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Show i River Running Permits Available at BLM Free Non-commercial river running permits are available free of charge for portions of Utah rivers managed by the Bureau of Land Management, according to. Bradley Groesbeck, outdoor recreation planner for BLM's Moab district. The BLM manages approximately 300 miles of various rivers which traverse public lands. Permits and stipulations are required to ensure a quality visit for present-day users, while preserving the canyons for future generations. Permits for private river trips are required by BLM on the Green River through Desolation - Gray Canyons; on the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon and from Cisco Landing to Castle Creek; on the Utah section of Dolores River, and on the San Juan River from Montezuma Creek to Clay Hills Crossing. Float trip permits for the various rivers may be obtained from BLM offices as follows: Colorado and Dolores Rivers, from the Grand Resource Area Office, P.O. Box M, Moab, Utah 84532; Green River, from the Price River Resource Area Office, P.O. Drawer AB, Price, Utah 84501; San Juan River, from the San Juan Resource Area Office, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, Utah 84535. To protect the resources and promote safety, BLM requires river runners to use their own portable toilets (except on canoe and kayak trips without support boats); build fires on a fire pan to avoid blackening camping beaches; us, e biodegradable soaps; carry out all litter and garbage, and comply with Utah state boating laws. Stipulations attached to the permit itemize these and other requirements. This is why river runners should obtain their permits in advance, Groesbeck said. For Westwater and Desolation Canyons, advance reservations are required. On a non-commercial trip, no one may receive a salary, gratuity, or increase in his or her net worth, or amortize equipment costs. Organized private group trips will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must meet the intent of a non-commercial trip, according to Groesbeck. Sizes of river running groups will be limited to 25 people per trip, one launch per party per day, through Desolation and Gray Canyons, West-water Canyon, the Dolores River, and the San Juan River. No limit is imposed for parties on the Colorado River from Cisco Landing to Castle Creek. When professional guides or outfitters are employed, use will be considered as commercial and appropriate commercial permits will be required. Bureau ranger stations are maintained on the Colorado River at Westwater; on the Green River at Sand Wash and on the San Juan River at Sand Island Camp ground. All river users are asked to check in at the stations and register. The rangers are available to answer questions on river conditions and to check boaters for compliance with Utah state boating. laws and regulations. This is done to help boaters have a safe trip arid to assist and support the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation in their job of boating law administration. |