From Jane Clark - [log in to unmask]

Iowa is critical to this campaign since it is one of the four states that
will be given particular significance by the National Parks Service.

Unless environmentalists respond with numbers equaling or exceeding the
personal watercraft petitions the National Park Service might be pressured
into lifting the ban. If this ban is removed other areas managed by the
park service will probably be targeted.

Letters may be sent directly to:

Paul Hedren Superintendent
National Parks Service
Missouri National Recreational River
PO Box 591
O'Neill NE 68763
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]

HELP PROTECT NATIONAL PARKS FROM JET SKIS (Deadline Sept 30)

In April the National Park Service announced a ban on jet skis (also
called personal watercraft) in most National Parks, including the
Niobrara/ Missouri National Scenic Riverways in Nebraska and South
Dakota.  Unfortunately, a vocal group of jet ski dealers is demanding
that the park scrap the ban and allow jet skiers to run their noisy,
polluting machines wherever they want.  Bowing to demands from the South
Dakota's  Representative John Thune, the NPS opened up a public comment
period on the jet ski ban on the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers.  If the
jet skiers succeed in overturning this existing ban on the Missouri and
Niobrara, it would set a horrendous precedent for the entire National
Park System.

ACTION:   Please send an e-mail, letter, or fax to Park Superintendent
Paul Hedren at [log in to unmask] by September 30th, urging him to uphold the
ban on jet skis in the Niobrara and Missouri National Scenic Riverways.
Tell him that jet skis are noisy, polluting thrill craft that are
inappropriate in a National Park where the preservation of water, wildlife,
and natural sites and sounds is the primary mission.

MNRR PWC <[log in to unmask]>  Please note this is an underscore, not a dot.
The mailer that you might have received from Sierra Club in Bozeman, MT had
the address incorrect.

MISSOURI RIVER PLEA FROM SOUTH DAKOTA SIERRA CLUB

Most of the 2,300 miles of the Missouri River is intensely developed, with
giant reservoirs in the upper basin and navigation channels in the lower.
The two free-flowing stretches of the Missouri River, forming the boundary
of South Dakota with Nebraska, are pristine enough to be designated among
the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and as National Recreational Rivers.

These segments of the river still exhibit the river's dynamic character in
their islands, bars, chutes, and snags – characteristics that would be
recognized by Lewis and Clark.  The United States Park Service has declared
these small areas (98 miles) off-limits to jet skis and this decision has
sparked an intense controversy.

The numerous small sandbars of these beautiful sections are important
nesting areas for the endangered Interior Least Tern and the threatened
Piping Plover.  The endangered Pallid Sturgeon is also found in these
stretches.  These sections of the river are unique as a refuge for wildlife
and for humans seeking tranquillity – free-flowing stretches that belong to
Iowans and every citizen of the United States.

The National Park Service has banned jet skis from this area to preserve
these native species and to set aside an area for natural river
experiences.  Thrill watercraft, such as jet skis, have a high wildlife
impact, cause noise and water pollution, sandbar erosion, and safety
concerns.   Usually, at least 97% of the Missouri River surface is
available for jet skis, but when the reservoirs are at their maximum
projected elevation, up to 99% of the surface of the river is available for
jet ski activity.   Thrill watercraft users are fighting for 100% of the
surface.

The Living River Group of the Sierra Club of South Dakota supports the park
service decision and they hope you might help them in a postcard, letter
and e-mail campaign.  Iowa is critical to the campaign since Iowa is one of
the four states that will be given particular significance by the National
Parks Service.

The comment period extends through September 30th.  Letters are
particularly useful, and according to the NPS will count more than a post
card or e-mail. Write or e-mail the NPS and urge them to keep the ban on
these two free-flowing segments of the Missouri.

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