Progress Now Action

RtE to Challenge Colorado River Management Plan!

Since our inception three years ago, Rock the Earth has been monitoring the development of a new management plan for the Colorado River. The plan involves the management of the River as it passes through Grand Canyon National Park ("GCNP"). The Colorado River courses through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. As a scientific resource, the Grand Canyon is a mecca for geologists, geographers, and biologists throughout the world. It is also a place of tremendous natural and historic interest; a place of beauty, peace, quiet or exciting adventure. The Colorado River within the GCNP is the longest stretch of recreational whitewater in the world and offers one of the most sought-after river trips in the United States as well. The desire of the American public to experience this unique area has dramatically increased over the last 20 years. In 1967, 2,100 people traveled the river through GCNP. By 1972, that number rose to 16,500. While exponential growth of visitors wishing to make recreational use of the river has had an impact on river resources, far more damaging have been the effects from the Glen Canyon Dam.

RtE's Position: The Colorado River is Being Mismanaged

The Colorado River is not being managed by the National Park Service ("NPS") in accordance with the Management Objectives, the terms of the current Management Plan itself, other federal statutory and regulatory requirements, or NPS Guidance documents. The current data warrants the consideration of substantial modifications to the way that the Colorado River is currently managed. In 2002, and again in 2004, we recommended that the NPS and U.S. Department of the Interior should, in reviewing the current Colorado River Management Plan ("CRMP"), consider altering management of the Colorado River so as to implement policies and corrective actions that remedy the problems that protect against further impairment to park resources and values. This position is based on a wealth of data indicating that the current CRMP adversely impacts endangered species and wildlife, diminishes visitors' experiences, and results in inequitable access to the river. These adverse impacts are due in part to: (1) the way water flow is regulated at the Glen Canyon Dam; (2) allowing the use of motorized river transport; and (3) a disparate system favoring those who can afford to pay commercial river trip guides over individuals and other non-commercial interests.

NPS mandates, as set by U.S. law, NPS guidance documents, and NPS management policy that directs NPS decisions and activity, support our position that natural flows need to be restored to the Colorado River and that motorized river transport needs to be eliminated, in order to stop any further impairment to both the Colorado River and Grand Canyon National Park.

Recent Developments: The 2005 Management Plan
Just this past month, the NPS issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the CRMP. The recent draft EIS does not adequately address our concerns, ignores the deleterious impact of the Glen Canyon Dam on species and biota in and along the river, continues to allow for motorized transport through the canyon, maintains access discrimination against private boaters in favor of commercial interests and recommends changes that actually increases the number of people who may travel the river, thereby increasing the damage to the environment.

Next Step: RtE's Challenge

RtE is currently in discussions with potential partner organizations like River Runners for Wilderness, evaluating the prospects of forming a pro-wilderness coalition to challenge the NPS's deficient plan. With the aid of veteran environmental litigator and RtE Advisory Board Member, Bob Lippman, RtE is in the process of approaching attorneys to represent RtE and other groups in a formal lawsuit against the NPS. If pursued, this will be RtE's first formal, legal challenge and a big step towards our goal of becoming a full-fledged environmental advocacy group, capable of bringing matters to litigation, if necessary. Look for more details in the December issues of Rock the Earth Notes or check our website frequently for the latest news.


Roadless Rule Reminder

As we detailed in the October edition of Rock the Earth Notes, RtE is joining partners such as the American Lands Alliance in a coordinated effort to petition the Department of Agriculture to restore the Roadless Rule to ensure the protection of our remaining national forests. Join us by writing a letter to voice your concerns over the attempted rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. To add your name to RtE's list of concerned citizens urging for the restoration of the rule, go here.

For more information about the Roadless Rule, see the RtE Website.



RtE