Undergraduate Abstract

Terence H. Lino
December 1998

Potential Watercraft Impacts on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area

A Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction
of the requirement for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARTS

In

Environmental Studies Program
University of Nevada Las Vegas

by

Terence H. Lino

Fall 1998

Thesis Adviser:
Environmental Studies Program
University of Nevada Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

The Lake Mead National Recreational Area (NRA) is one of the nation's and Las Vegas's greatest resource. It provides the nation, and the metropolis with recreational opportunities, and a place for relaxation and a place to appreciate nature; moreover, Lake Mead is the largest provider of water for the Las Vegas Valley. Very few studies have been conducted on the recreational impacts of watercraft on Lake Mead and its surrounding area. One recreational activity that is gaining recognition for its potential polluting effects comes from the use of personal watercrafts (PWC). By examining several sources who have conducted studies on the impacts of PWC's, the National Park Service and Lake Mead managers should take into consideration the impacts that these vehicles can have on Lake Mead and the surrounding area. In recent years, a few managers of lake systems have conducted studies on PWC impacts, and found the vehicles to be prominent contributors to water pollution and air pollution; from those studies, these lake systems either proposed bans on the vehicles, or have banned personal watercraft indefinitely.