News Release

National Park Service posts report on comments received during initial civic engagement on Colorado and Green rivers management planning process

NPS/Kristen Kearse

News Release Date: July 3, 2024

Contact: SEUG Public Affairs Office, 435-260-0713

MOAB, Utah—The National Park Service (NPS) appreciates the public's participation in the first round of civic engagement for Canyonlands National Park’s comprehensive river management planning (CRMP) process, which occurred in spring 2024. A public comment summary report is now available online in the project’s “document list” at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=121817.

During the civic engagement efforts, the NPS held in-person and virtual meetings. Park staff presented the public with initial determinations of river segments eligible for National Wild and Scenic River status and proposed river segment management zones, draft desired conditions for the rivers, and key issues within these areas. The NPS report summarizes comments from 115 correspondences submitted via mail, in-person; or through the NPS's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website.

The comment period for this civic engagement process was open for 32 days, between February 28 and March 31, 2024. 

A new CRMP is needed to replace the 1981 River Management Plan and update guidance to address changes in visitation and uses of the rivers as well as management practices and preservation of natural and cultural resources. An updated plan will also incorporate considerations required by Sections 5(d)(1) of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The Green River joins the Colorado River within Canyonlands National Park and flows directly into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Many river travelers experience both parks on the same float trip, so both parks will work together in the development and implementation of the plan.

The NPS is currently reviewing the comments received and developing management strategies and alternatives that will be reviewed through a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. This process will allow for additional public comment periods prior to any comprehensive plan being finalized.