In his recent op-ed column, Chris Manthos stated, “I encourage all Alaskans to stand up for equal and just access to their public waters and lands” — meaning that personal watercraft — PWCs, aka jet skis — should be allowed in Kachemak Bay. The bay has been a Critical Habitat Area for 45 years, an outstanding habitat for 91 species of birds, plus marine mammals and other wildlife.
“Equal access” is the rallying cry of a few people who want to have fun, but in a place and way that would ride roughshod over conservation and the needs of other people. The American Watercraft Association includes dealers and manufacturers as well as individuals, so money is also an object. I wonder whether AWA’s promoters are even familiar with Alaska — or with nationwide conservation practices, which invariably restrict some activities and allow others.
Limitations on motorized boats are commonplace. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge regulates motorboats and prohibits PWCs. Anchorage bans all motorized water craft on 23 lakes and streams, while allowing canoes and kayaks. The state of Alaska regulates motorized boats on 115 miles of the Kenai River; and commercial fishing is strictly regulated, right down to the length of fishing boats throughout Bristol Bay — 32 feet or shorter.
Around the nation, motorboats or PWCs are prohibited in some National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges, for reasons well stated by managers and biologists. My incomplete online survey found that PWCs are banned in at least two federal refuges and a National Seashore right in the state of Virginia, where Manthos’ organization is headquartered.
Watercraft — along with hunting, fishing, camping, etc. — are regulated in many conservation areas. These are public lands, but the public has agreed that their primary purpose is wildlife protection, with public enjoyment encouraged but secondary. Alaska law on Critical Habitat Areas says the same. There are plenty of other places to enjoy PWCs where wildlife and quiet air are less of a concern.
“Equal access” is claimed by a small group, which wants to turn back the history of conservation for their exclusive benefit or profit. The public has decided, through letters and testimony, that PWCs do not belong in the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area.
— Vivian Mendenhall
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.