A decision by the Huron-Manistee National Forests to ban alcohol on the Au Sable, Manistee and Pine rivers is being met with opposition, including an online petition with over 15,000 signatures.

The petition on change.org started Thursday by a user called Our River tagged the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, the Michigan State Senate, USDA Forest Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Gary Peters.

"Repeal the ban on alcohol in Michigan Rivers. Specifically, ORDER NO. 09-04-19-01, which was signed by Leslie Auriemmo, forest supervisor, on 02/01/2019," the petition's description said.

Huron-Manistee National Forests Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo has said that the goal of the order, announced on Wednesday, is to address public safety concerns and preserve natural resources.

However, users posting under "reasons for signing" cited everything from the potential impact the order could have on small businesses to local tourism.

Some wrote that they are now changing their vacation plans in light of the alcohol ban, while others lamented about what they saw as limits on individual freedoms.

Safety at stake

Nate Peeters, public affairs officer for the Huron-Manistee National Forests, explained Friday that the overriding concern that led to the ban was behavior by alcohol users on the river that was "potentially dangerous to other people and sometimes dangerous to themselves."

He added that they've had incidents on the rivers every year.

Since Wednesday's announcement, Peeters said, the forest service has received feedback from users saying they'll be more comfortable taking their families to the rivers in national forests now that there's an alcohol ban. He said the move also was supported by conservation groups, youth groups and others.

"We recognize that lots of people are using alcohol responsibly on the rivers, but unfortunately, there are those that are not," Peeters said.

Per the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, Peeters said they have an obligation "to protect the unique natural, cultural and recreational qualities of the river for the future."

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Peeters said officials are hoping the ban also will help cut down on littering and dumping in the forests.

Recreational activities on the National Forest System lands nationwide generate $10 billion of economic activity annually, Peeters said.

"We are aware of the concerns about small businesses. ... We will take those concerns under consideration as we assess this and other methods to sustain our national wild and scenic rivers."

Education is key

He added since this is a new measure, the primary focus is going to be on education and making sure everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The Free Press reported Wednesday that a person violating the alcohol possession ban could face a $5,000 fine and up to six months and jail, and the order applies on and within 200 feet of the:

Au Sable River between Mio Dam Pond and 4001 Canoe Landing

Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the Huron-Manistee National Forests’ administrative boundary

Pine River between Elm Flats and Low Bridge

The order will be in effect from May 24 to Sept. 2 but does not apply to private land, developed campgrounds and designated campsites within the river corridors.

Contact Aleanna Siacon: ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon. Staff writer Ann Zaniewski contributed to this report.