July 31, 2023
Hello Members
This note is to convey our recent conversation with the Permits’ Office regarding the Park moving the overnight backcountry reservations to Recreation.gov. As some of you also hike the backcountry, we thought it worthwhile to look into this topic. You can read the news release here for more specifics: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-permits-move-online.htm This move does not affect the private boating part of the Permits’ Office.
The reason for the move is to streamline the reservation process by allowing an individual to reserve and pay on line versus faxing an application. It is not a reason for reducing staff as staffing will remain about the same. Compilation of statistics will continue to be done. The Permits’ Office is currently talking with Rec.gov to provide them with additional info from their system to fully report on usage.
As a heads up, it was mentioned that the login for your account will change. You currently login at https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov/login.cfm Logging in will be federally centralized, which will then take you the permits page. So, don’t be surprised by this change when the next lottery for cancelled trips opens up, which is coming soon.
We’ll be talking with American Whitewater in the coming weeks regarding commenting on the Bureau’s Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS on post 2026 Colorado River Operations.
Lastly, our latest FOIA request with the Army Corps of Engineers for the last 6 months found that there is no news to report on Navajo’s docks permit. The permit expires October 2024.
Best wishes,
John Vrymoed
President
GCPBA.org
GCPBAmail@gmail.com