INDIANA—Hoosier National Forest Supervisor Mike Chaveas has issued a forest order prohibiting the possession of an alcoholic beverage, as defined by state law, at the Rainbow Lake Recreation Area near Derby, in Perry County.
Recent events illuminated that alcohol use had become a contributing factor to vandalism and other undesirable and dangerous activity in this public recreation site on the national forest.
A previous order banning alcohol at the beach area, shelter, picnic area, parking lot, and surrounding vicinity at the German Ridge Recreation Area had been in effect and was renewed by this order.
“It is important that visitors to the national forest can enjoy their public lands responsibly, and this order will be an important tool in helping us achieve a safer, family-friendly atmosphere for visitors to German Ridge and Rainbow Lake Recreation Areas, places that are key assets to local communities,” said Mike Chaveas. “We continue to ask the public’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement by calling or texting the information to the forest’s law enforcement tip line at 618-201-3364. Callers may remain anonymous, but please relay the location and description of the activity.”
Rainbow Lake is open to the public for day use, such as fishing, paddling, swimming, and scuba diving. A July 2021 forest order closed an area of high cliffs on East Rainbow Lake to the public for safety. A complete list of forest orders is available on the forest’s website.
For more information contact Hoosier National Forest, Tell City Ranger District Office at 812-547-7051.
