October 30, 2002
For Immediate Release
Karla Norris, 702-293-8947
Karla_Norris@NPS.gov

Limited Personal Watercraft Restrictions in Effect

In accordance with an agreement between the National Park Service and Blue Water Network, personal watercraft (PWC) will continue to be allowed on Lakes Mead and Mohave in Lake Mead National Recreation Area from November 6, 2002, until December 31, 2002. PWCs may be used on the lakes subject to the following restrictions:

PWC use will continue with no restrictions: On Lake Mohave from Cottonwood Cove downriver to Davis Dam, in the Willow Beach area between marker buoys, in the Boulder Basin and Boulder Canyon area, in the Overton Arm between Black Ridge and Cathedral Cove, and in the Temple Bar Area between Burro Bay and Delmar Bay.

The following areas will be closed to PWC use: From below Hoover Dam to the marker buoy above Willow Beach, from the marker buoy below Willow Beach to Eldorado Canyon, Bonnelli Bay, Gypsum Bay, from Iceberg Canyon to the boundary of the Grand Canyon, and in the Overton Arm north of Black Ridge.

The remainder of the lake will be open to PWC use: With a 200 foot PWC wakeless zone extending from all shorelines.

Color maps will be posted in prominent locations throughout the recreation area or can be found on the website at www.nps.gov/lame/images/pwcban_color3.pdf. For more information, contact the nearest Ranger or Visitor Contact Station.

Beginning January 1, 2003, PWCs will be banned until the Record of Decision (ROD) on the Lake Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statements and the final rule authorizing PWC use consistent with the ROD is promulgated. It is expected that both processes will be completed as early as the Spring of 2003.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service.