Bluewater Announces Ten Best Places to Avoid Jet Skis in 2006
Contact:Carl Schneebeck, 415-544-0790, ext. 19
San Francisco, CA – Summer is a time to get away – from work, from the heat, and for an increasing number of Americans, from the noise and pollution of jet skis. Bluewater Network, a division of Friends of the Earth, has just released its list of the ten best places to avoid jet skis in 2006. This is a list for Americans seeking safe, quiet waterways that allow for recreation such as fishing, canoeing, swimming and wildlife viewing without the harmful pollution and disturbing noise of jet skis.
“Nearly 98 percent of the nation’s waters are threatened by jet skis, so there are very few places that people can go to enjoy quiet, safe waterways,” said Carl Schneebeck, Bluewater Network’s public lands campaign director. “Thankfully, a growing number of places are protecting waterways from thrill craft, which also protects the communities and businesses that surround them.”
Bluewater Network’s Ten Best Places to Avoid Jet Skis in 2006:
1. Padre Island National Seashore – Texas
Consisting of one of largest undeveloped barrier islands, this national seashore is protected from jet skis and home to thousands of migratory birds, endangered sea turtles, and is also popular with wind surfers.
2. Delaware Gap National Recreation Area – Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Swim, boat, fish, backpack, raft, bike, tube or kayak on this majestic section of the Delaware River, and don’t expect to be bothered by jet skis.
3. San Juan Islands –Washington
Whether kayaking from island to island or enjoying the sights of orca and bald eagles, these islands offer an idyllic setting for a jet ski-free summer evening.
4. Biscayne National Park – Florida
Despite continued attempts by the industry to force jet skis into this national treasure, the park remains closed to – and near-shore wildlife protected from – the thrill craft.
5. San Francisco Bay Area – California
Renowned for its stunning beauty and abundant marine life, the Bay Area offers a wide variety of recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities without the hazard and harm of jet skis.
6. Kachemak Bay – Alaska
The sizeable bay near Homer Alaska is home to abundant wildlife and KachemakBayState Park. One thing that isn’t in abundance is jet skis – they’re prohibited.
7. Upper MissouriBreaksNational Monument – Montana
This majestic section of the Missouri River can still be experienced as it was when Lewis and Clark explored it 200 years ago – without jet skis.
8. Cape Hatteras National Seashore – North Carolina
This national seashore provides some of the best fishing and surfing on the east coast, in part because jet skis are prohibited.
9. Lake Willoughby – Vermont
Local activists weathered an all out effort by the jet ski industry and protected this idyllic lake in northeastern Vermont known for its crystal clear water, natural sand beaches and outstanding fishing.
10. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore – Indiana
This area along Lake Michigan’s southern shore offers relief from the summer heat, as well as activities such as swimming, fishing, camping and nature walks.
Bluewater Network works to protect human and health and the planet by focusing on the environmental damage caused by vehicles and vessels. Bluewater Network is a division of Friends of the Earth – the U.S. voice of the world’s largest network of environmental groups with one million supporters in more than 70 countries.
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