New Boating Regulations Take Effect in 2006

Date: May 11, 2006
Contact: Larry Hach, 906-387-2607

Miners Beach

NPS photo

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore reminds park boaters that two new rules regarding boating and water use regulations became effective in May 2006.

Personal watercraft (PWC) are now permitted to operate within the lakeshore’s one-quarter mile water boundary on Lake Superior from the western boundary near Sand Point to the east end of Miners Beach. PWC may be launched from the designated boat ramp at Sand Point. PWC users may beach their craft on Sand Point and Miners Beaches.

In compliance with the State of Michigan's Personal Watercraft Safety Act of 1998 (Public Act 116), personal watercraft may not operate within 200 feet of the shoreline unless traveling perpendicular to the shoreline at no-wake speed.

Personal watercraft will not be allowed to launch or operate at any other location within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The second regulation change requires that only electric outboard motors may be used on Little Beaver and Beaver Lakes. Gasoline outboard motors are no longer permitted. The new motor regulations for the Beaver Lakes were identified in the final General Management Plan approved for the lakeshore in November 2004.

For further information on these new boating and water use regulations at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, contact Chief Ranger Larry Hach at [phone].

 

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Boating
U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety