Infomaniac: WeBlog

Overheard on the Web, and other Web links From The Herald's Research Editor

Watercraft in the National Parks? 

There is a new campaign to allow use of personal watercraft in waters belonging to the national parks. Apparently witnesses are testifying in Congressional hearings that the new craft (Jet-Skis and the like) are quieter and less polluting than older models. The Blue Ribbon Commission is a 'boating access group' that's pushing for the change, and is actually part of a larger campaign called Share our Trails that campaigns for access to all national park lands by all-terrain and other vehicles. According to the media release, much of the questioning during the hearings concerned Biscayne National Park. The Park Service's legislative page notes the hearings, which were held Friday, but doesn't show any more on the schedule.
(Via Morning Meeting.)
For the other side of this story, the Acoustic Ecology organization brings attention to the concern for quiet in our natural public spaces, and includes news about noise.

posted by liz at 11:43 AM