Posted: Monday, June 9, 2008 12:00 am
CHEYENNE (AP) - Gov. Dave Freudenthal has approved changes to state park rules that govern the number of people and vehicles allowed at campsites.
The new rules are now in effect at all state parks and historic sites.
"These rules will benefit the patrons to the parks by allowing for safer and more enjoyable experiences," state Parks Administrator Domenic Bravo said in a statement. "Additionally, they will assist our staff in preserving the natural and historic beauty of the parks and sites that we manage."
Among the changes to the rules is a new definition of a camping unit to include travel trailers, motor homes, tents, tepees, yurts and motor vehicles that will be occupied overnight.
The new rule allows for one camping unit to occupy a designated campsite, as well as two licensed vehicles, such as cars or boat, jet ski or ORV trailers. All other vehicles must be parked in overflow parking areas when available.
Vehicle restrictions will not be enforced unless overflow parking is available. However, currently all vehicles must fit into the confines of the designated campsite in which they are parked.
The rules also allow for a maximum of 10 people per campsite, although parents, grandparents and unmarried minor children of the camping permit holder may exceed this limit at management's discretion.
The restrictions only apply to designated campsites. Many state parks also include non-designated campsites.
The new rules also allow for a park superintendent, at his discretion, to close a campground when he determines it to be at capacity.
Other changes allow for the use of glass bottles inside tents, motor homes and vehicles and ban possession of any kind of fireworks. Previously, only the use of fireworks was prohibited.
The rules changes were made after a yearlong process that included a series of statewide public meetings.
"We listened to our constituents and amended the rules changes to reflect their input and concerns," State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Milward Simpson said.