A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL URGING THE STATE OF ALASKA TO FORMALLY CONSIDER PROHIBITION OR OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (JETSKIS, SEA-DOOS, WATERBIKES AND SIMILAR CRAFT) IN KACHEMAK BAY AND FOX RIVER FLATS CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS.

WHEREAS, the Homer City Council supports promoting a diverse and health local economy and maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed by Kachemak Bay area residents; and

WHEREAS, the City promotes Homer as a tourist destination valued for its wildlife, natural beauty and serenity; and

WHEREAS, Kachemak Bay is a state critical habitat, has been designated as an international site of the Western Shorebird Reserve Network is the first National Estuarine Research Reserve in Alaska, and annually hosts an internationally renowned Shorebird Festival; and

WHEREAS, extensive research from around the country demonstrates that personal watercraft pose threats to waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, marine mammals, other wildlife, and their habitat; cause excessive noise and water pollution; create increased accident rates and user conflicts; and could have a negative impact on Homer's visitor industry.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council supports a complete evaluation by the State of Alaska of the effects personal watercraft might have on Kachemak Bay and Fox River Flats Critical Habitat Areas. The Council also supports implementation of a prohibition or other enforceable personal watercraft regulations that will ensure protection of fish and wildlife and their habitat, public safety, water quality, and the recreational and other resource values of these areas that are enjoyed by local residents and visitors.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 22nd day of November, 1999.

CITY OF HOMER

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ATTEST: JACK CUSHING, MAYOR

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MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC/AAE, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: NA

Fiscal Note: If instituted would be revenue.