Hello Members
May 4, 2026
We recently met with Superintendent Ed Keable to discuss a number of items. Government shutdowns had canceled our originally scheduled meetings in the fall of 2025. Here is a brief rundown:
Flyers
Copies of the “courtesy flyer,” developed in collaboration with Grand Canyon River Guides, and a flyer highlighting the benefits of GCPBA were reviewed with Ed. Both are available on our website. Per request, 1,000 courtesy flyers were delivered to Lee’s Ferry to be distributed to groups launching.
Trip Regulations
We requested that the non-commercial trip regulations restricting camps in the Phantom Exchange Zone (RM 77.5 – RM 98.8) for those not exchanging be modified to begin April 1 instead of March 1. This change would align with the CRMP, which sets the joint-use period for private and commercial trips starting April 1.
We also noted that we would like this restriction to be relaxed. You can email us at gcpbamail@gmail.com with your thoughts on which camps should be removed from the restriction. Restricting Cremation is a given.
Ed suggested that we send him our recommended revisions.
Hualapai Boundary
As you know, the location of the Park and Hualapai boundary has been a longstanding disagreement. Ed mentioned that he has attempted to resolve this issue both legislatively and politically, without success.
The Hualapai have initiated discussions with the Park and outfitters regarding use of the Whitmore helipad. Construction of a helipad on river right is not an option, as it is Park land. Negotiations are currently ongoing between the commercial operators and the Hualapai.
GCPBA’s position in this matter remains unchanged. You have three options:
- Your permit allows camping on river left
- Obtain a permit from the Hualapai to camp on river left
- Camp on river right
Do not hike past the high-water mark without a permit from the Hualapai tribe. All camps are below the high-water mark.
North Rim
We received an update on the planning stages for reconstruction following the fire damage at the North Rim. Not everything was destroyed. May 15 has been scheduled for reopening certain areas, such as access to the Kaibab Trail, which will allow rim-to-rim hikes to resume.
River Patrol
We requested that GCPBA be provided with information and findings from the River Patrol (e.g., violations, entry into restricted areas, campsite cleanliness, etc.). Ed responded, “Yes, we will do that,” and indicated that a majority of citations involved pack rafting.
Other citations involved waste management (groovers). This is somewhat surprising, and no details were provided. Is the issue with toilet seat seals; are cans leaking; urinating on dry sand? We will let you know if and when we receive more information.
Cutbacks
Due to budgetary and personnel cutbacks within the Park system, Ed noted that it has become more difficult to fill vacant positions. As yet, there are no impacts on staffing related to non-commercial river trip operations.
We expressed our concern that permit operations could move to Rec.gov, similar to backcountry permitting. Ed indicated this is unlikely; however, the agency is working to streamline IT and other functions across the DOI. There are no guarantees.
In past conversations with Steve Sullivan, we learned that the permits office is self-supporting through its fee structure. Therefore, if changes occur, they would not be due to cost-cutting.
Fee Increase
As you may recall, there was a proposal to increase the current $90 river permit fee per participant to $310. A directive was issued by the administration preventing fee increases.
However, a $100 fee increase has been imposed on foreign visitors, including those on river trips.
Recognition of Excellent Work by Jen Hogan
Several sources have commented on the significant improvements to the check-in procedure at Lee’s Ferry. We asked Ed for suggestions on how best to recognize Jen’s work. We will send a letter, including a detailed narrative, as recommended. Our feedback will strongly influence her performance evaluation, as there is now a rating system for all federal employees.
Jen is a private boater and previously worked in the backcountry—she is one of us. Moving the orientation talk to 3 p.m. on the day prior to launch has been a positive change.
Ed also mentioned that law enforcement personnel will not be assigned to Lee’s Ferry in the future.
Glen Canyon Dam Discussion
Due to time constraints, we were unable to fully follow up on last year’s informal discussion regarding our proposed modifications to Glen Canyon Dam to benefit the river corridor ecosystem.
Ed mentioned that he had forwarded my white paper to Wayne Pullan, USBR Upper Basin Regional Manager, and that it had been read. You can read the paper at https://oldgcpba.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/glen-canyo-dam-modifications-copy-2.pdf
GCPBA’s comments on Reclamation’s post-2026 operations EIS were emailed to Ed as an FYI. You can read them at: https://newgcpba.org/post-2026/
The comments are critical of Reclamation’s needs statement—appropriately so.
Please note that our Storekeeper is currently on the river. Orders will be filled upon his return on May 25. Membership renewals are not impacted—if your membership has lapsed, we would appreciate your renewal.
Thank you.
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association
gcpba.org
gcpbamail@gmail.com