The federal Bureau of Reclamation, which closed off seaplane access to hundreds of lakes in a 2006 rule, has announced it will revise that regulation, the Seaplane Pilots Association said last week. The 2006 rule, which cited security concerns, closed over 400 lakes in 17 Western states to seaplane operations. Many of those lakes had been used by seaplane pilots for years. Hendrik Willems, of the Bureau of Reclamation, said a new rule will be published within the next two months that will restore access to pre-2006 status. “Todays announcement is a major step toward a satisfactory long-term solution,” said James McManus, executive director of the Seaplane Pilots Association.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior as they develop this revised rule to assure fair treatment of seaplanes while ensuring effective protection of these natural resources.”
