Jet Skis Banned in Alaskan Park

A N C H O R A G E, Alaska, July 28 -- Outrage over jet skis has led the state to ban personal watercraft in most of Kachemak Bay State Park while it launches an inquiry into restrictions in other sensitive wildlife areas.

“Residents of the Kachemak Bay area raised valid concerns about the impact of personal watercraft to critical marine and waterfowl habitat, as well as noise pollution in this important recreation area,” Gov. Tony Knowles said in a prepared statement this week.

He said the move was to head off jet ski conflicts and impacts on sensitive areas. “These regulations will not affect traditional uses and access such as motorboat use for hunting and fishing in any way,” Knowles said.

The minispeedboats have stirred objections across the country in recent years, giving rise to bans and restrictions in many lakes and rivers. Even though such personal watercraft are newer to Alaska, conflicts have erupted from Homer to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Those who like them praise their utility and say they are fun. Opponents depict jet skis as dangerous, noisy machines that startle nesting waterfowl as well as people trying to enjoy the outdoors.

Cavorting vs. Clout

State officials say the angry phone calls, letters and e-mails from people upset over jet skis in Kachemak Bay started pouring in a couple of years ago. Jet skis are a rarity among the coves and lagoons, but the few riders who have played there apparently made a strong impression.

The Kachemak Bay Coalition, a mixture of conservation groups and tourism businesses, collected more than 2,200 signatures from people opposing jet skis, won support from the Homer City Council and wrote several letters asking Knowles to take action.

The bay’s coves shelter healthy populations of marine mammals and sea birds. Lodges in the same areas offer quiet getaways.

“I think people across the bay had a problem with people cavorting in front of their camps,” said Marvin Peters, chairman of the Homer Fish and Game advisory committee. The committee took no position on the issue.