Natural Trails & Waters Coaliton and Bluewater Network
May 22, 2003

This summer, Americans will get to experience Gulf Islands National Seashore without the blaring sound of jet skis. And they'll be safer too. Jet skis are proven to cause significant damage to air and water quality, visitor enjoyment, public health and safety, natural soundscapes, and wildlife. Currently, almost all waterways in the National Park system have completely banned these machines. However, protections for Gulf Islands and other National Parks, Seashores and Lakeshores are still in question as the National Park Service (NPS) is under extraordinary industry pressure to authorize jet ski use almost everywhere.

"At many park lakes and seashores this is the first time in years that families can visit their parks without the racket, stink, and safety threats that ensue when these thrillcraft are running." said Sean Smith, of Bluewater Network "However, these protections could be short-lived. I hope that the Park Service will uphold the law and protect these parks from jet ski damage."

Since 1994, several of our nation's premier National Park units such as the Everglades, Big Bend, and Yellowstone, closed their waters to jet skis to protect natural resources, wildlife, and other park visitors. In March 2000, the National Park Service finalized regulations that prohibit jet ski operation in roughly 67 parks, but 21 parks were exempt from this ban. In August 2000, Bluewater Network challenged the regulations in court (Bluewater Network v. Stanton). The following April, a settlement was approved that required all parks excluded from the system-wide ban to conduct environmental reviews and adopt special regulations, if long-term jet ski use is to continue. Park waters would be closed to jet skis if the work is not completed by court ordered deadlines. As of November 6, 2002, all parks in the National Park system, save a few small areas in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, were closed to jet ski use until environmental reviews are completed.

As of today, park superintendents in numerous park units have determined that jet ski use is contrary to the mission of their respective unit due to public safety, wildlife, and natural resource impacts. At Cape Cod National Seashore (MA), the Park Service found that jet ski use was incompatible with the legislation establishing the park that seeks to preserve unique lands and waters, as well as protect values like solitude and tranquillity. This resulted in a jet ski closure. Ordinances banning jet skis were later approved in four surrounding municipalities (Eastham, Orleans, Chatham, and Harwich) to further protect the values of this spectacular coastal area.

At Gulf Islands, the NPS reports that jet ski pollution can inflict significant ecological damage near shore. In addition, the Park Service notes that, "Complaints about the noise and odor generated by jet ski use were received from the public." In May 2001, the Park Superintendent moved to eliminate jet skis, but that decision was up-ended by the Department of Interior's Washington DC Headquarters. Therefore, even though the Park Service has found significant problems and impacts with jet ski use, it may be pressured to issue a final rule to reintroduce jet ski use to this special place.

Like Gulf Islands, several parks are undergoing environmental assessments or impact statements, which could ultimately authorize jet ski to resume later this year. However, until they are completed, the parks will remain protected from the ongoing impacts of jet skis.

"As families flood into National Parks this Memorial Day weekend, parents and children can rest assured that jet skis will not be interrupting their visits--for now," said Kristen Brengel of the Natural Trails and Waters Coalition. "Jet skis have a poor track record when it comes to safety and environmental protection. It is imperative the Park Service makes the right decision to permanently protect our National Parks from these machines."

Park units completing environmental reviews are:

Amistad National Recreation Area (TX)
Assateague National Seashore (MD/VA)
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (WY)
Big Thicket National Preserve (TX)
Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC)
Chickasaw National Recreation Area (OK)
Curecanti National Recreation Area (CO)
Fire lsland National Seashore (NY)
Gateway National Recreation Area (NY)
Gulf Islands National Seashore (MS/FL)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (TX)
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (WA)
Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (MI)

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