It’s unclear whether state officials will proceed with proposed rules that officials say are designed to limit overcrowding at state park camp sites. It’s all about how many tents can be set up on a “family” camp site and Senator Merlin Bartz last week argued the proposed change was being made because the Department of Natural Resources was classifying gay couples as families.
The Legislature’s Administrative Rules Review Committee discussed the matter Monday and Senator Jack Kibbie was none too happy with Bartz, who is also a member of the panel.
“That’s baloney, Merlin,” Kibbie said. According to Kibbie, Bartz was stirring up speculation about a “non-issue” when it comes to camping at the state parks. “If it’s controlled and the right number, who the hell cares what their relationship is,” Kibbie said. Kibbie is a Democrat.
Bartz, the legislator who asked for a review of the proposed D.N.R. policy, is a Republican. The director of the state park system says his agency will take a second look at the new campsite rules because of other concerns lawmakers raised.