ENP GMP update

[Ted]

Below is a link to updated information concerning the Everglades National Park's General Management Plan.

http://www.nps.gov/ever/parkmgmt/upload/EVER%20GMP%20newsletter5%20...

The National Park Service has had a history of siding with the major user groups (in our case the power boaters) concerning management planning and I have a feeling it will be no different for the ENP.

[Swamp Hunter]

NPS personnel, biologists and law enforcement may keep some of the trails open.

[yakmaster]

Absolutely. Without that traffic Main Street would close. That's why it always seems you're going from water station to water station!

 

But as the wilderness enforcers clamp down further on motorized equipment in the wilderness, there is less traffic and more blockage.  Really need to advocate that they run the trails with some frequency.

 

The more they're out there, the more better! 

Dale said:

NPS personel, biologists and law enforcement may keep some of the trails open.

[Esther Luft]

Part of the master plan for ENP includes making some form mandatory education/licensing/registration for paddlers.  This is all but a guaranteed element of the plan.  This must be vocally and sternly opposed. 

Paddlers are the weakest link in the water access chain.  We are not well organized, vocal about our needs and too willing to accept whatever is imposed upon us.  If this mandatory program becomes a permanent part of the park's master plan it will set a precedent that will ultimately lead to meaningless rules, registrations and unfair fees.  It will begin to destroy the simple nature of our activities. 

Many motor boaters spoke up at the meetings about how once they gave up the fight on Snake Bight it was just the beginning of them losing access to the park. 

If we lose on the issue of mandatory licensing and education it will only be the beginning.  The boaters too will lose.  We are the canaries in the mine.  If we fall now, the boaters will be next on the menu.  First the remaining airboats will lose what little access they have now.  Then motor boats in the park will be further excluded from enjoying our great outdoors.   

A national park should never be placed in such a predicament.  They have enough to handle and few enough resources to squander them on issues already addressed by the paddlesports industry.  Ironically, we are probably the only industry than encourages education, promotes awareness of environmental issues, and sets standards against which skills and knowledge can be measured.  Mandatory programs are just a bad idea.  I urge the park to revisit this issue.  You do not need to reinvent the wheel. 

Education is wonderful.  Offering meaningful and informative programs and materials is valuable.  Forcing basic training on a skilled population is nonsence.  Who will run these programs?  Presentation by non-experts or commercial interests is foolish at best, dangerous at worse.  Perhaps we can offer assistance to the park in creating voluntary paddling education that is meaningful and advantageous to the park, its visitors and the paddlers who frequent the park and enjoy its facilities.

We don't need to be told how to wear a life jacket, get in and out of our boats, or how to hold a paddle.  We would enjoy more information on identifying native species.  What to do when invasive species are found.  Offer wilderness education programs.  Programs that can be appreciated by the entire visiting community, not just paddlers. 

That's my rant for now.  I hope you will each find your own words and share them. 

[vivian]

For those of you that don't know where to comment on the general management plan, here is a link to the form:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=51890

Lets let our voices be heard, it will only take a few minutes of your time.

[Swamp Hunter]

  Is the EEN considered an organization?

[Keith W]

Not in any legal sense. This is just a web forum.

[Amazon Bill]

I added this comment to the ENP website. Thanks for the info about canoeing..

"The paddling component of the park plan should not create restrictions to use or acces within the park . Paddling a canoe or kayak is the least destructive form or mode of travel and most environmentaly friendly mode of travel. It is a mode supporting fitness and low cost access to those with limited incomes. Do not impose regulations or training that is beyond what is required by the USCoast Guard. Or FL Marine Patrol. Canoes, kayaks and airboats are the only method of travel through the Everglades and this access and use must remain always to keep routes open for science, exploration, rescue and fire control. "

[vivian]

Don't forget, powerboats also need access to most of the park.

[Ted]

Just a reminder today is the last day to comment on the GMP.

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=374&projectI...

[Swamp Hunter]

Comment made to keep the historic trails open for canoeists and allow overnight camping on the islands.

[Flex Kayakfari.com]

Thank You!

Your comments were successfully submitted.

I hope somebody actually reads it ..

[Miami101]

Very nice thanks for posting these up....

Amazon Bill said:

What do you think about having the abandoned science stations opened for camping overnight along Shark Slough and Craighead Pond? Then next, we find a way to Mahagony from Main Street and have a great 2 day, one night trek. These are a few of the science stations. Know of any others that would be good overnight spots?