State Received 'Hundreds' Of Comments In Opposition

Score one for grassroots advocacy. The State of New Mexico, which had proposed a general ban on amphibious aircraft and seaplanes from all of its state parks, relented following an effort spearheaded in part by  'The Seaplane Forum' online.

The state had proposed a rule that would have amounted to a complete ban on seaplane operations of any kind in state parks, citing safety concerns as well as a potential problem with invasive species being introduced into the state park's waters by landing airplanes. The prospect was vigorously opposed by recreational pilots not only from New Mexico, but around the country.

On Thursday, Jason Baker, owner and editor of the forum, forwarded a communication to ANN he received from the state of New Mexico. "The New Mexico State Parks Division (Division) has completed its recent rulemaking process. The amended rules are scheduled to be published in Issue Number 24 of the New Mexico Register, on December 31, 2012, and become effective January 1, 2013," the e-mail reads. "The Division proposed adding a new section prohibiting the taxiing, landing, or takeoff of seaplanes or floatplanes in state parks. The Division received hundreds of comments opposing the implementation of this rule. Based upon the comments received, and given that the Bureau of Reclamation and United States Army Corps of Engineers already have regulations addressing seaplanes and floatplanes, the Division did not adopt the proposed rule."

The decision reflects the efforts of everyone who contacted the state of New Mexico to express their opposition to the proposed ban. In short, chalk one up for the good guys.

(Lake Renegade image from file)

FMI: www.seaplaneforum.com