In 2002, the National Park Service was required by a court settlement to restrict PWC in 21 park units pending the results of scientific studies regarding PWC impact. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the tenth unit to complete an environmental assessment study, which concluded that PWC present “no significant impact,” and are an appropriate boating activity for the National Recreation Area. Four other national park units are in the final stages of the rulemaking process to determine if PWC will be allowed back into those parks.

The following chart details national recreation areas, seashores, and lakeshores and their stage in the PWC review process:

Amistad National Recreation Area (TX) OPEN TO PWC as of May 27, 2004

Assateague Island National Seashore (MD/VA) OPEN TO PWC as of June 30, 2003

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (MT/WY) OPEN TO PWC as of June 1, 2005

Big Thicket National Preserve (TX) EA published July 24, 2002; draft rule in progress

Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC) EA in progress

Chickasaw National Recreation Area (OK) OPEN TO PWC as of September 2, 2004

Curecanti National Recreation Area (CO) EA published June 13, 2003

Fire Island National Seashore (NY) OPEN TO PWC as of July 6, 2005

Gateway National Recreation Area (NJ/NY) EA published May 13, 2003; draft rule in progress

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (AZ/UT) OPEN TO PWC as of May 1, 2003

Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL/MS) EA published April 19, 2004; draft rule in

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ/NV) OPEN TO PWC as of April 9, 2003

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (TX) OPEN TO PWC as of May 27, 2004

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (WA) OPEN TO PWC as of June 25, 2004

Padre Island National Seashore (TX) EA in progress

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (MI) OPEN TO PWC as of October 27, 2005