(Patchogue, NY) The National Park Service continues to proceed with
developing special regulations for personal watercraft (PWC) at Fire
Island National Seashore as required by the national PWC rule (36 CFR
3.24), finalized in April 2000. This includes conducting environmental
assessments or environmental impact statements under the requirements of
the National Environmental Policy Act, preparing an economic analysis, and
seeking public comment throughout the entire process. National Park
Service regulations, which went into effect on April 20, 2000, prohibit
PWC use in national park areas unless the Service determines that this
type of water-based recreational activity is appropriate for a specific
park based on the legislation establishing that area, the park’s resources
and values, other visitor uses of the area, and overall management
objectives. Until regulations for Fire Island National Seashore are
finalized, the Seashore will close to PWC use effective April 22, 2002,
and will remain closed until the planning process is completed.
PWC’s are small vessels, usually less than 16 feet, which use an
inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of power.
They are operated by persons sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel.
PWCs are commonly referred to as wet bikes or by their trademarks JetSki,
Wave Runner and SeaDoo.
Areas where PWC use will be prohibited after April 22, 2002 are:
1. In the Atlantic Ocean within 1000 feet of shore from Moriches Inlet
to the east boundary of Robert Moses State Park.
2. All areas of the Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Narrow Bay, and
Bellport Bay within the boundary of Fire Island National Seashore.
Generally, this boundary extends from 4000 feet to approximately 1 ˝ miles
north from the Fire Island shore.
The public can see a map of the Fire Island National Seashore
boundaries at the web site www.nps.gov/fiis.
Pending legislation in Congress and other potential actions at the
Washington level may affect the April 22 ban. The National Park Service
will post public information on changes as soon as they are known.
Although the closure will occur on April 22, the National Park Service
remains committed to completing the environmental assessment process to
make an informed decision regarding future PWC use in the park. Although
the National Park Service has not yet chosen a preferred alternative for
Fire Island National Seashore, the draft environmental assessment will
contain alternatives for management of PWC.
The Personal Watercraft Environmental Assessment will be mailed to
interested parties, and will be posted on the Seashore’s web site at
www.nps.gov/fiis. Comments may also be addressed to Superintendent
Constantine J. Dillon, Fire Island National Seashore, 120 Laurel Street,
Patchogue, NY 11772.
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