Every 4th of July, young adults crowd Payette Lake's North Beach and ruin the National Holiday for families and sightseers alike. If we don't do something about it, the beautiful North Beach area will be spoiled for the years to come.
Since 2007, Independence Day weekend has brought from 500-2,000 adolescent adults to dance and party for the weekend. Jet boats with huge speakers line the beach and flood the area with country and pop music. Tourists that are paddling the serene North Fork of the Payette River have commented that you can hear the overwhelming racket from over 2 miles away! If we can hear it, than the abundant wildlife can certainly hear it, and that is the most likely reason that wildlife is seldom spotted over the busy weekend. The noise pollution alone is an adequate reason to discontinue the party.
Another good reason to put an end to the gathering, is how many incidents have occurred due to the excess of alcohol present at the beach. Here are just a few examples:
- Several arrests and numerous incidents of drunken boat drivers.
- Diving accident at nearby "Cliffs" requiring life flight evacuation of victim.
- At least one collision involving watercraft.
- Several alcohol induced fist fights.
The North Beach Party doesn't only affect those that attend it. It also has an influence on the families and visitors that come to McCall to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Payette Lake has to offer. One of the most beautiful parts of the lake is the northern end, when the party is going, most families decide to go to the surrounding beaches to avoid the mayhem. But due to the overflowing crowd, all the nearby parking lots are full and it is difficult to access any of the nearby attractions. Naturally, with less activities available, McCall loses critical income and business.
In the past, law enforcement has taken steps to lower the amount of people that can attend the party. They have blocked off trails that lead to the park and have made it so you can only access the beach from one road. But the amount of people at the party has only increased each year. And due to the road shutdown, the lake has become more crowded with boats going to and from the beach. The result is an increase in erosion around and on the North Beach Area.
When the rowdy crowds finally clear out, the aftermath each year is disheartening. Beer cans litter the beach and water. Broken glass is abundant in the surrounding forest. Ponderosa State Park Manager Richard Taplin says "After the North Beach 4th of July Party, the beach and fragile environment surrounding the area is covered in litter!" The broken glass is also dangerous for those visiting the beach after the party.
In conclusion, the North Beach 4th of July Party is a gathering that creates noise pollution, and frightens wildlife. It is dangerous for those attending it, and obnoxious for those around it. It also takes away business for McCall. Law enforcement has taken steps to decrease the amount of people at it, but not the correct steps. In addition, the aftermath of the party is terrible for the environment and dangerous for those on the beach after the party. With these facts in mind, we as a community need to come together and make things right!
Works Cited Page
Taplin, Richard. Personal interview. 9 July, 2013.
Frazier, David"North Beach Party Wreaks Havoc At McCall." Boise Guardian. 7th July 2009. 29th October 2013. <https://boiseguardian.com/2009/07/07/north-beach-party-wreaks-havoc-at-mccall/>.
By,
Ariana Woods