Notice

Forest bans possession of alcohol The Siuslaw National Forest will ban possession of alcohol in off-highway vehicle riding areas in the Sand Lake Recreation Area and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The order is part of a plan to provide for a safer off-highway vehicle recreation experience, Acting Forest Supervisor Bill Helphinstine said.

The combination of alcohol consumption, unregulated sand camping and large numbers of people operating motorized equipment has created a situation that is highly dangerous to visitors and Forest Service employees working in these areas.

Large groups and a party atmosphere, including drunkenness and nudity occur particularly on summer holiday weekends and contribute to accidents, traumatic injuries and assaults, the Forest Service said.

Possessing an alcoholic beverage will be prohibited on or within 200 feet of all designated off-highway vehicle areas, including dispersed off-highway vehicle campsites within recreating areas.

The prohibition will not apply, however, to developed campgrounds, day-use areas and staging areas.

Possession is defined as "containment within a motor vehicle, tent or other structure by the owner, operator or other person, having the authority or control of this location." It does not include any lawful consumption prior to entering the areas.

The maximum penalty for a violation is $5,000 and or up to six months in prison.

Long-term plans are under way to overhaul the sand camping reservation system on the Oregon Dunes recreation area. In stages, it will reduce numbers of campers allowed in certain dispersed sites.

More information on the alcohol ban is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw