Hello Feb 14, 2025
Just a quick note regarding the current lottery;
Numbers
The NPS news release indicated that 450 permits are available in this year’s main lottery. The number of permits that were made available to those on the waitlist is 53, which totals the 503 permits allocated per the 2006 Colorado River Management Plan.
Waitlist
The Permits Office contacts individuals per their number on the original waitlist to pre schedule a trip during the coming 4-year period. Thus, for this year, individuals with waitlist #’s between 5782 and 6206 have scheduled a trip for 2026 – 2030. The waitlist is predicted to be exhausted by 2028.
As noted in our previous newsletter, some folks have not updated their contact information. Understandable, given the length of time that has transpired since 2006. If you know someone who could have a number higher than 6206, please alert them to update their info with the Permits Office.
From the NPS
A Feb 11, 2025 note from the Permits Office to GCPBA: “less than 10% of people were listing PATLs……..remind your members that they can have their own application and be listed on up to one other application – that step is important because it basically adds insurance so the trip can proceed if something comes up that prevents the original trip leader from going.”
Lastly, we just received news that Steve Sullivan, head of the Permits Office, is retiring effective end of March. GCPBA and the private boating community are indebted to Steve for his excellent service over the many years. We have greatly benefited from his collaborative approach to address the various problems/issues. He will be missed.
From the GCPBA Board: best of luck …. and don’t wait until the 25th to enter the lottery!
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association