Washington Seaplane Pilots Association

Our Political Front

by Jim Curry

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to ban aircraft

A cursory examination shows that the new section of concern, proposed WAC 232-13-040, has identical wording to the existing section (WAC 232-12-184) to be repealed.

Both existing and proposed sections state "Except as authorized by the director or the director of the department of natural resources, it is unlawful to land aircraft on lands owned, leased or controlled by the department, except in the case of a bona fide emergency." This existing code has been in place since Jun 1990.

So in essence nothing is changing. However since the rules are being changed, and the current rule is prohibitive, it presents a chance to get a change made that would be more favorable to aircraft.

Still doing some research to see exactly where the impact is, i.e. airstrips and waterways within lands adminstered by DFW. From one map I have seen, the lands administered by Wash DFW are fairly limited and thus impact to aircraft may be quite small. Will keep researching.

John Sibold from WSDOT writes.... After discussions with Mark Quinn, the WSDOT's position is that there are no changes being proposed from existing policy that will harm the state's interest in aviation. After doing research on the land in question it appears there is very little water under WDFW jurisdiction that would be seaplane capable

Missouri Breaks Resource Management Plan (RMP):

BLM is still in the process of reviewing, cataloging, and forming conclusions on the tens of thousands of responses they received during the public comment period on the RMP. After speaking with the Monument Manager, Mr. Gary Slagel, the latest briefing document released in Sept 2006 is still current (see http://www.mt.blm.gov/ea/bps/missouri.pdf). He did express that the task has been very daunting, and that the finalized plan would likely not be issued until late summer/early fall 2007. In the finalized plan each of the concerns/issues raised from the public comments will have a response. How each of these issues is incorporated in the plan is TBD.

Until such time as the final plan is released the access to the monument remains under the current guidelines. The current guidelines are equivalent to Alternative A of the Draft RMP. These may be found at http://www.mt.blm.gov/rmps/monumentrmp/chapter2.pdf. Table 2.14 on pg 57 provides a summary overview of the restrictions. BLM considers a floatplane to be a boat any time on the water. Whether or not that includes the take-off and landing transition phases would be open for interpretation. The regions designated no-wake zones would likely have a stricter interpretation. In lieu of the ongoing review and final decision making, it would be prudent to error on the conservative side. The exception is for emergency situations where considerable latitude is permitted.

Bureau of Reclamation - Controlled Waters:

Recent rulemaking (Apr 06) contained language which all but prohibited seaplane operation on many water resources controlled by the Bureau of Reclamation (many reservoirs). Western Field Director Walter Windus and National SPA Executive Director Jim McManus have taken a very proactive position on this issue including recent meetings with the BOR at the national level. Senior officials at BOR have now issued a clarification letter to regional managers with a revised policy and request for information. Essentially if there is a history of seaplane usage on a specific body of water seaplane usage will be grandfathered. A list of lakes considered open, as compiled by BOR regional managers, is due this month. After review of this list further action may be required. Regular updates, including the list of open waters when published, are being posted on the SPA website http://www.seaplanes.org/index.htm.

Wild Sky:

Legislation creating the Wild Sky Wilderness Area has been in limbo for the past year. The recent changes in Congress may allow this legislation to move forward once more. Current draft wording is favorable to continued seaplane access to Lake Isabel. However we all need to ensure that continued operations in this area remain safe and display good stewardship. WSPA will keep abreast of any changes.

Washington State Long-Term Air Transportation Study (LATS):

This federally subsidized study is a three phase effort to categorize, assess, and make recommendations to the state legislature for the future requirements of the state aviation infrastructure. Phase I, survey of airport inventory, was completed this past summer and final report has been issued. WSDOT will be presenting the Phase I findings at the upcoming NW Aviation Conference and Trade Show in Feb. Phase II, airport capacity and facilities market forecast and analysis, is currently underway. Overview of the entire study may be found at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/LATS.htm


News Who Are We Banner Information Bylaws Calandar Of Events Classifieds Contacts Discussion Group Dues and Donations by Mail Dues/Join/Donations on line Flight Training, Rental Help Opportunities History of WSPA Lakes-CLOSED Lakes-Open Links Members Noise Abatement Political Front Previous Events Seabee Products and Info Tools Defined	Political Front Our Political Front by Jim Curry Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to ban aircraft A cursory examination shows that the new section of concern, proposed WAC 232-13-040, has identical wording to the existing section (WAC 232-12-184) to be repealed. Both existing and proposed sections state "Except as authorized by the director or the director of the department of natural resources, it is unlawful to land aircraft on lands owned, leased or controlled by the department, except in the case of a bona fide emergency." This existing code has been in place since Jun 1990. So in essence nothing is changing. However since the rules are being changed, and the current rule is prohibitive, it presents a chance to get a change made that would be more favorable to aircraft. Still doing some research to see exactly where the impact is, i.e. airstrips and waterways within lands adminstered by DFW. From one map I have seen, the lands administered by Wash DFW are fairly limited and thus impact to aircraft may be quite small. Will keep researching. John Sibold from WSDOT writes.... After discussions with Mark Quinn, the WSDOT's position is that there are no changes being proposed from existing policy that will harm the state's interest in aviation. After doing research on the land in question it appears there is very little water under WDFW jurisdiction that would be seaplane capable Missouri Breaks Resource Management Plan (RMP): BLM is still in the process of reviewing, cataloging, and forming conclusions on the tens of thousands of responses they received during the public comment period on the RMP. After speaking with the Monument Manager, Mr. Gary Slagel, the latest briefing document released in Sept 2006 is still current (see http://www.mt.blm.gov/ea/bps/missouri.pdf). He did express that the task has been very daunting, and that the finalized plan would likely not be issued until late summer/early fall 2007. In the finalized plan each of the concerns/issues raised from the public comments will have a response. How each of these issues is incorporated in the plan is TBD. Until such time as the final plan is released the access to the monument remains under the current guidelines. The current guidelines are equivalent to Alternative A of the Draft RMP. These may be found at http://www.mt.blm.gov/rmps/monumentrmp/chapter2.pdf. Table 2.14 on pg 57 provides a summary overview of the restrictions. BLM considers a floatplane to be a boat any time on the water. Whether or not that includes the take-off and landing transition phases would be open for interpretation. The regions designated no-wake zones would likely have a stricter interpretation. In lieu of the ongoing review and final decision making, it would be prudent to error on the conservative side. The exception is for emergency situations where considerable latitude is permitted. Bureau of Reclamation - Controlled Waters: Recent rulemaking (Apr 06) contained language which all but prohibited seaplane operation on many water resources controlled by the Bureau of Reclamation (many reservoirs). Western Field Director Walter Windus and National SPA Executive Director Jim McManus have taken a very proactive position on this issue including recent meetings with the BOR at the national level. Senior officials at BOR have now issued a clarification letter to regional managers with a revised policy and request for information. Essentially if there is a history of seaplane usage on a specific body of water seaplane usage will be grandfathered. A list of lakes considered open, as compiled by BOR regional managers, is due this month. After review of this list further action may be required. Regular updates, including the list of open waters when published, are being posted on the SPA website http://www.seaplanes.org/index.htm. Wild Sky: Legislation creating the Wild Sky Wilderness Area has been in limbo for the past year. The recent changes in Congress may allow this legislation to move forward once more. Current draft wording is favorable to continued seaplane access to Lake Isabel. However we all need to ensure that continued operations in this area remain safe and display good stewardship. WSPA will keep abreast of any changes. Washington State Long-Term Air Transportation Study (LATS): This federally subsidized study is a three phase effort to categorize, assess, and make recommendations to the state legislature for the future requirements of the state aviation infrastructure. Phase I, survey of airport inventory, was completed this past summer and final report has been issued. WSDOT will be presenting the Phase I findings at the upcoming NW Aviation Conference and Trade Show in Feb. Phase II, airport capacity and facilities market forecast and analysis, is currently underway. Overview of the entire study may be found at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/LATS.htm
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