Alcohol to be banned at two Cottage Grove-area lakes
COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. - The Army Corps of Engineers has decided camping, boating and beer don't mix for two Cottage Grove area lakes.
Starting January 1, 2011 you will not be allowed to have alcohol at Cottage Grove and Dorena Lakes.
Rangers for the Army Corps are already getting the word out, with posters. They say more campers have complained about alcohol issues.
"Things like vandalism, litter, accidents, injuries and especially late night disturbances in the campgrounds. With an alcohol ban we hope to reduce those incidents," said ranger Christie Johnson of the Corps staff.
Johnson said they don't have the staff anymore to respond to all the incidents. The prohibition applies to all corps-owned land and on the water at both reservoirs.
After January 1st, if they spot alcohol use they'll ask people for for voluntary cooperation.
"If people do not comply then they could be evicted from the area or receive a citation," explained Johnson.
Down the road at the London Mini-Market, the reaction is very icy.
"Pissed off; I am mad," said Alicia David, owner of the market for 24 years.
Asked if she received any word from the Corps, David said, "No; I haven't heard anything about it until you guys came in and talked about it."
She said all the policy is going to do is hurt her bottom line and summer sales next year.
Customer Dennis Cooper had a different view.
"I think it's a good idea myself. Should be done away with. There's too many kids getting too reckless out there," said Cooper.
A customer comment that sparks a mini debate. Alicia David replies, "OK, why don't the police put them in jail and really do something about them. Why do I get punished?"
Rangers say all debates aside, the goal of the booze ban is a safer recreation experience for all.
Johnson told KVAL the policy doesn't include other Army Corps lakes in the area, such as Fern Ridge Lake.
