Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about the Colorado River Management Plan (Fall 2003)

As the park receives input and comments on the CRMP issues and process, we will attempt to be responsive to questions that arise. This section provides response and some references to questions typically raised in the early phase of the planning process. Look for updates to this section in the future.

How is the Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP) related to the park's General Management Plan?

The 1995 General Management Plan (GMP) for Grand Canyon National Park guides the management of resources, visitor use, and general development at the park over a 10-15 year period. The GMP describes the significance, vision, and management objectives for the Colorado River and other areas of the park. While the GMP provides overall direction for park management in broad terms, the Colorado River management plan will address specific issues and describe strategies for implementing actions to ensure resource protection and opportunities for visitor enjoyment along the river.

What is the status of wilderness at Grand Canyon National Park?

In 1980, and updated in 1993, the NPS proposed most of Grand Canyon's backcountry for wilderness designation. The proposal also identified park areas that would qualify as wilderness once temporary incompatible conditions were resolved. The Colorado River was included in the proposal as potential wilderness pending the resolution of motorboat issues. No official designation exists for the park until this proposal is forwarded from the Department of the Interior to the President and acted upon by Congress. The Congress can also initiate action on wilderness designation independent of the Park's proposal being forwarded to it, but the Park cannot designate wilderness by itself.

How will the CRMP address the issue of motorized raft use considering the river's proposed potential wilderness status?

To preclude the loss of any wilderness values, the NPS is specifically required to manage any pending wilderness as if it were designated "...to the extent that existing nonconforming uses allow." The EIS will evaluate the level and amount of motorized raft use, including a "no-motors" alternative. Along with a number of other laws and policies, the Wilderness Act of 1964, and NPS policy, Wilderness Preservation and Management, provide the framework for park level decision-making.

What is the relationship of the CRMP to the park's Backcountry Management Plan?

The Backcountry Management Plan addresses resource protection and visitor use in the land-based portions of the park's proposed wilderness. The backcountry includes most of the Inner Canyon, a large portion of the North Rim, and remote areas on the South Rim. The Colorado River serves as a destination for backpackers and hikers. River and backcountry users share camps and attraction sites. The overall river use levels will be evaluated in consideration of the overlapping uses; however, this EIS will not evaluate alternatives for resource protection or visitor use alternatives for the entire Grand Canyon backcountry. Management of the backcountry wilderness will be addressed in a separate process to be initiated in 2005.

What is the relationship of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and the CRMP?

The park's General Management Plan acknowledges that the Colorado River and selected tributaries in the park meet the criteria for designation as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designation requires that the park undertake an EIS/river study to determine eligibility, classification and suitability of the waterways in question. Under a cooperative agreement, the eligibility study for the tributaries and main stem are nearly complete, and this information will contribute to the CRMP/EIS process. Although Wild and Scenic Rivers designation is beyond the scope of the CRMP/EIS, the planning process will likely provide information and management direction that will contribute to the park's ongoing Wild and Scenic Rivers study. For more information on the above questions, see: www.nps.gov/grca/mgmt

What is the relationship of the Glen Canyon Dam operations and the CRMP?

Dam operations are known to have an effect on the downstream ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park, including recreation, archeological sites, vegetation, and wildlife. The park's GMP states that the CRMP must conform to NPS direction and responsibilities as set forth in the 1996 Record of Decision for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement (Bureau of Reclamation). This document established guidance and policy for management of Glen Canyon Dam. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Workgroup (AMWG) was established to track and recommend adaptive management strategies that balance dam operations with all resource goals. The CRMP/EIS is expected to reveal relationships between Colorado River recreation and resource goals and dam operations that may have implications for dam releases. Although the EIS will not make decisions regarding dam releases, it is expected to produce meaningful recommendations for consideration by the AMWG for incorporation within strategic planning for operations of Glen Canyon Dam. For more information on the Adaptive Management Program, see: www.gcmrc.gov

Will the CRMP address commercial air tours over the river corridor?

Commercial air tours over Grand Canyon National Park, including the backcountry and river corridor, will be addressed in a separate planning effort and rule making in accordance with Public Law 100-91. This law directs the NPS and Federal Aviation Administration to work together to develop a plan to achieve substantial restoration of natural quiet at Grand Canyon National Park. In the meantime, this CRMP/EIS is expected to establish goals and objectives for the river corridor which offer the visitor outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

Given this information, how the CRMP addresses helicopter use at the Whitmore helipad?

Public Law 100-91, Section 3(c), allows for the use of helicopters to transport river passengers from the designated helipad on the Hualapai Indian Reservation near Whitmore Wash to a point on the north rim outside the Park. While allowed by law, the NPS in consultation with the Hualapai Tribe, will evaluate the appropriate amount and level of helicopter use in the CRMP/EIS process.