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

For the second summer in a row, Americans will get to experience Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 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 other National Parks, Seashores and Lakeshores are still in question as the National Park Service (NPS) is under extraordinary industry pressure to reintroduce 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. At least at Whiskeytown, visitors will have another wonderful experience this summer."

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 exemp 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 Whiskeytown, the NPS found that jet ski use has a negative impact on the quality of many types of recreation, including sailing, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Moreover, the NPS concluded, that ending jet ski use in Whiskeytown would best serve the public interest and provide for a greater diversity of recreational opportunities. The NPS also noted that over the past several summers, jet skis were responsible for 50% of all boating accidents.

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.

"Families visiting Whiskeytown this Memorial Day weekend can rest assured that jet skis will not be interrupting their visits," 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. Finally, there is a place to visit without 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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