Here is the June 10, 2024 newsletter Topics include modifications to Glen Canyon Dam and assisting a former member whose permit was revoked at the time of launch.
2026 Post Operations
The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for post 2026 Colorado River Operations in June of 2023. Preceding the NOI, the Bureau initiated a study of low head power modifications for Glen Canyon Dam The foregoing could have an impact on the health of the River Corridor’s Ecosystem (RCE). Specifically, for the private boater, it is the degradation of beaches due to both flash floods and dam operations. Any beneficial effects of high flow experiments are short lived. As you know, the Colorado River Management Plan set the number of Trips At One Time (TAOT) based on the availability of beaches/campsites, i.e. we have a stake in any decisions made.
This prompted GCPBA to do a deep dive and author a paper covering the legislation authorizing the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, the technical considerations of the design, a proposal for its modification, the influence of electric power generation on its operation as well as the conduct of HFE’s. We encourage you to take a few minutes to download the paper It is provided to you to give an overview, and perhaps an enhanced understanding of the factors influencing the health of the RCE.
Prior to the completion of the paper, GCPBA sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Interior, recommending that a panel of experts be convened to assess the adequacy of Glen Canyon Dam’s design to accommodate the impacts of climate change and to protect and improve the RCE. So far, there has been no response to the letter. My Congressional representative has contacted the DOI on GCPBA’s behalf to get a response. You can read the letter here We’ll keep at it.
We find, as have other organizations, that the Secretary is failing to protect and enhance the RCE as required by the Grand Canyon Protection Act. Although a long shot, Earth Justice was contacted to see if they would file legal action to enforce the GCPA. They declined. (Earth Justice is a group of attorneys who take on cases, for free, to protect the environment)
GCPBA is a small niche non-profit run by volunteers on a very limited budget. It’s beyond our means to take on the Federal Government. To make our voice heard, we have reached out to other like-minded organizations such as the Glen Canyon Institute, Utah Rivers Council, and the Great Basin Network so that we can support one another in petitioning governmental agencies. These organizations are in addition to our friends at the Grand Canyon Trust, American White Water and Grand Canyon River Guides.
On another matter
In December of 2023, a former member asked for assistance in an unfortunate incident where citations were issued, at the time of launch, for conducting a pirate trip. Details of the incident were posted on our Facebook Group page. The citation required a court appearance in Federal Court in Williams. The case was settled in June 2024 avoiding a trial. The defendant had spent a considerable sum on attorneys’ fees and were faced with additional fees plus out-of-town expenses to attend the trial.
GCPBA is continuing to evaluate the matter and has obtained the Park Service Law Enforcement report, reviewed LE bodycam video, conducted interviews with a couple of the participants as well as the commercial company’s management given their guides’ involvement in the incident. Our preliminary findings are that the conduct by the commercial guides was egregious, conduct by LE staff was unprofessional and that the trip was not a pirate trip.
Our evaluation points out a number of items to consider for the private boater: avoid referring to any of your fellow participants as guides, and all participant should be clear about their agreed upon financial responsibility – keep it to yourself or within your group.
This incident is rare. However, it does underscore the following; typically, LE personnel have never participated in a private trip let alone been issued a permit – hence, they have no first-hand knowledge of all of the possible financial permutations. It also pointed out a problem with part B of the regulations “Cost Sharing and Participatory Nature” It was written absent any private trip experience and needs to be deleted. Parts A and C more than adequately fulfill the intent of this section – see page 2 of the regs.
This will be one topic of discussion with NPS staff at our upcoming Board meeting in Flagstaff – it is a matter of educating LE personnel by sharing the Board’s experience.
Best wishes to all our fellow members for a great summer. As always, your trip reports are welcomed and you can contact us at gcpbamail@gmail.com for any comments/questions.
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association