On Monday, August 3, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Small Business Committee will hold a joint full committee field hearing titled “Restricted Access at Biscayne National Park and Implications for Fishermen, Small Businesses, the Local Economy and Environment.”

Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement: 

“I am concerned that the National Park Service has exercised its federal will over the concerns of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others when it comes to recreational access in Biscayne National Park. Local fishermen who enjoy the park should not be excluded from full access, particularly when the local community has been denied appropriate inclusion in such a significant resource management decision.  My Florida colleagues have rightly asked for a congressional field hearing on this troubling matter. I look forward to hearing from Floridians on the impact on the local economy, which is driven in large part by fishing and recreation in Biscayne Bay.”

Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) released the following statement: 

“I applaud my colleagues, Rep. Carlos Curbelo and Chairman Rob Bishop, for their leadership on this issue, which is critical to hardworking Florida families that rely on local resources to put a roof over their head and food on their table. When Washington assumes it knows better than state authorities and local leaders, the end result is typically a misguided plan that does more harm than good. That’s exactly what we have here.  I look forward to learning more from local stakeholders about the impact the Biscayne National Park General Management Plan will have on small businesses in the community.” 

WHAT: “Restricted Access at Biscayne National Park and Implications for Fishermen, Small Businesses, the               Local Economy and Environment” 

WHEN: Monday, August 3    
             10:00 AM  

WHERE: William F. Dickinson Community Center, 1601 N. Krome Avenue, in Homestead, Florida

BACKGROUND: 

In June, the National Park Service (NPS) issued its final General Management Plan (GMP) for Biscayne National Park.  The GMP conflicts with the position of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the recommendations of the park's own stakeholder working groups, and thousands of public comments opposed to the implementation of marine reserves in the park. The FWC, in public comments on the GMP, stated: “This disregard for both the scientific process and the value of public access is a major reason why the FWC cannot support the marine reserve zone.”

Numerous local stakeholders are worried about the Biscayne National Park GMP. Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), expressed concern that the final GMP will “close a large portion of the park's waters to all fishing activities” and “bring an end to all commercial fishing activities within park boundaries in at least ten years.” 

The National Park Service’s disregard for state and public input as well as the economic and environmental ramifications of the plan is of great concern to both Chairmen and will be explored at the hearing. 

Visit the Committee Calendar for additional information, once it is made available. The meeting is open to the public and a live video stream will be broadcast at House Committee on Natural Resources.