Victory for Lake Havasu! U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fully Withdraws Lake Havasu Boating Restrictions

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced that beginning on February 1, 2017, the ½ mile backwater no-wake restriction for Lake Havasu that was designated in May 2015 will be lifted:

"After nearly two years of tirelessly fighting back against an arbitrary and overreaching bureaucratic decision, Lake Havasu will once again be open for all users. Lifting the boating restrictions on the "Ryde Spot' marks a complete victory for the countless stakeholders and community leaders who stood shoulder to shoulder with me and spoke out when the very livelihood of Lake Havasu City was threatened. This win sends a clear message to all federal agencies that we the people have real power when united behind a worthwhile cause. We will not stand for lawless, unilateral actions by rogue bureaucrats.

"I applaud the efforts of the many individuals who were instrumental in today's victory including: Lake Havasu City Mayor Mark Nexsen; the Arizona Game and Fish Department; the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Senator John McCain; Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson; the entire Bliss family including Nick, Jenni and my pal Ryder. Tip of the hat to Director Tuggle for finally seeing the light and listening to local stakeholders.

"As the new Refuge Manager takes over next month, the Lake Havasu community and I will remain vigilant to ensure that any future Compatibility Determination (CD) is enacted lawfully, allows for multiple-use and is developed using a bottom-up approach that keeps Lake Havasu open for business. I couldn't be more excited about today's victory and can't wait to join Ryder Bliss for a day on the Reservoir."

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