AMISTAD NRA SEEKS INPUT ON PWC USE

Amistad National Recreation Area, Del Rio TX, invites the public to comment on personal watercraft (PWC) use in the recreation area. PWCs (jet-skis, etc.) are currently prohibited from Amistad NRA as a result of a nationwide lawsuit. The park has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to address possible impacts to park resources. The EA is available on the park’s website and from park headquarters (see addresses below). As part of the process, the National Park Service is soliciting public comment from April 9 to May 9, 2003. Comments may be sent by e-mail, letter, or phone to the address below. After review of public comments, the park will propose a special regulation that details how PWCs may be used at Amistad NRA. The timetable for the environmental assessment process is:

• Apr 9, 2003 - May 9, 2003: Environmental Assessment public comment period
• Apr 9, 2003 - May 31, 2003: Regulations prepared for Department of Interior review
• Jun 2003 - Aug 2003: Office of Management & Budget review of proposed regulations
• Sep 2003 - Oct 2003: 60-day comment period on proposed regulations
• Nov 2003 - Dec 2003: Review of comments and draft final rule
• Jan 2004 - Mar 2004: OMB review of final rule
• Apr 2004: Final rule published in Federal Register
• May 2004: Final rule takes effect

Public comments on personal watercraft use may be e-mailed to: Amis@den.nps.gov. Copies of the environmental assessment may be downloaded at this link www.nps.gov/amis/pwc.pdf or obtained at park headquarters Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm just west of Del Rio at 4121 Hwy 90 W. Mail inquiries should be directed to:
Amistad National Recreation Area
HCR 3 Box 5J
Del Rio TX 78840
Phone 830 775-7491

Press Releases
http://www.nps.gov/amis/pwcuse.htm
Released 4-7-2003
For more information regarding this press release, or for further information, contact the Park's Public Information Officer at 830-775-7491,
or write:  Amistad National Recreation Area . HCR 3, Box 5-J . Del Rio, TX 78840