April 12, 2012
KDOT grant to help keep public land users safe
PRATT — Through a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, natural resource officers with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are targeting underage drinkers at Osage and Lyon state fishing lakes and Melvern and Pomona reservoirs this spring. The issue is especially problematic in late spring, when minors gather after prom and graduation festivities for parties on their own.

Similar operations in the past have netted arrests for minors possessing or consuming alcohol, as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia. Numerous cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages were seized and citations were issued. Parents or guardians were notified and required to come to the lakes to pick up their sons and daughters. Additionally, officers arrested and charged several adults with furnishing intoxicants to minors.

Natural resource officers are conducting similar efforts in other parts of the state to keep natural areas safe and clean and to help prevent tragedies that too often occur as a result of alcohol and drug abuse.

For more information, phone the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, Law Enforcement Division, at 620-672-5911.
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