WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) representatives requesting that the agency immediately withdraw the temporary boating restrictions issued on May 20, 2015, that are currently prohibiting water skiing, tubing, wake boarding and towing of other recreational crafts in a ½ mile backwater area on Lake Havasu:
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) representatives requesting that the agency immediately withdraw the temporary boating restrictions issued on May 20, 2015, that are currently prohibiting water skiing, tubing, wake boarding and towing of other recreational crafts in a ½ mile backwater area on Lake Havasu:
“I applaud Dr. Tuggle and the Service for scrapping the April 12th draft recreational boating compatibility determination (CD). However, there is something critically important that the agency forgot. If the Service was truly interested in working with the community and other stakeholders, it would reopen the Ryde Spot which was unlawfully closed to motorized boating activities in May of 2015. These restrictions were not based on science or merit and are what originally kicked off the whole controversy between the Service and the Lake Havasu community. I will not give up the fight to keep Lake Havasu open for all users until the Ryde Spot is back open for good.”
Background:
The full text of the Congressman’s letter can be found HERE.
On May 20, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued new motorized boating restrictions that arbitrarily expanded a no-wake zone on Lake Havasu, effectively closing the Ryde Spot and prohibiting tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding in a 1/2 mile area utilized by recreational enthusiasts for decades. This terrible new mandate was announced and implemented just two days before Memorial Day Weekend – an economically vital tourist weekend for Lake Havasu City. Further, it was done behind closed doors, with no notice and no opportunity for public comment.
On April 12, 2016, the Service announced a draft recreational boating compatibility determination and the agency’s intent to pursue even more restrictions on Lake Havasu. Once again, these proposed closures are based on an agenda, not science or need to close even more areas on Lake Havasu to motorized boating activities
In a press release issued June 16, by the Service, Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, Southwest Regional Director announced the agency was withdrawing the draft CD announced April 12, 2016. To read the Service’s full statement click HERE.
Congressman Gosar has created a comprehensive information page on his website HERE documenting all relevant facts of this issue as well as a timeline of important events.
