June 25, 2002
For Immediate Release
Karla Norris, 702-293-8947
Karla_Norris@NPS.gov

Lake Mead National Recreation Area participates in grand opening ceremonies

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) staff participated yesterday in the dedication and grand opening of the Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures facility located at the Hacienda Hotel in Boulder City, Nevada. The National Park Service (NPS) awarded Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures a concession contract in February of this year. The three-year contract authorizes the concessioner to provide float trips from below Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, Arizona, and to provide limited marina services at Willow Beach.

The trip is a ½ day experience that allows visitors of all ages to take a leisurely raft trip through the Black Canyon and experience the scenic beauty and geological wonders of the area. In addition, many visitors also get a glimpse of bighorn sheep, Nevada's state animal.

Gary Wirth, General Manager of Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures stated that the company intends to provide high-quality, safe, and environmentally-friendly visitor services. He emphasized the company philosophy of resource protection in partnership with the NPS. Lake Mead NRA Superintendent William K. Dickinson said that the NPS was excited about the opportunity for visitors to enjoy and be provided with lasting memories of the Black Canyon.

The Black Canyon and Willow Beach are located on Lake Mohave within Lake Mead NRA.
For more information about raft trips or visitor services at Willow Beach, contact Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures at (702) 294-1414.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service.