Iowa DNR accepts public comment on proposed alcohol ban at area lakes

MOUNT VERNON - Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials say a majority of residents are in favor of a proposed alcohol ban at beaches in Linn and Johnson counties.

A handful of members of the public voiced their thoughts on the proposed rule change Tuesday at Palisades-Kepler State Park in Mount Vernon.

Tuesday was the final day to comment on the DNR's proposal to ban beer, liquor and wine on beaches in Lake Macbride State Park in Johnson County and the Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Linn County, which is closed this year for restoration.

DNR officials say alcohol consumption poses safety risks for individuals using the beach, citing documented incidents that include public intoxication, littering, disorderly conduct and minors in possession.

About 15 individuals attended the informal public hearing - most of whom were Iowa DNR officials. About six lake-area residents attended, but only two offered their verbal comments.

Dave Hogendorn, of Solon, who resides near Lake Macbride, said he supports the proposed ban. Hogendorn said he has seen a real problem in the area the last few years involving alcohol-fueled incidents

'I speak against alcohol and I'd like to see the ban immediately, if not sooner,” Hogendorn said.

On the other hand, the second individual who gave a verbal comment, 74-year-old Bill Burke, of Cedar Rapids, was against the DNR's proposed rule change.

'I've been going to the beach for 60 years now, and I've never encountered a problem with (alcohol),” Burke said. 'I hate to see them ban it entirely just because it's a few people and just because you don't want to police it.”

Sherry Arntzen, executive officer with the state park bureau of the Iowa DNR, said more individuals have commented on the issue electronically, mostly through emails.

From what she's seen, the majority of the comments were in favor of the alcohol ban, Arntzen said.

DNR officials define beach as areas that include the water area marked by swim lines, the sand and a 200-foot buffer zone surrounding the sand.

However, the proposed rule change would not effect any rental facilities within that 200-foot buffer zone.

Kevin Baskins, a spokesman for the Iowa DNR, said the proposal came about after individuals came to the department with concerns regarding alcohol-related incidents, creating 'an environment young families don't feel safe in. That's something we've got to address.”

Arntzen said DNR officials are to review public comments before moving forward with the proposal. The Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa DNR could vote on the rule change early as August, and it could be put into effect by early October.