How to Report Airboats on the River

Airboat use on the St Croix River in the federal zone is prohibited! If you see or hear an airboat, report it so authorities may begin to prioritize this issue. For park-related incidents and complaints (i.e. airboat use, noise complaints), please call 1-800-PARK-TIP (1-800-727-5847). This number goes to a National Park Service dispatch center that is open 24/7 and will get the most immediate response from a National Park Service law enforcement officer in your area.  One thing to note is this dispatch center is located in Indiana Dunes National Park so you need to tell them you are calling about an incident on the St Croix River and provide as much information as possible about the location. For example, it is happening near Marine on St. Croix or across from Somerset Landing or near a specific mile marker or campsite number. 

 

Here is the definition of an airboat from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which is where you can find laws related to the National Park Service.

Definition of Airboat:  Airboat means a vessel that is supported by the buoyancy of its hull and powered by a propeller or fan above the waterline. This definition should not be construed to mean a “hovercraft,” that is supported by a fan-generated air cushion.

Airboat law for federal zone:  

§ 36CFR 3.8 

(a) The following operations are prohibited:

(1) Launching or operating an airboat.

 

Noise complaints can also be reported. While we do not have decibel meters to measure the sound level, we will enforce the unreasonable sound standard when necessary. 

Only the National Park Service can enforce the federal laws in the federal zone.