Tomorrow is the last day to comment on the ENP GMP. The current GMP will require an education permit in order to paddle in the park. If you don't make your voice heard to oppose this then you will most likely need a permit in order to paddle the WW portion of the EC.
This Sunday, May 12 will be the last day you will be able to comment on the Everglades National Park General Management Plan. This plan was last update over 30 years ago. There are 4 alternatives for the GMP and below is a link a PDF summary of said alternatives.
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/showFile.cfm?projectID=11170&docType=public&MIMEType=application%252Fpdf&filename=EVER%5F%2D%5FSummary%5Fof%5Fkey%5Fdifferences%5Famong%5Fthe%5Falternatives%5F%28FEB2013%29%2Epdf&clientFilename=EVER%5F%2D%5FSummary%5Fof%5Fkey%5Fdifferences%5Famong%5Fthe%5Falternatives%5F%28FEB2013%29%2Epdf
The various paddling organizations in South Florida supports the NPS Preferred Alternative but we are strongly opposed to “Boater Education Permit Requirement. This permit would be required to operate a vessel (including paddled craft) in the park.
Below provides additional information and recommendations. If you’re not interested in reading the rest then please go to the bottom of this page to the comments link to support NPS Preferred Alternative but no to “Boater Education Permit Requirements.
PROS
- Paddling trail accessibility would be improved, including for persons with disabilities
- Paddle launch sites along the main park road would be improved
- Commercial services and facilities for Flamingo (overnight accommodations)
- Three additional chickees will be added to Florida Bay
- Canoe/Kayak launches would be provided along Tamiami Trail, allowing for both short and long distance paddling opportunities.
- As many as eight new backcountry chickees would be provided.
CONS
- Implementation of a mandatory boater education permit that would be required in order to paddle in the park. THIS MUST BE OPPOSED! This education should be voluntarily and not mandatory.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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Alternative 2 option for Little Maderia Bay, Joe Bay, and Adjacent Water Bodies. After being closed for more than 20 years, Joe Bay would be reopened for paddling use only (and managed as the backcountry area). Little Maderia Bay and adjacent smaller water bodies would be in the pole/troll zone. Fishing would be allowed in these areas.
- To help promote long distance paddling opportunities from Tamiami Trail we recommend the below abandoned science platforms to camping platforms (similar to chickees without a bathroom)
- West of Gumbo Limbo (25°37.272'N+80°45.036'W)
- SE of Gumbo Limbo (25°36.125'N+ 80° 44.498'W)
- South Shark Slough (25° 31.705'N+ 80° 47.728'W)
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Craighead (25° 13.792'N+ 80° 42.318'W)
- Officially acknowledging Charley Creek, Gabbage Creek, the north creek out of Canepatch, the north creek out of Willy Willy and the Lost Portage as part of the Wilderness Waterway Complex. These passages are well known, well used and most are even described in WW books, they need to be included in the official maintenance schedule and not relied on by rogue boaters.
For reference below are link to some maps showing NPS Preferred Alternative
Below is a link to comment section of the ENP GMP. Let you voice be heard because 30 years is a long time until the next GMP review.
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=51890