Alcohol Banned On 3 Popular Michigan Rivers

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(WWJ) - If you plan on tubing down a river in Michigan this summer, you might have to leave the beer at home.

Update: Officials Delay Alcohol Ban On 3 Northern Michigan Rivers

The Huron-Manistee National Forest is banning alcohol on certain parts of three popular rivers in Northern Michigan -- the AuSable, Manistee and Pine rivers.

The U.S. Forest Service says it issued the ban to address persistent public safety issues and to protect natural resources.

"To put it politely, we've seen a lot of issues ranging from dangerous behavior on the water to public urination, nudity, trespass, and a number of other issues that have damaged the water systems themselves and put people's safety at risk," Nate Peeters, public affairs officer for the Huron-Manistee National Forest, told WWJ's Beth Fisher.

Click here to see areas where alcohol is prohibited (.pdf format)

The ban runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day -- this year from May 24 to September 2. During that timeframe, you cannot have alcohol on or within 200 feet of the:

  • 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

The ban does not apply to private land, developed campgrounds or designated campsites. 

"We will have law enforcement officers in the river corridors, as we do every year, and they will be checking in with the public," said Peeters.

Anyone who violates the order could face fines up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison.