ALCOHOL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR STATE PARK FACILITIES 1996

 

                                            CONTACT: 217/785-0970

                                                TDD: 217/782-9175

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    ALCOHOL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR STATE PARK FACILITIES

     SPRINGFIELD, ILL., April 5, 1996 -- Natural Resources Director

Brent Manning today reminded visitors to Illinois state parks that

alcohol restrictions are in effect at 34 sites, including a few new

ones.

     "Illinois state parks and recreation areas are frequented 

annually by millions of visitors, including families, who look to

our Department to provide a wholesome atmosphere suitable for

picnics and other outdoor activities," Manning said. "Limitations

on the use of alcoholic beverages can help ensure that visitors

have a safe and enjoyable time at our sites."

     Manning said that complete or partial alcohol prohibitions are

based upon safety concerns following review of recommendations made

by site and regional staff. Bans usually are  the result of a

site's past experience with alcohol-related problems or

disturbances.

     The campground at Illini State Park is one site prohibiting

alcohol for the first time this year. The restriction is in effect

year-round, and the site also will continue its ban of alcohol at

the entire site from Jan. 1 through May 31. The Illini State Park

is located south of Marseilles.

     A new, year-round alcohol restriction is in effect at the

William Powers Conservation Area, which is located within the

Chicago city limits. The Cook County Forest Preserves and the

Chicago Park District, which manage all other parks in the area, 

also ban alcoholic beverages.

     In LaSalle County, an alcohol ban is in effect from March 15

to September 30 at LaSalle Lake Fish and Wildlife Area.

     It is unlawful for any person to possess or consume

intoxicating beverages, including beer or wine, in any Department-controlled property which is posted with signs indicating that

alcohol is prohibited. A violation is a Class B misdemeanor

punishable by a $75 fine. Those requesting a court appearance face

up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $500. 

     Following is the list of Natural Resources sites at which

alcohol restrictions currently are imposed. The beach area

indicated at some sites is defined as the entire beach, the parking

lot and the grass areas adjacent to the beach.

     * Apple River Canyon State Park in Jo Daviess County, the

campground year-round.

     * Argyle Lake State Park in McDonough County, the entire site

from Jan. 1-May 31.

     

     * Buffalo Rock State Park in LaSalle County, the entire site

from Jan. 1-May 31.

     

     * Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt County, the

beach area year-round.

     * Des Plaines Conservation Area in Will County, the boat

launch and parking area, plus the campground, year-round.

     

     * Frank Holten State Park in St. Clair County, the entire site

except that portion south of the Site Road Bridge, year-round.

     

     * Gebhard Woods State Park in Grundy County, the entire site

year-round.

     

     * Giant City State Park in Jackson and Union counties, all

day-use areas from Sept. 1-May 31.

     

     * Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County, the North Shore

area year-round.

     

     * Illini State Park in LaSalle County, the campground year-round and the entire site from Jan. 1-May 31.

     

     *Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, Lock 14-LaSalle, the

entire area year-round.

     

     * Kankakee River State Park in Kankakee County, the entire

site year-round.

     

     * Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County, the campground

year-round.

     

     * Lake Le-Aqua-Na in Stephenson County, the campground and the

beach area year-round and the entire site from March 1-May 31.

     

     * LaSalle Lake Fish and Wildlife Area in LaSalle County, the

entire site from March 15-Sept. 30.

     

     * Lowden State Park in Ogle County, the campground year-round.

     

     * Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County, the entire site

from Jan. 1-May 31.

     

     * Mississippi Palisades State Park in Carroll County, the

campground and all trails year-round.

     

     * Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County, the entire site

from March 1-May 31.

     

     * Moraine View State Park in McLean County, the beach area

year-round.

     

     * Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County, the upper area

from April 1-June 30.

     * Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County, the entire site

year-round.

     

     * Royal Landing Boat Access Area in Calhoun County, the entire

site year-round.

     

     * Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area in Wayne County, the

beach area year-round.

     

     * Shabbona Lake State Park in DeKalb County, the campground

year-round.

     

     * Silver Springs State Park in Kendall County, the entire site

year-round.

     

     * Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, the campground

and trails year-round and the entire site Jan. 1-May 31.

     

     * Stephen A. Forbes State Park in Marion County, the beach

area year-round.

     

     * Volo Bog State Natural Area in Lake County, the entire site

year-round.

     

     *Walnut Point State Park in Douglas County, the group

campground and Fox Tent Campground year-round.

     

     * White Pines Forest State Park in Ogle County, the campground

year-round and the entire site from March 1-May 31.

     

     * William G. Stratton State Park in Grundy County, open

containers restricted at the entire site year-round.

     

     * William Powers Conservation Area in Cook County, year-round

at the entire site.

     

     * Wolf Creek State Park in Shelby County, the beach area year-round.

     

     For further information concerning alcohol restrictions,

contact the site superintendent directly or the Department of

Natural Resources, Office of Land Management, 524 S. Second St.,

Springfield, Ill. 62701-1787, or phone 217/782-6752. TDD 217/782-9175. 

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