The West may be known for its wide open spaces, yet boaters also recognize that many of the continent’s mightiest rivers have their headwaters in this region, including the Colorado River and Salmon. Given the strict water law in these states, it’s a wonder that the public is left any water to recreate on and the fish any water habitat to breed. Yet, with our focus on conservation and access, we are trying to protect the environment, rivers, and water that the public adores in this majestic landscape.
Recent Successes
- Protecting the public right to float on the Gunnison, CO.
- Preventing dredging on the Platte, CO.
- Preventing legislation to restrict navigability in CO.
- Preventing fees and permits to boat in MT.
- Protecting access to the Rio Chalma, Salt, and Verde Rivers in AZ and NM.
- Directing the Park Service to develop a Colorado River Management Plan in the Grand Canyon.
- Victory on Gross Reservoir, CO includes boating below reservoir and on S Boulder Ck. Denver Water Board to provide flow info and development of access sites.
- Settlement agreement on Swan River, MT includes improved access and annual schedule of whitewater releases between July 1 and Aug 31.
- Settlement Agreement on Bear River, ID includes improved access facilities and flow schedules on Grace bypass and Oneida reach.
Ongoing Projects
- Protecting the public right to float in Colorado.
- Fixing the 25-year wait for a permit to float through the Grand Canyon.
- Protecting salmon in Idaho on the Snake River.
Future Challenges
- Restructuring the fee and permit system on the Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument.