SEAPLANE ADVOCACY ALERT – NEW MEXICO

The State of New Mexico (State Parks Division, SPD) is proposing to close all State Lakes to Seaplanes and Floatplanes.

This comes as a surprise, after State Parks Division had previously but apparently unsuccessfully sought contact to the seaplane community and several associations to address concerns and learn about seaplane operations.

Please Read: http://seaplaneforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2139 for background information.

Text of proposal:

19.5.2.26 SEAPLANES AND FLOATPLANES: The taxiing, landing or takeoff of seaplanes or floatplanes is prohibited in the state parks system. [19.5.2.26 NMAC – N, / /]

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND RULEMAKING

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division will hold a public hearing on proposed rule amendments at 6:30 p.m. on October 17, 2012 in Porter Hall (first floor), Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Comments will be accepted until Oct. 31 2012 at 5PM, time is of the essence.

Written comments and oral comments will be accepted at the public hearing on October 17, 2012 and written comments will be accepted until October 31, 2012 at 5:00PM by mail or e-mail. Please mail written comments to April Alvarado, EMNRD, State Parks Division, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or submit them by e-mail to april.alvarado@state.nm.us.

Seaplane Pilots Association has issued a “Call to Action” and its Executive Director is scheduled to speak at the hearing tonight. Our success will depend on our communities ability to rally for tactful and factual letters opposing the ban of seaplanes in New Mexico. Please send this to all your fellow pilots, contact your AOPA, EAA and RAF representatives.

The State Parks Division was invited to work with WSPA’s Bruce Hinds which has been instrumental and highly effective in such matters and several members of our forum have welcomed and applauded the State Parks Division for proactively reaching out to seaplane pilots.

As was the case with C-SPA’s Waldo Lake, I will submit an official letterhead comment, rally my members to support our efforts and continue to follow and report on this issue. New Mexico is strategically important for seaplane pilots from across our nation, having access means being able to plan flights safely without having to circumnavigate a whole state.

Please feel free to submit your letters and emails (cc: or bcc:) to: moderators.seaplaneforum@gmail.com or post them directly in the forum thread, so that others can learn and paraphrase good points to raise in their letters. We will not publish your name, address or other personal information.

Tips:

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.

Please help with your letters and please continue to check in on the thread on the forum.

Thank you for your prompt attention and help in this matter!