NYS Forest Rangers bust up large gathering on state land involving the underage possession of alcoholic beverages

LYONSDALE- Authorities busted up a large outdoor gathering in Lewis County over the weekend, which reportedly involved underage possession of alcoholic beverages. It happened on Saturday, May 17 sometime shortly before 9:30 p.m. in the town of Lyonsdale, where New York State Forest Rangers received a report about a possible underage drinking party at Sand Flats State Forest. Rangers Cooley and Maxwell patrolled the area and discovered a party of 10 individuals gathering. By 11:20 p.m. later that night, that number of individuals had increased to 30 and Rangers learned that the party details had been shared on social media. A New York State Police unit and two additional Forest Rangers responded. Rangers kept control of the scene by speaking with each group of visitors and posting up at the main entrance. Rangers interviewed 20 individuals and issued 13 violations for possession of alcohol by someone under the age of 21 and depositing rubbish on State land. The group was planning to burn tires and pallets. Partygoers cleaned up the area and Rangers conducted field sobriety tests to ensure everyone was safe to drive home.