August 21, 1997
Maureen Oltrogge (928) 638-7779

Colorado River Plan Meetings set to Begin

Public meetings marking the beginning of the revision process of Grand Canyon National Parks Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP) are scheduled to begin in September 1997. The area covered by the Management Plan includes the 277 mile section of river through Grand Canyon National Park from Lees Ferry, below Glen Canyon Dam, to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The park's current CRMP was approved in September of 1989 and did not include the lower gorge between Diamond Creek and Lake Mead NRA.

Public demand for river recreation opportunities has expanded dramatically, both in magnitude and variety, over the past two decades. In order to protect the river resources and best meet these demands, Grand Canyon National Park staff will develop a comprehensive plan that will insure resource protection while maximizing the benefits the river can provide to society. The CRMP will be developed with input from the public, American Indian Tribes and other groups historically affiliated with the Grand Canyon.

Public involvement in the planning process begins with three public workshops to be held in Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Phoenix, Arizona. Sessions will focus on identifying the full range of river management issues and solutions that are important to the public. The public workshop schedule is as follows:

September 5 - 6, 1997 Portland, Oregon

Lewis and Clark College, Templeton Student Center
Friday, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

September 12 - 13, 1997 Salt Lake City, Utah

Holiday Inn Airport, 1659 W. North Temple
Friday, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

September 19 - 20, 1997 Phoenix, Arizona

YWCA Leadership Development Center
9440 N. 25th Ave. (east of I-25 at Dunlap & 25th Ave.)
Friday, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The primary purpose of these workshops is to gather information. The National Park Service (NPS) will begin the workshops with a presentation of the goals and guiding principles for the management of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, then will gather information from the public on issues, concerns, and potential solutions. Those attending the workshops are asked to come with a written list of issues they would like to see addressed, as well as proposed solutions to those issues. These written statements will be collected at the workshops and given to break-out groups who will refine the issues and propose a range of possible solutions to each issue.

Individuals who are unable to attend one of the workshops can send one-page issue and solution statements to the planning team during the month of September 1997. Comments will be accepted by United States mail or electronic mail to Linda Jalbert, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or eMail: grca_crmp@nps.gov.

It is anticipated that the entire planning process will take approximately two years. Following the September workshops the NPS will prepare and distribute, in the winter of 1998 a summary of issues and suggested solutions developed in the workshops. A draft plan and environmental assessment (EA) is expected to be released for public review and comment during the winter of 1999 followed by public involvement workshops in Spring of 1999 with release of a final draft plan and EA anticipated during the winter of 2000.

For additional information about the park's CRMP, please contact Linda Jalbert at (928) 638-7909.