[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 6, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38759-38767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13209]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 7

RIN 1024-AC94


Fire Island National Seashore, Personal Watercraft Use

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule designates areas where personal watercraft (PWC) may 
be used in Fire Island National Seashore, New York. This rule 
implements the provisions of the National Park Service (NPS) general 
regulations authorizing parks to allow the use of PWC by promulgating a 
special regulation. The NPS Management Policies 2001 require individual 
parks to determine whether PWC use is appropriate for a specific park 
area based on an evaluation of that area's enabling legislation, 
resources and values, other visitor uses, and overall management 
objectives.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective July 6, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Mail inquiries to Superintendent, Fire Island National 
Seashore, 120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, NY 11772. E-mail: [email protected]. (631) 289 4810 x225.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Case, Regulations Program 
Manager, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Room 7241, 
Washington, DC 20240. Phone: (202) 208-4206. E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Personal Watercraft Regulation

    On March 21, 2000, the National Park Service published a regulation 
on the management of PWC use within all units of the national park 
system (65 FR 15077). This regulation prohibits PWC use in all national 
park units unless the NPS determines that this type of waterbased 
recreational activity is appropriate for the specific park unit based 
on the legislation establishing that park, the park's resources and 
values, other visitor uses of the area, and overall management 
objectives. The regulation banned PWC use in all park units effective 
April 20, 2000, except 21 parks, lakeshores, seashores, and recreation 
areas. The regulation established a 2-year grace period following the 
final rule publication to provide these 21 park units time to consider 
whether PWC use should be allowed.

Description of Fire Island National Seashore

    Fire Island National Seashore is a vital part of America's national 
system of parks, monuments, battlefields, recreation areas, and other 
natural and cultural resources. Located on a 32-mile long barrier 
island off the south shore of Long Island, New York, Fire Island 
National Seashore encompasses approximately 19,500 acres--many of which 
are bay and ocean waters--available to more than 4 million visitors 
each year. The National Seashore is interspersed with 17 local private 
communities, the William Floyd Estate, a maritime forest known as the 
Sunken Forest, and the Otis Pike Wilderness Area--the only Federal 
wilderness area in New York State. Together, these components comprise 
a seashore ecosystem of wildlife, private communities, and outdoor 
recreational activities, such as the use of personal watercraft (PWC).
    The Fire Island National Seashore extends from the easterly 
boundary of the main unit of Robert Moses State Park eastward to 
Moriches Inlet and includes Fire Island proper and the surrounding 
islands and marshlands in

[[Page 38760]]

the Great South Bay, Bellport Bay, and Moriches Bay adjacent to Fire 
Island. Included in the boundaries are Sexton Island, West Fire and 
East Fire Islands, Hollins Island, Ridge Island, Pelican Island, 
Pattersquash Island, and Reeves Island and other small and adjacent 
islands, marshlands, and wetlands that lend themselves to contiguity 
and reasonable administration within the National Seashore and the 
waters surrounding the National Seashore to distances of 1,000 feet in 
the Atlantic Ocean and up to 4,000 feet in Great South Bay and Moriches 
Bay. The NPS mainland terminal and headquarters are on the Patchogue 
River within Suffolk County, New York.
    Fire Island National Seashore is fragmented by public and private 
beaches. Fire Island National Seashore includes the Otis Pike 
Wilderness Area established in 1981, the Sunken Forest, Watch Hill, 
Sailors Haven, the Fire Island Lighthouse (placed on the National 
Register of Historic Places in 1981), and the William Floyd Estate 
(placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980).
    The resources and values that define the natural environment of 
Fire Island National Seashore include a diverse assemblage of wildlife, 
vegetation communities, water resources, geological features, and 
physical processes reflecting the complexity of the land/sea interface 
along the North Atlantic coast. Wildlife resources are a myriad of 
aquatic and terrestrial species inhabiting estuarine, dune and beach 
habitats. The indigenous plant communities reflect the adaptive 
extremes necessary for survival on a barrier island, where exposure to 
salt spray, lack of freshwater, and shifting sands create a harsh and 
dynamic environment.
    The aquatic habitats of Fire Island and the adjacent coastal bays 
are central to the significance of the National Seashore. The inshore 
waters are part of a network of coastal lagoons that parallel the south 
shore of the Long Island coast from Breezy Point, off the tip of 
southern Manhattan, over 100 miles east to South Hampton. Fire Island 
lies in the middle of this complex system. The bays are uniformly 
shallow with an average depth of 1.2 meters (4 feet) and are generally 
characterized as poorly flushing due to restricted inlet tidal 
exchange.
    From a regional perspective, Fire Island National Seashore includes 
the highest percentage of remaining undeveloped barrier islands of the 
south shore of the Long Island barrier island system. Extensive salt 
marshes, intertidal flats, and the broad shallow margins of the coastal 
bays within and adjacent to Fire Island are key components of an 
estuarine system crucial to the maintenance of regional biological 
diversity and ecosystem health.
    Fire Island National Seashore provides important habitat for a 
number of federally listed threatened and endangered species, including 
but not limited to the peregrine falcon, roseate tern, loggerhead, 
Kemp's ridley, leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles, bald 
eagle, piping plover, and sea beach amaranth. Of these species, the 
National Seashore provides critical habitat for piping plover and sea 
beach amaranth and is a focal point for North Atlantic conservation and 
restoration efforts. The eastern 8 miles of the park provide the most 
favorable conditions for piping plover breeding activity and support a 
majority of the local population of the species.
    In addition to the piping plover, the National Seashore provides 
important habitat for a multitude of bird species throughout the year. 
The island is renowned for the autumn migration of hawks and abundance 
of wintering waterfowl and is of critical importance as wintering, 
staging, and breeding habitat for a myriad of bird species. Shorebirds, 
colonial waterbirds, neotropical migratory songbirds, and a variety of 
wading birds intensively utilize park habitats, and in general, occur 
in greater abundance and diversity than on the adjacent mainland.
    The coastal waters within Fire Island National Seashore are 
regularly used by a variety of marine mammals on a seasonal or 
transitory basis. More than fifteen species have been documented in the 
National Seashore, all of which are protected under the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act of 1972. The most commonly observed species are seals, 
harbor porpoise, and bottlenose dolphin, generally occurring in ocean 
nearshore waters. Seals are most commonly observed during the fall and 
winter months, while bottlenose dolphins are present largely during the 
summer.
    Oceanic and estuarine waters and their associated animal and plant 
life (biota) also play a dominant role in recreational use of the 
National Seashore. Over 90 percent of visits to the park involve the 
use of aquatic habitats. The primary recreational activities include 
swimming, walking, sightseeing, wildlife photography and observation, 
picnicking, and saltwater fishing.

Purpose of Fire Island National Seashore

    Fire Island National Seashore was authorized on September 11, 1964 
(Pub. L. 88-587) ``for the purpose of conserving and preserving for the 
use of future generations certain relatively unspoiled and undeveloped 
beaches, dunes, and other natural features within Suffolk County, New 
York, which possess high values to the Nation as examples of unspoiled 
areas of great natural beauty * * * to establish an area to be known as 
the `Fire Island National Seashore.' ''
    The purposes of Fire Island National Seashore, as stated in its 
Strategic Plan (available at http://www.nps.gov/fiis/ stratplanFY01-
05.htm), are as follows:
     Preserve the natural and cultural resources within 
administrative boundaries.
     Permit hunting, fishing, and shellfishing within 
boundaries in accordance with U.S. and New York State laws.
     Preserve the Sunken Forest tract from bay to ocean without 
developing roads therein.
     Preserve the main dwelling, furnishings, grounds, and 
outbuildings of the William Floyd Estate, home of the Floyd family for 
eight generations.
     Administer mainland ferry terminal and headquarters sites 
not to exceed 12 acres on the Patchogue River.
     Preserve the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dunes Wilderness.
     Provide for public access, use, and enjoyment.
     Work with the communities within the park to mutually 
achieve the goals of both the park and the residents.

Authority and Jurisdiction

    The National Park Service is granted broad authority under 16 
U.S.C. 1 et seq., the NPS' ``Organic Act,'' to regulate the use of the 
Federal areas known as national parks. In addition, the Organic Act (16 
U.S.C. 3) authorizes the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to 
``make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary 
or proper for the use and management of the parks * * *''
    16 U.S.C. 1a-1 states, ``The authorization of activities shall be 
conducted in light of the high public value and integrity of the 
National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the 
values and purposes for which these various areas have been established 
* * *''
    The NPS's regulatory authority over waters subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States, including navigable waters and areas 
within their ordinary

[[Page 38761]]

reach, is based upon the Property and Commerce Clauses of the U.S. 
Constitution. In regard to the NPS, Congress in 1976 directed the NPS 
to ``promulgate and enforce regulations concerning boating and other 
activities on or relating to waters within areas of the National Park 
System, including waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
States * * *'' (16 U.S.C. 1a-2(h)). In 1996 the NPS published a final 
rule (61 FR 35136, July 5, 1996) amending 36 CFR 1.2(a)(3) to clarify 
its authority to regulate activities within the National Park System 
boundaries occurring on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States.

PWC Use at Fire Island National Seashore

    PWC use at Fire Island National Seashore is a relatively recent 
phenomenon, paralleling the national trend of increasing popularity and 
sales of PWC during the 1980s and 1990s.
    Personal watercraft use began within the Fire Island National 
Seashore boundaries in the Great South Bay over 20 years ago, as soon 
as they were available and on the market. PWC users can access Fire 
Island National Seashore in a variety of ways; however, there are no 
public boat ramps or public roads located within the National Seashore 
boundaries. PWC users access the National Seashore via marinas located 
in the private communities and by landing on and launching from 
undeveloped beaches or larger vessels.
    A variety of sources within the region provided estimates of 
typical PWC use in the Great South Bay and Fire Island National 
Seashore area. Staff from the Suffolk County Department of Parks and 
the Police Marine Bureau, local municipalities, local dealerships, and 
local marinas provided estimates of PWC use ranging from 5 to 25% of 
all watercraft on the water at any given time of the day during peak 
season. Although no annual counts are conducted of visitors accessing 
the park by boat or personal watercraft, the National Park Service 
conducted an informal survey on Saturdays and Sundays during the month 
of July 1999. During this survey, NPS staff counted the number of 
boats, including PWC, that were present. Based on the 1999 survey, the 
estimated number of boats during that time period was between 200 and 
300 watercraft. Approximately 20% of the total, or between 40 and 60 
watercraft, were PWC. The waterways on the bayside of Fire Island are 
often congested, with a variety of recreational and fishing boats 
accessing the waters of the National Seashore from the Great South Bay.
    PWC use is typically localized within Fire Island National 
Seashore, occurring in areas near the private communities, ferryways 
and navigation channels, and in areas near boat ramps. Park staff 
indicate that the heaviest usage and highest general visitation area 
for watercraft of any type is the western end of the island. PWC use is 
also prevalent along the eastern boundary in Moriches Bay near Smith 
Point County Park.
    As previously stated, on April 20, 2000, the NPS adopted a final 
rule for managing PWC use in areas of the National Park System. The 
rule was implemented to ensure a prudent approach to PWC management 
that would potentially allow their use, yet protect park resources, 
sensitive natural areas, plants and wildlife, and reduce conflicts 
between park visitors. The final rule prohibited PWC use in all 
National Park System areas unless the NPS determined that this type of 
waterbased activity was appropriate for a specific park based upon the 
legislation establishing the area, the park's resources and values, 
other visitor uses of the area, and overall management objectives.
    Prior to April 22, 2002, PWC use was allowed throughout Fire Island 
National Seashore. On April 22, 2002 all of the waters within the 
National Seashore were closed to PWC use consistent with the 2000 NPS 
PWC rule (36 CFR 3.24).

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Environmental Assessment

    On August 23, 2004, the National Park Service published a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the operation of PWC at Fire Island 
National Seashore (69 FR 51788). The proposed rule for PWC use was 
based on alternative C (one of four alternatives considered) in the 
Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared by NPS for Fire Island National 
Seashore. The EA was available for public review and comment from 
September 3, 2002, through November 11, 2002, and the NPRM was 
available for public comment from August 23, 2004, through October 22, 
2004.
    The purpose of the EA was to evaluate a range of alternatives and 
strategies for the management of PWC use at Fire Island National 
Seashore to ensure the protection of park resources and values while 
offering recreational opportunities as provided for in the National 
Seashore's enabling legislation, purpose, mission, and goals. In March 
2004 an errata was issued. The changes to the EA described in the 
errata were made to modify the preferred alternative and its analysis, 
to address public comments on the draft EA, and to clarify the text.
    The four alternatives considered included three alternatives to 
continue PWC use under certain conditions: Alternative A would 
establish, through regulation, the PWC policies that existed prior to 
2000 when PWC use was permitted throughout Fire Island National 
Seashore; alternative B would limit PWC use to areas adjacent to beach 
communities; and modified alternative C would continue to allow PWC 
access to the national seashore with additional management and 
geographic restrictions. The additional geographic restrictions west of 
Sunken Forest would include a 1,000 foot buffer around all shorelines, 
with access to beach communities only through established access 
channels and ferryways. East of the western boundary of Sunken Forest 
PWC use would be forbidden in Seashore waters, except for access to 
beach communities only through established access channels and 
ferryways. In addition, a no-action alternative was considered that 
would discontinue all PWC use within the National Seashore. The four 
alternatives were evaluated with respect to PWC impacts on water 
quality, air quality, soundscapes, wildlife, wildlife habitat, 
shoreline vegetation, visitor conflicts, and visitor safety.
    Based on the analysis NPS determined that modified alternative C is 
the environmentally preferred alternative. (For the remainder of this 
document ``alternative C'' refers to modified alternative C.) 
Alternative C best fulfills NPS responsibilities as trustee of Fire 
Island National Seashore's sensitive habitat; ensuring safe, healthful, 
productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; and 
attaining a wider range of beneficial uses of the environment without 
degradation, risk of health or safety, or other undesirable and 
unintended consequences. Alternative C is the preferred alternative for 
fulfilling the park's environmental mission without restricting valid 
and lawful use. This final rule contains regulations to implement 
alternative C at Fire Island National Seashore.

Summary of Comments

    A proposed rule was published for public comment on August 23, 
2004, with the comment period lasting until October 22, 2004. The 
National Park Service received 528 timely written responses regarding 
the proposed regulation. Of the responses, 527 were signatures on a 
petition supporting the no action alternative and one was from an 
individual opposing PWC use in national parks. The National Park 
Service received approximately 4,600

[[Page 38762]]

comment letters regarding the EA. More than 1,300 were in support of 
continuing PWC use as currently managed and approximately 740 supported 
the no action alternative, or the complete ban of PWC within Fire 
Island National Seashore. Approximately 1,600 comments opposed the 
preferred alternative as originally proposed, prompting the development 
of the modified alternative C. While the proposed rule reflected 
changes to alternative C made as a result of comments on the EA, the 
NPRM did not describe or discuss responses to those comments. 
Therefore, this preamble addresses those comments. Within the following 
discussion, the term ``commenter'' refers to an individual, 
organization, or public agency that responded. The term ``comments'' 
refers to statements made by a commenter.

General Comments

    1. Several commenters stated that PWC should not be singled out for 
analysis and restriction.
    NPS Response: The EA was not designed to determine if personal 
watercraft caused more environmental damage to park resources than 
other boats, but rather, to determine if personal watercraft use was 
consistent with the park's enabling legislation and management goals 
and objectives.
    2. One commenter stated that allowing PWC use violates the park's 
enabling legislation and NPS mandate to protect resources from harm.
    NPS Response: No part of the settlement agreement or NPS analysis 
of PWC use has violated or overturned Fire Island National Seashore's 
enabling legislation. Both the personal watercraft settlement agreement 
and the authorizing legislation for Fire Island were considered when 
developing alternatives for the EA. The objective of the EA, as 
described in the ``Purpose and Need'' chapter, was derived from the 
enabling legislation for the national seashore. As further stated in 
that chapter, a special analysis on the management of personal 
watercraft was also provided under each alternative to meet the terms 
of the settlement agreement between the Bluewater Network and the 
National Park Service. As a result, the alternatives presented in the 
EA protect resources and values while providing recreational 
opportunities at Fire Island National Seashore. As required by NPS 
policies, the impacts associated with personal watercraft and other 
recreational uses are evaluated under each alternative to determine the 
potential for impairment to park resources. Alternative C would not 
result in impairment of park resources and values for which the 
national seashore was established.
    The seashore's mission statement grows from the park's legislative 
mandate and is a synthesis of the park's mandated purpose and its 
primary significances. It includes a commitment ``to providing access 
and recreational and education opportunities to Fire Island National 
Seashore visitors in this natural and cultural setting close to densely 
populated urban and suburban areas.''
    3. One commenter states that the EA does not use the best available 
data and violates the court settlement with the Bluewater Network.
    NPS Response: A summary of the NPS rulemaking and associated 
personal watercraft litigation is provided in Chapter 1, Purpose of and 
Need for Action, Background of the EA. NPS believes it has complied 
with the court order and has assessed the impacts of personal 
watercraft on those resources specified, as well as other resources 
that could be affected. This analysis was done for every applicable 
impact topic with the best available data, as required by Council on 
Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR 1502.22). Where data was 
lacking, best professional judgment prevailed using assumptions and 
extrapolations from scientific literature, other park units where 
personal watercraft are used, and personal observations of park staff. 
The NPS believes that the EA is in full compliance with the settlement 
agreement and that the rationale for limited PWC use within the 
national recreation area has been adequately analyzed and explained.
    4. One commenter is concerned about the use of Federal Aid in Sport 
Fish Restoration Act (FASFRA) funds to construct boat launches and 
facilities.
    NPS Response: There are no provisions within the proposed 
alternative for boat launches and facilities. Landing zones are 
designated by the NPS for access only by PWC users. No FASFRA funds are 
used within the national recreation area to construct boat launches.
    5. Several commenters stated that the decision violates the Organic 
Act, and other NPS laws, and will result in the impairment of 
resources.
    NPS Response: The ``Summary of Laws and Policies'' section in the 
``Environmental Consequences'' chapter of the EA summarizes the three 
overarching laws that guide the National Park Service in making 
decisions concerning protection of park resources. These laws, as well 
as others, are also reflected in the NPS Management Policies. An 
explanation of how the Park Service applied these laws and policies to 
analyze the effects of personal watercraft on Fire Island National 
Seashore resources and values can be found under ``Impairment 
Analysis'' in the ``Methodology'' section of the EA.
    An impairment to a particular park resource or park value must rise 
to the magnitude of a major impact, as defined by its context, 
duration, and intensity and must also affect the ability of the 
National Park Service to meet its mandates as established by Congress 
in the park's enabling legislation. For each resource topic, the EA 
establishes thresholds or indicators of magnitude of impact. An impact 
approaching a ``major'' level of intensity is one indication that 
impairment could result. For each impact topic, when the intensity 
approached ``major,'' the park would consider mitigation measures to 
reduce the potential for ``major'' impacts, thus reducing the potential 
for impairment.
    The PWC Use Environmental Assessment is a proactive measure to 
protect national seashore resources from harm. The purpose of the EA is 
to assess the impacts of PWC use on identified resources within the 
seashore boundaries. The National Park Service finds that the revised 
preferred alternative (alternative C), when implemented under this 
final rule, will not result in an impairment of park resources and 
values for which the Fire Island National Seashore was established.

Comments Regarding the Preferred Alternative

    6. Approximately 36 percent of all EA comments on the alternatives 
addressed alternative A. The 1,320 comments received regarding 
alternative A included one petition with 1,228 respondents and one 
petition with four respondents in support of Alternative A. Less than 
one percent of all EA comments on the alternatives addressed 
alternative B. Approximately 44 percent of all EA comments on the 
alternatives concerned Alternative C. Comments included a petition with 
73 respondents that opposed Alternative C. Many comments questioned the 
enforceability of a buffer and suggested a ban would be more effective. 
Approximately 20 percent of all EA comments on the alternative were in 
favor of the no-action alternative. Three petitions in favor of this 
alternative were received including 44 respondents from the Bluewater 
Network, 297 respondents from an unknown source, and 66 respondents 
from another unknown

[[Page 38763]]

petition. The majority of comments received for the no-action 
alternative were in support of a complete ban on PWC. All 528 comments 
received on the proposed rule were in favor of the no-action 
alternative.
    Several commenters stated that the area restrictions in the 
preferred alternative seem arbitrary and difficult to enforce.
    NPS Response: Alternative C, the preferred alternative, was revised 
before issuance of the NPRM to address the public comments received on 
the EA. The revised alternative C, as adopted in this final rule, will 
continue to allow PWC in the areas adjacent for access to the national 
seashore with additional management and geographic restrictions. PWC 
will be allowed to operate in Great South Bay from the western boundary 
of the national seashore adjacent to Robert Moses State Park, east to 
the western boundary of the Sunken Forest, excluding any area within 
1,000 feet of the shoreline including East Fire Island and West Fire 
Island; navigation channels marked by buoys or identified on the NOAA 
navigational chart (12352) to include access channels to and from Fair 
Harbor, Dunewood, Lonelyville, Atlantique, Cherry Grove, Fire Island 
Pines, Davis Park, Great Gun Beach, Moriches Inlet, and to the 
communities of Kismet, Saltaire, Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park, Point 
O'Woods, Oakleyville, and Water Island at ``flat wake speed'; and the 
Long Island Intracoastal Waterway within the park boundaries.
    PWC will be prohibited from operation in all waters from the 
shoreline to 1,000 feet offshore between the west boundary of Moriches 
Inlet to the east boundary of Robert Moses State Park on the Atlantic 
Ocean side of the national seashore.
    Alternative C, as implemented in this final rule, allows for access 
throughout the park in designated channels and ferryways; thus, 
maintaining an equilibrium between visitor use and the protection of 
resources.

Comments Regarding Water Quality

    7. One commenter stated that the analysis disregarded or overlooked 
relevant research regarding impacts to water quality from PWC use.
    NPS Response: The protection of water quality within the national 
seashore has been addressed in the EA in a conservative evaluation of 
surface water quality impacts. Estimated minimum threshold volumes of 
water were determined for the PWC use areas where concentrations of 
gasoline constituents discharged from personal watercraft and other 
outboard engines could potentially be toxic to aquatic organisms or 
humans. Using the estimated threshold volumes, volumes of the areas 
being evaluated, PWC and other motorboat high-use-day loadings of 
chemicals identified as constituents of gasoline, and water quality 
benchmarks, it is possible to identify potentially unacceptable impacts 
to human health or the environment. Chronic water quality benchmarks 
protective of aquatic populations and protective of human health were 
acquired from various sources, including U.S. EPA water quality 
criteria. Potential impacts to wildlife and plants from personal 
watercraft were addressed in other sections of the EA.
    The evaluation of water quality impacts examined impacts from PWCs 
alone and in combination with other outboard motorboats. Impacts are 
estimated to range from ``negligible'' to ``major'' for the various 
combinations of alternatives, chemicals, PWCs and/or boats, and years 
(2002 and 2012). The descriptions for each level of water quality 
impacts are provided on page 95 of the EA. There is no conclusion in 
the EA that PWC would have ``little impact'' on water quality in Fire 
Island National Seashore as described in the comment. Further, it is 
not conjectured that ``all petroleum compounds evaporate into the 
atmosphere.''
    8. One commenter stated that the analysis represents an outdated 
look at potential emissions from an overstated PWC population of 
conventional 2-stroke engines, and underestimated the accelerating 
changeover to 4-stroke and newer 2-stroke engines. The net effect is 
that the analysis overestimates potential PWC hydrocarbon emissions, 
including benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
    NPS Response: The NPS recognizes that the assumption of all 
personal watercraft using 2-stroke engines in 2002 is conservative but 
believes it was appropriate to be protective of park resources. The 
assumption is consistent with emission data available in California Air 
Resources Board (CARB) (1998) and Bluewater Network (2001). The 
emission rate of 3 gallons per hour at full throttle is a mid-point 
between 3 gallons in two hours (1.5 gallons per hour; NPS 1999) and 3.8 
to 4.5 gallons per hour for an average 2000 model year personal 
watercraft (Personal Watercraft and Bluewater Network 2001). The 
assumption also is reasonable in view of the initiation of production 
line testing in 2000 (EPA 1997) and expected full implementation of 
testing by 2006 (EPA 1996).
    Reductions in emissions used in the water quality impact assessment 
are in accordance with the overall hydrocarbon emission reduction 
projections published by the EPA (1996). EPA (1996) estimates a 52% 
reduction by personal watercraft by 2010 and a 68% reduction by 2015. 
The 50% reduction in emissions by 2012 (the future date used in the EA) 
is a conservative interpolation of the emission reduction percentages 
and associated years (2010 and 2015) reported by the EPA (1996) but 
with a one-year delay in production line testing (EPA 1997).
    The estimate of 2.8 mg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene in gasoline used in 
the calculations is considered conservative, yet realistic, since it is 
within the range of concentrations measured in gasoline, according to 
Gustafson et al. (1997).

Comments Regarding Air Quality

    9. One commenter stated that the analysis failed to mention the 
impact of PWC permeation losses on local air quality.
    NPS Response: Permeation losses of volatile organic compounds 
(VOCs) from personal watercraft were not included in the calculation of 
air quality impacts primarily because these losses are insignificant 
relative to emissions from operating personal watercraft. Using the 
permeation loss numbers in the comment (estimated to be half the total 
of 7 grams of losses per 24 hours from the fuel system), the permeation 
losses per hour are orders of magnitude less than emissions from 
operating personal watercraft. Therefore, including permeation losses 
would have no effect on the results of the air quality impact analyses. 
Also, permeation losses were not included because of numerous related 
unknown contributing factors, such as the number of personal watercraft 
refueling at the reservoir and the location of refueling (inside or 
outside of the airshed).
    10. One commenter stated that the use of the study by Kado et al to 
suggest that the changeover from two-stroke carbureted to two-stroke 
direct injection engines may increase emissions of PAH is in error.
    NPS Response: The criteria for analysis of impacts from PWC to 
human health are based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 
(NAAQSs) for criteria pollutants, as established by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act, and on 
criteria pollutant annual emission levels. This methodology was 
selected to assess air quality impacts for all NPS EAs to promote 
regional and national

[[Page 38764]]

consistency, and identify areas of potential ambient standard 
exceedances. PAHs are not assessed specifically as they are not a 
criteria pollutant. However, they are indirectly included as a subset 
of Total Hydrocarbons (THC), which are assessed because they are the 
focus of the EPA's emissions standards directed at manufacturers of 
spark ignition marine gasoline engines (see 61 FR 52088; October 4, 
1996). Neither peak exposure levels nor NIOSH nor OSHA standards are 
included as criteria for analyzing air quality related impacts except 
where short-term exposure is included in a NAAQS. The methodology for 
assessing air quality impacts was based on a combination of annual 
emission levels and the NAAQSs, which are aimed at protection of the 
public. OSHA and NIOSH standards are intended primarily for workers and 
others exposed to airborne chemicals for specific time periods. The 
OSHA and NIOSH standards are not as suitable for application in the 
context of local and regional analysis of a park or recreational area 
as are the ambient standards, nor are they intended to protect the 
general public from exposure to pollutants in ambient air.
    11. One commenter expressed concern on the use of SUM06 data and 
requested a more detailed analysis of the air quality impacts 
associated with opening corridors to PWC use because the alternatives 
considered in the EA, other than the no action alternative, do not 
comply with General Conformity Regulations.
    NPS Response: To assess the impact of ozone on plants, the 5-year 
ozone index value was calculated and is represented as SUM06. The Air 
Resources Division of the National Park Service, based on local 
monitoring site data, developed SUM06 values used in each analysis.
    The air quality impacts of the various alternatives were assessed 
by considering the existing air quality levels and the air quality 
related values present, and by using the estimated emissions and any 
applicable, EPA-approved air quality models. Cumulative impacts were 
analyzed quantitatively for all recreational watercraft. Fire Island 
National Seashore maintains vehicular access to the park for cars, 
trucks, and recreational vehicles; emissions from these vehicles and 
other local and regional sources of air pollutants were not assessed 
quantitatively but were considered qualitatively in the cumulative 
impact assessment.
    Located within the ozone non-attainment area, the proposed actions 
are subject to the requirements and emission threshold set by the 
Federal conformity rules (40 CFR part 93), in which the emission 
threshold set for ozone precursor pollutants--nitrogen oxides 
(NOX) or volatile organic compounds (VOC)--is 25 tons/year. 
All ambient air quality levels except ozone meet the national ambient 
air quality standards.
    The Fire Island National Seashore area, located in Suffolk County, 
New York, is designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as 
in severe nonattainment for ozone, and as in attainment for all other 
criteria pollutants (CO, NOX, SO2, 
PM10, and lead). The Division of Air Resources within the 
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has included 
control measures and has accounted for limited growth related to ozone 
precursor sources, such as nonroad marine engines, in the State 
Implementation Plan. The Division of Air Resources predicts that 
Suffolk County will attain the national air quality standard for ozone 
by 2007 (allowances for emissions of these pollutants are documented in 
appendix N of the State Implementation Plan). The proposed action and 
alternatives are subject to Federal conformity review but are not 
predicted to add pollutants not already included in the State plan; 
therefore, the proposed action and alternatives are presumed to conform 
with the State plan, and a conformity determination is not required (40 
CFR 93.158).
    12. Several commenters stated that research indicated that direct-
injection 2-stroke engines are dirtier than 4-stroke engines.
    NPS Response: It is agreed that two-stroke carbureted and two-
stroke DI engines generally emit greater amounts of pollutants than 
four-stroke engines. Only 4 of the 20 PAHs included in the analyses 
were detected in water: naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, fluorene, and 
acenaphthylene. Some pollutants (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and 
xylene, collectively referred to as BTEX, and formaldehyde) were 
reported by CARB in the test tanks after 24 hours at approximately 50% 
the concentrations seen immediately following the test. No results for 
PAH concentrations after 24 hours were seen in the CARB (2001) results, 
but a discussion of sampling/analyses of PAHs in the six environmental 
compartments was presented.
    EPA NONROAD model factors differ from those of CARB. As a result of 
the EPA rule requiring the manufacturing of cleaner PWC engines, the 
existing carbureted 2-stroke PWC will, over time, be replaced with PWC 
with less-polluting models. This replacement, with the anticipated 
resultant improvement in air quality, is parallel to that experienced 
in urban environments as the automobile fleet becomes cleaner over 
time.
    13. One commenter stated that the EA erroneously assumes that none 
of the PWC operating in Fire Island National Seashore would meet the 
CARB standards. The quantitative emissions analysis performed by Sierra 
Research also refutes the EA's use of the term ``major'' to describe 
current impact of ozone precursors emitted by PWC.
    NPS Response: The NPS emissions calculations are conservative only 
in the sense that they do not specifically account for watercraft that 
have already been or will be converted to meet CARB standards. Any 
reductions in emissions resulting from implementing control strategies 
were taken into account, as were changes in emissions resulting from 
increased or decreased usage. In addition, located within the ozone 
non-attainment area, the proposed actions are subject to the 
requirements and emission threshold set by the Federal conformity rules 
(40 CFR part 93), in which the emission threshold set for ozone 
precursor pollutants--nitrogen oxides (NOX) or volatile 
organic compounds (VOC)--is 25 tons/year. All ambient air quality 
levels except ozone meet the national ambient air quality standards.

Comments Regarding Soundscapes

    14. One commenter stated that continued PWC use at Fire Island 
National Seashore will not result in sound emissions that exceed the 
applicable Federal or State noise abatement standards since 
technological innovations by the PWC companies will continue to result 
in substantial noise reductions.
    NPS Response: The NPS concurs that on-going and future improvements 
in engine technology and design would likely further reduce the noise 
emitted from PWC. However, given that the ambient noise levels at the 
national seashore are negligible to minor in most cases, improved 
technology reductions would not significantly reduce ambient noise 
levels.
    15. One commenter stated that the NPS methodology was unclear and 
should clarify between decibels and A-weighting.
    NPS Response: The impacts for the EA were weighed in decibels.
    16. One commenter stated that the EA fails to recognize seashore 
visitor's desires to hear natural sounds.
    NPS Response: The EA considered the cumulative impact of PWC and 
other

[[Page 38765]]

watercraft, while qualitatively considering ambient noise levels; which 
could include airplanes, etc. While specific background noise studies 
are not available at Fire Island National Seashore, certain conditions 
have been taken into account given the number of PWC users in the 
identified study areas and land use patterns surrounding those areas. 
For example, it is assumed that the soundscape throughout the majority 
of area I is that of an active suburban area, while area II is an area 
of day use, and area III is more characteristic of a quiet rural town 
with associated tourism.
    17. One commenter stated that the analysis did not include Drowning 
in Noise: Noise Costs of PWC in America and therefore the noise 
analysis under represents the actual impacts.
    NPS Response: One of the initial tasks in developing the Fire 
Island National Seashore EA was a literature search. Drowning in Noise: 
Noise Costs of Jet Skis in America was one of the many studies 
reviewed. The reference to that study (Komanoff and Shaw 2000) was 
discussed in the ``Summary of Available Research on the Effects of 
Personal Watercraft'' section of the EA.

Comments Regarding Shoreline/Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

    18. One commenter stated that there has been no documentation of 
any adverse effects to shoreline vegetation from PWC use.
    NPS Response: We agree there has been no current adverse impact to 
shoreline vegetation. The analysis recognizes that PWC use to date has 
resulted in only negligible adverse impacts to this vegetation, mostly 
from PWC operators leaving their vessels and trampling vegetation. The 
regulation creates a 1000' no PWC use zone from the shoreline to 
protect shoreline and wetlands vegetation.

Comments Regarding Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

    19. Two commenters stated that the analysis lacked site-specific 
data for impacts to fish, wildlife, and threatened and endangered 
species at Fire Island National Seashore.
    NPS Response: The scope of the EA did not include conducting site 
specific studies regarding potential effects of PWC use on wildlife 
species at Fire Island National Seashore. Analysis of potential impacts 
of PWC use on wildlife at the national seashore was based on best 
available data and input from park staff.
    20. One commenter stated that PWC use and human activities 
associated with their use may not be any more disturbing to wildlife 
species than any other type of motorized or non-motorized watercraft. 
The commenter cites research by Dr. James Rodgers of the Florida Fish 
and Wildlife Conservation Commission, whose studies have shown that PWC 
are no more likely to disturb wildlife than any other form of human 
interaction. That PWC use posed less of a disturbance than other vessel 
types. Dr. Rodgers' research clearly shows that there is no reason to 
differentiate PWC from motorized boating based on claims of wildlife 
disturbance.
    NPS Response: Based on the documents provided as part of this 
comment, it appears that personal watercraft are no more apt to disturb 
wildlife than are small outboard motorboats. In addition to this 
conclusion, Dr. Rodgers recommends that buffer zones be established, 
creating minimum distances between boats (personal watercraft and 
outboard motorboats) and nesting and foraging waterbirds. In Fire 
Island National Seashore, a 1000-ft buffer and no-wake zones are 
established by this regulation. With these restrictions in mind, 
impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat were judged to be negligible 
to minor at most locations along the shoreline.

Comments Associated With Visitor Use, Experience, and Safety

    21. One commenter stated that the reported accident numbers 
involving PWC are higher because they get reported more often than 
other boating accidents.
    NPS Response: We disagree. Incidents involving watercraft of all 
types, including personal watercraft, are reported to and logged by 
National Park Service staff. A very small proportion of watercraft 
accidents at Fire Island National Seashore are estimated to go 
unreported.
    22. One commenter stated that the analysis did not adequately 
address PWC fire hazards.
    NPS Response: According to the National Marine Manufacturers 
Association, PWC manufacturers have sold roughly 1.2 million watercraft 
during the last ten years. Out of 1.2 million PWC sold, the U.S. Coast 
Guard had only 90 reports of fires/explosions in the years from 1995-
1999. This is less than 1% of PWC boats having reports of problems 
associated with fires/explosions. As far as the recall campaigns 
conducted by Kawasaki and Bombardier, the problems that were associated 
with fuel tanks were fixed. Kawasaki conducted a recall for potentially 
defective fuel filler necks and fuel tank outlet gaskets on 23, 579 
models from the years 1989 and 1990. The fuel tank problems were 
eliminated in Kawasaki's newer models, and the 1989 and 1990 models are 
most likely not in use anymore since life expectancy of a PWC is only 
five to seven years according to PWIA. Bombardier also did a recall for 
its 1993, 1994, and 1995 models to reassess possible fuel tank design 
flaws. However, the number of fuel tanks that had to be recalled was a 
very small percent of the 1993, 1994, and 1995 fleets because fuel tank 
sales only amounted to 2.16% of the total fleet during this period 
(Bombardier, Inc.). The replacement fuel tanks differed from those 
installed in the watercraft subject to the recall in that the 
replacement tanks had revised filler neck radiuses, and the 
installation procedure now also requires revised torque specifications 
and the fuel system must successfully complete a pressure leak test. 
Bombardier found that the major factor contributing to PWC fires/
explosions was over-torquing of the gear clamp. Bombardier was legally 
required by the U.S. Coast Guard to fix 9.72% of the recalled models. 
Out of 125, 349 recalls, the company repaired 48,370 units, which was 
approximately 38% of the total recall, far exceeding their legal 
obligation to repair units with potential problems.
    Further fuel tank and engine problems that could be associated with 
PWC fires has been reduced significantly since the National Marine 
Manufacturers Association set requirements for meeting manufacturing 
regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many companies even 
choose to participate in the more stringent Certification Program 
administered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). 
The NMMA verifies annually, or whenever a new product is put on the 
market, boat model lines to determine that they satisfy not only the 
U.S. Coast Guard Regulations but also the more rigorous standards based 
on those established by the American Boat and Yacht Council.
    Accident data specific to Fire Island National Seashore shows no 
incidents of PWC catching on fire or exploding at the park. Based on 
the regulations imposed upon PWC manufacturers by the U.S. Coast Guard 
and manufacturing associations, and the continued cooperation of 
manufacturers to assess and fix any potential design flaws, the 
National Park Service does not think PWC use presents any unusual fire 
hazard at Fire Island National Seashore.
    23. Several commenters stated that the analysis does not adequately 
assess

[[Page 38766]]

the safety threat posed to park visitors by PWC use.
    NPS Response: The EA has been revised to acknowledge the reference 
(ACA 2001). According to New York State PWC accident trends, the number 
of accidents reported in the State has fluctuated from 31 reported 
accidents in 1994 to 140 reported accidents in 1996. However, the 
manufacturers of personal watercraft provide training videos with each 
watercraft they sell, and to date, 24 States, including New York, 
require some type of boater education in order to operate a personal 
watercraft.
    Incidents involving watercraft of all types, including personal 
watercraft, are reported to and logged by the National Park Service, 
Suffolk County Marine Bureau, and the USCG or local constables. Eleven 
accidents or incidents involving personal watercraft have been reported 
at Fire Island National Seashore in the past five years. Accident 
information generated by the U. S. Coast Guard has been incorporated 
into the ``Summary of National Information of the Effects of Personal 
Watercraft'' section of the ``Purpose and Need'' chapter of the Final 
EA.
    The inclusion of a buffer and the requirement of the flat-wake 
speeds within the specified navigation channels, as detailed in 
modified alternative C, will provide greater protection for swimmers, 
fishermen, boats at the shoreline, and people in the water and at the 
shoreline. Because of these measures under the modified preferred 
alternative (alternative C), the National Park Service has found 
personal watercraft use at Fire Island National Seashore to be 
compatible with park management objectives and values under certain 
regulation.
    24. One commenter states that the EA also falls short of adequately 
examining the adverse impacts of PWC use to canoeist and kayakers. 
There is no evidence that NPS surveyed canoeist and kayakers regarding 
how PWC impact their visitor experience of affect the likelihood of 
return visits.
    NPS Response: The regulation prohibits PWC use within 1000' of the 
shoreline between the park's western boundary and the western boundary 
of Sunken Forest and a complete prohibition in all other waters to the 
east. These are the area most often used by kayakers and canoeists. The 
seashore's mission includes a commitment ``to providing access and 
recreational and education opportunities to Fire Island National 
Seashore visitors in this natural and cultural setting close to densely 
populated urban and suburban areas.'' The scope of the EA did not 
include the conduct of visitor surveys beyond the annual survey 
conducted by the park. Analysis of potential impacts of PWC use on 
visitors to the national seashore was based on best available data, 
input from park staff, and the results of analysis using that data.

Comments Related to Socioeconomics

    25. One commenter stated that the economic impacts should not 
outweigh environmental impacts.
    NPS Response: We agree. The national seashore's mission includes a 
commitment ``to providing access and recreational and education 
opportunities to Fire Island National Seashore visitors in this natural 
and cultural setting close to densely populated urban and suburban 
areas.'' The park and the Superintendent are not just considering 
economic impacts or environmental impacts, but must also consider the 
potential impacts to their visitors as well as their park mission.

Changes to the Final Rule

    Based on the preceding comments and responses, the NPS has made no 
changes to the proposed rule language with regard to PWC operations.

Compliance With Other Laws

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and has not been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866.
    (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on 
the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities. The National Park Service has completed the report 
``Economic Analysis of Personal Watercraft Regulations in Fire Island 
National Seashore'' (Law Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Inc.) 
dated March 2002. The report found that this rule will not have a 
negative economic impact. In fact this rule, which will not directly 
impact local PWC dealerships and rental shops, may have an overall 
positive impact on the local economy. This positive impact to the local 
economy is a result of an increase of other users, most notably 
canoeists, swimmers, anglers and traditional boaters seeking solitude 
and quiet, and improved water quality.
    (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. Actions 
taken under this rule will not interfere with other agencies or local 
government plans, policies, or controls. This is an agency specific 
rule.
    (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients. This rule will have no effects on entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients. No grants or other forms of monetary supplements are 
involved.
    (4) This rule does not raise novel policy issues. This regulation 
is one of the special regulations being issued for managing PWC use in 
National Park Units. The National Park Service published the general 
regulations (36 CFR 3.24) in March 2000, requiring individual park 
areas to adopt special regulations to authorize PWC use. The 
implementation of the requirements of the general regulation continues 
to generate interest and discussion from the public concerning the 
overall effect of authorizing PWC use and National Park Service policy 
and park management.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
This certification is based upon the finding in a report prepared by 
the National Park Service entitled, ``Economic Analysis of Personal 
Watercraft Regulations in Fire Island National Seashore'' (Law 
Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Inc., March 2002). The focus of 
this study was to document the impact of this rule on two types of 
small entities, PWC dealerships and PWC rental outlets. This report 
found that the potential loss for these types of businesses as a result 
of this rule would be minimal to none.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. The National Park Service 
has completed an economic analysis to make this determination. This 
rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.

[[Page 38767]]

    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local or tribal governments or the private sector. This rule is an 
agency specific rule and imposes no other requirements on other 
agencies, governments, or the private sector.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have 
significant taking implications. A taking implication assessment is not 
required. No takings of personal property will occur as a result of 
this rule.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This rule only affects use of NPS administered 
lands and waters. It has no outside effects on other areas and only 
allows use within a small portion of the park.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the 
Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not require an information collection from 10 
or more parties and a submission under the Paperwork Reduction Act is 
not required. An OMB Form 83-I is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The National Park Service has analyzed this rule in accordance with 
the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act and has prepared 
an Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA was open for public review and 
comment from September 3, 2002, to November 11, 2002. A copy of the EA 
and the errata is available by contacting the Superintendent, Fire 
Island National Seashore,120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, New York 11772. 
E-mail: [email protected], Fax: (631) 289-4898, or on the 
Internet at http://www.nps.gov/fiis/pwc.htm. A Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) was approved on May 12, 2005. Copies of the 
FONSI may be downloaded at http://www.nps.gov/fiis or obtained by 
calling (631) 289 4810 x225 or writing to the Superintendent, Fire 
Island National Seashore,120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, New York 11772.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29,1994, 
``Government to Government Relations With Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated potential 
effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that 
there are no potential effects.

Administrative Procedure Act

    This final rule is effective upon publication in the Federal 
Register. In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
specifically, 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), this rule, 36 CFR 7.20(d), is exempt 
from the requirement of publication of a substantive rule not less than 
30 days before its effective date.
    As discussed in this preamble, the final rule is a part 7 special 
regulation for Fire Island National Seashore that relieves the 
restrictions imposed by the general regulation, 36 CFR 3.24. The 
general regulation, 36 CFR 3.24, prohibits the use of PWC in units of 
the national park system unless an individual park area has designated 
the use of PWC by adopting a part 7 special regulation. The proposed 
rule was published in the Federal Register (69 FR 51788) on August 23, 
2004, with a 60-day period for notice and comment consistent with the 
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553(b). The Administrative Procedure Act, 
pursuant to the exception in paragraph (d)(1), waives the section 
553(d) 30-day waiting period when the published rule ``grants or 
recognizes an exemption or relieves a restriction.'' In this rule the 
NPS is authorizing the use of PWCs, which is otherwise prohibited by 36 
CFR 3.24. As a result, the 30-day waiting period before the effective 
date does not apply to the Fire Island National Seashore final rule.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 7

    National Parks, Reporting and Recordkeeping requirements.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the National Park Service 
amends 36 CFR part 7 as follows:

PART 7--SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

0
1. The authority citation for Part 7 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 9a, 460(q), 462(k); Sec. 7.96 also 
issued under D.C. Code 8-137 (1981) and D.C. Code 40-721 (1981).

0
2. Add new paragraph (d) to Sec.  7.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  7.20  Fire Island National Seashore.

* * * * *
    (d) Personal watercraft. (1) Personal watercraft (PWC) may operate 
in the following locations and under the following conditions:
    (i) Great South Bay from the western boundary of the national 
seashore adjacent to Robert Moses State Park, east to the western 
boundary of the Sunken Forest, excluding any area within 1,000 feet of 
the shoreline, except as provided in (ii), including the area 
surrounding East Fire Island and West Fire Island.
    (ii) Navigation channels marked by buoys or identified on the NOAA 
navigational chart (12352) to include access channels to and from Fair 
Harbor, Dunewood, Lonelyville, Atlantique, Cherry Grove, Fire Island 
Pines, Davis Park, Moriches Inlet, Kismet, Saltaire, Ocean Beach, Ocean 
Bay Park, Point O'Woods, Oakleyville, and Water Island.
    (iii) The Long Island Intracoastal Waterway within the park 
boundaries.
    (iv) At ``flat wake'' speeds (maximum 6 mph) within designated 
marked channels to access town/community docks and harbors/marinas.
    (2) The Superintendent may temporarily limit, restrict or terminate 
access to the areas designated for PWC use after taking into 
consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource 
protection, and other management activities and objectives.

    Dated: June 24, 2005.
Paul Hoffman,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 05-13209 Filed 7-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P