Tennessee wildlife authorities are cracking down on booze in the backwoods, enforcing an alcohol ban in Wildlife Management Areas across the state starting April 15. This move primarily promotes safety and transforms these spaces into family-friendly zones, free from the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has seen enough of the hazardous blend of high-powered all-terrain vehicles and alcohol, leading to the policy change, as announced by WLAF on Wednesday. Keith Thomas, the TWRA North Cumberland Area WMA Manager, indicated at a press conference that the ban was in response to a "growing problem" of alcohol-related accidents and intoxicated driving. Despite designated areas in TWRA campgrounds and on public waters where alcohol can still be consumed, the goal remains clear: safety first.
DUI statistics are particularly jarring when it comes to recreation areas. Wildlife Sgt. Dustin Burke detailed how someone under the influence behind the wheel, or in this case, the handlebars, is 12 times more likely to crash. "We get into this profession to save lives, but ultimately you think saving lives will be doing CPR on somebody, but when you arrest somebody for DUI, you are saving a life," Burke told WKRN.
It's not just about the stats but the haunting experiences officers face. "We’re tired of going to these families and breaking this news to them," Sgt. Burke said, recounting the difficult part of his job, having to inform families of a DUI-related death, according to WLAF. The tragedies have piled up, prompting action from TWRA and support from the legal system. Eighth Judicial District Attorney Jared Effler echoed the agency's concerns at the press conference, noting that possession of alcohol on these lands will now be considered a class "C" misdemeanor.
TWRA intends to make sure the information on the ban is widespread and clear. They encourage the public to stay informed about the specific rules for each site, as regulations can vary. They have even provided a directory in the back of the TWRA Hunting Guide and an interactive map on their website for user convenience. TWRA Public Information Officer Emily Buck emphasized the importance of staying on designated trails and the pack-in, pack-out principle, ensuring that visitors respect the conservation work and do not litter the natural resources.
