Whiskeytown Lake is an area of concurrent Federal jurisdiction. This permits the enforcement of laws and regulations by both Federal and California State/Shasta County law enforcement agencies. For your safety and the safety of other visitors we ask that you obey all laws, including those governing traffic and personal behavior. We want your experience at Whiskeytown Lake to be free of injury, loss and unpleasant experiences.
In an effort to ensure that a relatively peaceful and safe climate exists here, National Park Service Rangers are assigned to perform law enforcement duties. As Federal Law Enforcement Officers, National Park Service Rangers enforce Federal laws as well as applicable California state laws. They have been trained to perform those duties professionally and in an assertive manner in the belief that the laws and regulations were legislated by the people as a means of protecting persons and property as well as this beautiful area. The safety of the visiting public and the protection of the area’s resources can best be ensured through preventative as well as responsive law enforcement actions.
National Park Rangers have broad discretion in handling situations depending upon the individual circumstances which may exist. Enforcement action may range from simple educational explanations and warnings, to issuance of citiations carrying fines, to physical arrests for virtually any violation. Experience has shown that a preventative law enforcement program can dramatically reduce the need for other emergency responses by reducing accidents, injuries, losses of property and public disturbances.
We ask the cooperation of each of you while visiting this area to please have respect for the rights and safety of others in order that all may have a quality experience. Please be supportive of our National Park Rangers as they go about their duties in the interest of public safety and resource protection in this unique area.