[Paddlewise] [pylka_at_castle.net: Fw: I'm A Happy Paddler]

----- Forwarded message from Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net> -----

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mary
> 
> >Finally!  For any of you who expressed your opinion to the DWG against PWCs
> >(or passed my e-mails on) - Thank You! - Mary
> >
> >For Immediate Release
> >Contact:Doyle Nelson
> >570-588-2414
> >
> >       DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
> >             PROHIBITION ON PERSONAL WATERCRAFT USE
> >
> >The Superintendent of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
> >announced today that the use of personal watercraft (PWC) will be
> >prohibited within the boundaries of the recreation area. This decision
> >only affects PWC's (commonly referred to as jet ski, wave runner, wave
> >jammer, wetjet, > sea-doo, wet bike and surf jet). This decision does
> >not change motor boat use.
> >
> >On April 20th, 2000, the National Park Service published final rules that
> >addressed PWC use in National Park System units. PWC use is prohibited
> >unless it is determined that this type of water-based recreation activity
> >> is appropriate for a specific area; consistent with park's resources,
> >values, and management objectives; and compatible with other visitor
> >uses of the area.
> >
> >In response to that rule, the Superintendent has reviewed PWC use, taking
> >into consideration the protection of the natural, scenic, and aesthetic
> >values > of the area, compatibility with NPS management objectives and
> >safety considerations.
> >
> >Although current levels of use are relatively low, PWCs create some
> >> conflict with other recreation uses, and growth of PWC use has the
> >potential for creating additional conflict. There are potential adverse
> >environmental impacts from PWC use, including impacts to wildlife,
> >impacts to vegetation, and production of noise. Safety of park visitors
> >is also a concern, as the records of PWC use from both Pennsylvania and
> >New Jersey show a disproportionate level of PWC accidents and injuries
> >relative to the numbers of PWC users.
> >
> >Three public meetings were conducted, and a thirty-day period to provide
> >written response regarding PWC use was made available. Fewer than twenty
> >people attended the public meetings. Most were local residents who were
> >in favor of continuing PWC use in existing locations. The park received
> >over 300 written comments. The majority of the written comments (96%)
> >were strongly opposed to the continued use of PWCs. The reasons most often
> >cited were inappropriate use of the recreation area, noise disturbance
> >to other recreation users, and potential for water pollution.
> >
> >PWC use on the Delaware River has been determined to pose a threat to
> >park resources and values and adversely affects the experience of other
> >park visitors, particularly those seeking a quiet experience dependent
> >on a park-like setting. Therefore, effective on September 30th, 2000,
> >the use of PWC will be prohibited on all waters within the Delaware
> >Water Gap National Recreation Area.
> >
> >                                           ---- ### ----
> >
> >Prepared September 4, 2000

----- End forwarded message -----
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