The authorities officially reversed their decision on the paddle craft ban and we secured the landing access we needed. I am truly stunned by the outcome and know this only happened because you showed up for our waterways. Please stay alert as we watch to confirm these new terms are …
April 2, 2015
Final supporters
While we support banning all activities when manatees are present, the USFWS has chosen only to ban paddle craft access while still allowing swimmers access. Paddlers may still access the spring after mooring their paddle craft and swimming in, however not all paddlers are capable of exiting and then re-entering their craft from a deep water mooring as is proposed and many of us do not believe swimming with an endangered species should be encouraged. A paddle sport landing that had originally been part of the access plan has now been eliminated.
We hereby request that the USFWS provide suitable paddle sport access to the springs as originally proposed (a kayak landing somewhere other than the springhead) without forcing paddlers to swim in and participate in a controversial activity that has the potential to harm manatees and create a further problem with overcrowding.
Updates
February 8, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people care about keeping the springs accessible for all of us. This momentum belongs entirely to the community that keeps showing up to help protect our local waterways.
Reached 100 supporters
February 8, 2015
50 Comments
It seems that paddle craft on the surface would be less disruptive to the manatees than swimming/snorkeling which would be able to dive deep below the surface with/without fins. Or is this just a way for the commercial boat operators to keep individuals out of 3 Sisters?
No Swimmers if you truly want to protect the manatees. USFWS needs to be SMART for ALL The USFWS decision should take into account the danger of paddlers exiting their boats, swimming in 74 degree water and re entering their boat is not a good idea. Paddlers need a safe way to exit and re-enter their craft.
If we cant get access to the springs please give us a few tie points to tie off our kayaks. If you want to protect the manatee keep the power boats away and have all those tour people to kayak in to see the manatee.
When did you last see a kayaker riding a manatee? Swimmers are the main problem. I would perfer to see the springs closed to everyone during the cold weather. Use the new boardwalk aroung the springs.
Honestly do you think that the people who are swimming into 3 sisters to "swim with the manatee are going their for the same reasons Kayaker's normally go there? Visitors are not up to date about manatee's or do half of them care, they are looking for an event while on vacation.
I support paddle in access to 3 Sisters Spring when manatees are not present. Limiting access to swimmers is discriminatory to those that cannot swim well or are physically unable to enter/exit their craft without dificulty. Additioanlly, I believe paddling a less intrusive more environmentally friendly way to experience the springs vs swimming.
My trip into the spring has had a life long impact. I truly beleave that I had less impact than the screaming kids splashing around in the spring!
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The authorities officially reversed their decision on the paddle craft ban and we secured the landing access we needed. I am truly stunned by the outcome and know this only happened because you showed up for our waterways. Please stay alert as we watch to confirm these new terms are …
April 2, 2015
Final supporters
While we support banning all activities when manatees are present, the USFWS has chosen only to ban paddle craft access while still allowing swimmers access. Paddlers may still access the spring after mooring their paddle craft and swimming in, however not all paddlers are capable of exiting and then re-entering their craft from a deep water mooring as is proposed and many of us do not believe swimming with an endangered species should be encouraged. A paddle sport landing that had originally been part of the access plan has now been eliminated.
We hereby request that the USFWS provide suitable paddle sport access to the springs as originally proposed (a kayak landing somewhere other than the springhead) without forcing paddlers to swim in and participate in a controversial activity that has the potential to harm manatees and create a further problem with overcrowding.
Updates
February 8, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people care about keeping the springs accessible for all of us. This momentum belongs entirely to the community that keeps showing up to help protect our local waterways.
Reached 100 supporters
February 8, 2015
50 Comments
Kayaking to Three Sisters Spring to view the manatees in mid December 2013 was the highlight of my Florida vacation. I felt that we were very respectful of the manatees and did not disturb them. I urge the USFWS to not ban paddle craft from the interior of Three Sisters Spring.
It seems that paddle craft on the surface would be less disruptive to the manatees than swimming/snorkeling which would be able to dive deep below the surface with/without fins. Or is this just a way for the commercial boat operators to keep individuals out of 3 Sisters?
No Swimmers if you truly want to protect the manatees. USFWS needs to be SMART for ALL The USFWS decision should take into account the danger of paddlers exiting their boats, swimming in 74 degree water and re entering their boat is not a good idea. Paddlers need a safe way to exit and re-enter their craft.
If we cant get access to the springs please give us a few tie points to tie off our kayaks. If you want to protect the manatee keep the power boats away and have all those tour people to kayak in to see the manatee.
When did you last see a kayaker riding a manatee? Swimmers are the main problem. I would perfer to see the springs closed to everyone during the cold weather. Use the new boardwalk aroung the springs.
Honestly do you think that the people who are swimming into 3 sisters to "swim with the manatee are going their for the same reasons Kayaker's normally go there? Visitors are not up to date about manatee's or do half of them care, they are looking for an event while on vacation.
I support paddle in access to 3 Sisters Spring when manatees are not present. Limiting access to swimmers is discriminatory to those that cannot swim well or are physically unable to enter/exit their craft without dificulty. Additioanlly, I believe paddling a less intrusive more environmentally friendly way to experience the springs vs swimming.
My trip into the spring has had a life long impact. I truly beleave that I had less impact than the screaming kids splashing around in the spring!
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Kayaking to Three Sisters Spring to view the manatees in mid December 2013 was the highlight of my Florida vacation. I felt that we were very respectful of the manatees and did not disturb them. I urge the USFWS to not ban paddle craft from the interior of Three Sisters Spring.