For Release: Wednesday, May 25, 2005

DEC Announces Special Campground Rules for Memorial Day Weekend

Campers Advised to Review Registration Procedures, Alcohol Possession Policies

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced special registration procedures will be in place at several DEC-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks during Memorial Day weekend, and reminded visitors that regulations on the possession of alcohol will be strictly enforced.

"Camping offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural resources in New York State and Memorial Day weekend is a perfect time to visit a DEC campground," Commissioner Sheehan said. "To ensure that everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday weekend, DEC is implementing these special policies to help prevent disruptions from overcrowded facilities or the misuse of alcohol."

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and six day use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. As of May 20, 2005, all DEC operated campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskill Parks are now open. The summer camping season runs through Labor Day, although some facilities will remain open during fall foliage and hunting season.

In 2004, over 1.6 million visitors to DEC facilities enjoyed the magnificent landscapes, camped in the lush forests and enjoyed the variety of fish and wildlife that have co-existed here for centuries in campground facilities that are constitutionally protected as "forever wild." Reserve America, a reservations service that covers national, State and private recreational facilities throughout the country, recently named five DEC campgrounds among the "Top 100 Family Campgrounds" nationwide.

Memorial Day campground policies, which were also in effect the past several years, include:

Only registered campers will be allowed into DEC campground facilities;
No visitors or day-users will be allowed at Northampton Beach Campground, Hearthstone Point Campground, or Rogers Rock Campground except for the day-use and boat launch areas of Northampton Beach and the boat launch at Rogers Rock;
Campers at Caroga Lake, Hearthstone Point, Northampton Beach, Moffitt Beach, Rogers Rock, and Sacandaga Public campgrounds will be required to fill out registration forms and list each member of their camping party upon arrival;
ID bracelets will be issued to registered campers at the six campgrounds listed above to help curtail unauthorized entry. Campers must wear the bracelets throughout their stay; and
Beer balls and kegs are prohibited in the campgrounds during the holiday weekend.

DEC will strictly enforce year-round regulations governing alcohol use, including a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking. Anyone under age 21 is prohibited from possessing alcoholic beverages on State lands, including campgrounds, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Individuals 21 or older who possess or drink alcoholic beverages must produce appropriate identification and proof of age upon demand by a campground facility supervisor, park ranger, or any peace or police officer.

Violating any campground rules or regulations is grounds for removal from the facility and denial of re-entry. Entry fees will not be refunded. Copies of the rules and regulations governing DEC's public campgrounds are available at the registration booth of each campground.

For more information on Forest Preserve camping please call the DEC at 518-457-2500 or visit their website at http://www.dec-campgrounds.com/ . Campground reservations are available through ReserveAmerica by calling 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or by visiting their website at http://www.reserveamerica.com/ . Sites that are not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites range in price from $11-$17 a night depending on amenities.

Prospective campers can also contact the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), which establishes its own rules for campgrounds the agency operates in other regions of New York State. Call (518) 474-0456 or visit the OPRHP website at http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/

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