Thanks for the heads up Jur, I had no idea something like this was in the works, yet. I have reviewed the NPS website for more details but it seems to be fairly short on specifics. I tried to call down there but no one was answering their phones and the head of Resource Management is out for the next two days.
You can see some limited information at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectH...rojectID=26660
along with more specifics but still missing some critical points in the powerpoint presentation at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document...cumentID=35785
It seems "Alternative A" involves limited action using existing mooring balls and if they are all taken, anchoring would be permitted? Even now, if you damage sea grass you are liable for a serious fine and restoration charges.
"Alternative B" seems to remove anchoring in sea grass areas, restricting single boats to limited mooring balls. This alternative could have a major impact on kiting within the NP aka Miami Flats. This alternative is deemed to have the least impact on resources. Then again, "Alternative - Ditch The Users" (currently NOT proposed), banning all human access in all forms would have the least impact of all. What is the point of a National Park anyway?
The proposed plans could severely restrict access to and activities within Biscayne Bay within the National Park. The boundaries show up below:
The park pretty much covers everything south of Key Biscayne to just north of Key Largo. That is a lot of territory to lose access to in large measure.
Time to log your comments, we have very little time left. Lacking specifics, it would be good to ask for:
1. Continued access to popular boating, anchoring areas and not restricting boats to a finite number of mooring balls.
2. Existing laws and enforcement protecting sea grasses should be allowed to continue to address powerboat incursions/damage in these areas.
3. Alternative B seems directed at resource protection through the exclusion of the public from visiting the area in traditional, decades old fashion well predating the designation of the National Park.
*** YOU MUST MAKE YOUR COMMENTS BY SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 AT:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentF...cumentID=35785
Please jump in and speak your mind otherwise a century old tradition of enjoyment of the vast majority of Biscayne Bay may well get flushed into the past, never to be seen again.
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