July 8, 2022
Margaret L. Goodro, Superintendent
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005
Subject: Request to Remove Prohibition for Launching of Watercraft from Pearce Ferry
Dear Ms Goodro
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association requests that the prohibition of private boaters launching from Pearce Ferry be lifted. This prohibition is under Part I – General Provisions; “Closures #4”
GCPBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy on issues surrounding private boater access to the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. Founded in 1996, GCPBA represents a paid membership of over 400 as well as a long-established internet constituency. GCPBA was an active participant in the formulation of the 2006 Colorado River Management Plan and was a supporting party with the NPS in the ensuing successful litigation defending the Plan.
GCPBA understands that the reason for the prohibition is the “area’s low water, swift and unreliable water flow conditions.” The latter conditions are dictated by the Bureau of Reclamation’s releases from Glen Canyon Dam. The Bureau provides advance notice of each month’s flow releases – they are reliable. Both Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park permit private and commercial boat launches from Lee’s Ferry and the Park from Diamond Creek. Furthermore, there is no prohibition of floating past Pearce Ferry to South Cove having launched from either one. Over 6800 private boaters annually travel the river corridor starting from LF taking out at either Diamond, Pearce or South Cove. They will have navigated “swift” water for more than 225 miles.
Given the foregoing, the rational for prohibiting launching from Pearce by LMNRA is not in concert with GCNRA and GCNP private boater regulations. As such, GCPBA requests that the prohibition be lifted. As a courtesy to the private boating community, a response to our request is appreciated. Please respond via email to: GCPBAmail@gmail.com
Thank you,
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association