Tourism officials in Allegany County, home of Deep Creek Lake Dans Mountain and Rocky Gap state parks, are saying that Maryland's recent ban on alcohol at state parks could be keeping tourists away from the area. As of last November, "the consumption, or possession of an open container, of an alcoholic beverage is prohibited" in all state park areas, including campgrounds. Ouch. Full-service cabins are exempt as are motor homes. However, park-goers can apply for a $35 alcohol permit from the park manager for special events. So, that's that. And I'm guessing that could put a little damper on day trips to the park. Still, I can legally drink a beer at Assateague Island National Seashore, a national park, but if I go next door to the state park area, I'll be in trouble. Hmmm. That's...troubling.
Almost as troubling as the new laws allowing firearms in national parks. Some of those same parks also allow alcohol consumption. I'm not suggesting that responsible people would ever mix the two, but we all know that not everyone is responsible. Canal Place, in downtown Cumberland, is considering banning firearms over concern that visitors to nearby C&O Canal Park will be packin' heat when they arrive at the shopping and business development at the western end of the park, according to Associated Press.
And I hate to throw this issue to the dogs - they really have nothing to do with it - but I wanted to also mention that there's a new pet policy in force at Maryland's state parks. State officials say the new rules offer wider park access to pets and their owners, including more parks open to pets year round, eight parks that were previously closed to pets will now offer access and six campgrounds also will allow pets. You can view the new policies and download park by park policies at the Department of Natural Resources.
Correction: Deep Creek Lake State Park is in Garrett County. Doh. But you still can't drink there without a permit.
Baltimore Sun Photo of Deep Creek State Park