blue ribbon coalition fights for lake powell

The Blue Ribbon Coalition, an organization committed to allowing motorized recreation on public land, formed an Action Task Force in response to the threatened access of personal watercraft to Lake Powell in the southwestern United States.

"Recreational access to taxpayer-funded recreational parks and waterways is being threatened," said Jack Welch, the president of the Blue Ribbon Coalition.

"We believe that reasonably regulated personal watercraft alongside other forms of motorized boating makes sense for Lake Powell."

The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) welcomed the coalition's involvement.

"This is a hard working, effective group of volunteer activists who care about America's natural resources," said Fernando Garcia, the PWIA chairman. "Lake Powell is a beautiful lake, and all motor-boaters deserve to be able to enjoy it no matter what boat type they've chosen."

An environmental impact statement is expected from the National Park Service in July affecting watercraft access. Lake Powell rests in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona and Utah.