The Everglades National Park proposed a general management plan that will be implemented for the next 15-20 years calls for an end to private airboating in the East Everglades, according to the News Observer. The East Everglades were added to the national park in 1989, and private airboat operators who had a registered airboat during that year were be grandfathered in to have a nontransferable, non-renewable permit to operate on designated trails until they passed away. All of these members that were grandfathered into operate their private airboat in this region have since died.
In this new plan, park officials estimate that almost 2,000 airboaters may be affected with this new management plan. Commercial Everglades airboat rides provided by parks such as Coopertown and Gator Park may be bought out by Everglades National Park and turned into concessionaires. According to the News Observer, if the plan is adopted, then the entire region, which is comprised of more than 80,000 acres, will be designated as wilderness with no mechanical propulsion allowed.
“We acknowledge private airboating and commercial airboating is an important way for people to experience the Everglades,” said Fred Herling, park planner. “And there are people who want to experience it in a more wilderness way.”
Wild Florida is passionate about maintaining the true nature of the Florida wilderness. If you’re looking to experience the Everglades, come visit Wild Florida where we offer Everglades airboat rides in the headwaters of the Everglades. During this tour, you can view many of the Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. We also have several other activities for the entire family such as a Wildlife Park that houses some of the most unique Florida wildlife. Contact us today to book your tour.
