo during the summer

Yes, living near one of these rivers, I often see flotillas of drunken people tossing their empties and other trash in the river. They also pull off onto the shore, burn anything they can find in a bonfire, and leave plenty of empties behind.

[wrktfsh]

I read about this on a fishing website. Apparently it’s not a few ruining it but a whole bunch of slobs ruining it. Apparently it’s like a drunken zoo during the summer

[Trekkar]

I wonder if it's just the alcohol causing problems. It seems that too many folks don't know or care to clean up after themselves, especially along rivers that can be environmentally delicate. (Dump it in the river, no one will know.)

[gbopp]

agesilaus wrote:
In most states any crime that gives more than a year and a day in prison is a felony.

The 'official' closure order states up to six months. That's why I commented about professional journalism. The dumbing down of America continues.

[K_Charles]

And you are exempt if your an officer or fire fighter doing official duties. Then you can drink by the river?

[agesilaus]

gbopp wrote:
The 'article' states 5 years or a 5K fine.

The Temporary Closure Order states up to 5K fine, or up to 6 months imprisonment or both.

More 'professional' journalism.

I didn't see where it is a Felony, maybe I missed it. Can you imagine being a convicted felon because you stood on a river bank and drank a beer? :S

In most states any crime that gives more than a year and a day in prison is a felony.

[gbopp]

The 'article' states 5 years or a 5K fine.

The Temporary Closure Order states up to 5K fine, or up to 6 months imprisonment or both.

More 'professional' journalism.

I didn't see where it is a Felony, maybe I missed it. Can you imagine being a convicted felon because you stood on a river bank and drank a beer? :S