Update: The U.S. Forest Service says the ban may still go into effect next summer, but it is one of several options they are pursuing.
There may still be an alcohol ban on several Michigan rivers next year, but officials with the Huron-Manistee National Forest announced an education initiative Wednesday that they hope will curb drunken behavior.
The U.S. Forest Service will put out public service announcements reminding people to be respectful on the water, and give out mesh bags that attach to boats for trash.
Forest Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo says a problem became apparent after she floated on the Au Sable River.
"In a two-hour float we must have passed about ten groups of 30 people and each one were [sic] pretty drunk and chiding us," Auriemmo says.
While the alcohol ban is still slated to go into effect next year on the Pine, Au Sable and Manistee Rivers, officials say the ban might be cancelled if improvements are made this summer. The ban was met with backlash from some residents and business owners when it was announced in February.
