tamatoledonews.com – DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments on a proposed rule to ban alcohol use at state parks, state recreation areas and public access beaches on the Iowa Great Lakes during the July 4 holiday.

The proposed rule is available on the DNR’s website www.iowadnr.gov then click on State Parks in the navigation column on the left, then click on Chapter 68-Alcohol Use at Great Lakes Beaches July 4th Holiday under Proposed Rule Changes in the navigation column on the left.

The specific time frame for the ban depends upon the weekday on which the holiday falls. Beer and wine may still be consumed at the campgrounds, picnicking areas located outside of the beach area, rental shelters and lodges during the period of the ban.

Public comments will be accepted through July 13, 2010. A public hearing will be held on July 13, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., in the Gull Point Lodge, West Okoboji Lake, 1500 Harpen Street, Milford. Written comments may be sent to Sherry Arntzen, State Parks Bureau, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. Written comments can be sent via email to sherry.arntzen@dnr.iowa.govsherry.arntzen@dnr.iowa.gov>. Be sure to include “Chapter 68 Comments” in the subject line.