In The News

The Huron-Manistee National Forest announced Tuesday afternoon, it will delay implementation of an alcohol ban on three of its rivers until at least 2020.

The U.S. Forestry Service announced earlier this year that it was banning alcohol on three of its National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it included the Manistee and Pine rivers as well as the AuSable.

“Individuals and businesses throughout northern Michigan have expressed strong interest in partnering with the Forest Service to address ongoing public safety and environmental issues on our National Wild and Scenic Rivers,” stated Huron-Manistee National Forests Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo in a press release. “We welcome a practical, community-driven solution to these challenges.”

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“While the federal government has a responsibility to manage the Huron Manistee National Forests, it is critical that federal agencies work with local communities and get their input before making changes that will impact our economy,” Huizenga stated. A portion of the Pine River’s National Wild and Scenic River designation is in Lake County, one of the counties in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional district, of which Huizenga represents, according to U.S. Forest Service maps. “I am glad to see the Forest Service delay implementation of this rule change and engage with local residents and businesses,” he stated in the release.

In lieu of implementing the alcohol closure order in 2019, the forest service will organize and chair a community working group consisting of small businesses, municipal officials and private citizens from the National Wild and Scenic River corridors, the service stated in a release. By May 2019, the working group will develop an action plan to restore public safety to those rivers. The forest service will report regularly on the working group’s activities and will continue to promote responsible use of public waters.

You can read the full story on the Ludington Daily News' website.