Public Hearing Held Wednesday On The Proposed Amendment

The state of New Mexico wants to ban all seaplane operations from its state parks. Not a conditional ban ... a complete ban.

The text of a proposed amendment to the relevant state law says tersely "The taxiing, landing or takeoff of seaplanes or floatplanes is prohibited in the state parks system. [19.5.2.26 NMAC - N, / /]"

The proposal has prompted the Seaplane Pilots Association to issue a "Call to Action" to its members. On its online forum, Executive Director Steve McCaughey says that the state is apparently concerned with the introduction of invasive species into New Mexico lakes, as well as public safety. But he says that the state sees tens of thousands of boats coming into the state each year from other regions, and they are not being inspected or decontaminated for invasive species. He also said that data on accidents between boats and seaplanes does not support a public safety concern.

The association requests that its members submit written comments to the state prior to the October 31 deadline. Among the suggested talking points:

• Seaplane Pilots are certificated, highly trained, naturally concerned and proactively working to keep flying safe.
• Seaplane Pilots are aware, trained and willing to work with State Agencies to prevent the spreading of invasive species.
• Seaplane Pilots are involved in environmental/ cleanup efforts, help and assist with search and rescue and seaplanes are successfully integrated in natural disaster response.
• Seaplane Pilots wish to retain equal opportunity in access to water bodies.
• Seaplane Pilots are proactive about noise, pollution and have operated alongside and hand in hand with boats for several decades.

A meeting of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division was held Wednesday, but comments will be accepted until 1700 local time on October 31.

FMI: www.emnrd.state.nm.us, www.seaplanes.org