WSP10443

• File Number: 8281.200
• Description: Colorado River Studies and Investigations -- Colorado River Management Plan
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 12/1/1981
• Author: National Park Serv
• Title: Colorado River Management Plan and Annual Operating Requirements -- Grand Canyon
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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In 1973, the National Park Service (N PS) initi ated a
research program and planning process leading to the
development of the Colorado River Management Plan in
1979. One major feature of this 1979 plan was the
phasing out of motorized craft over a five year period.

Congressional input on this plan was received in 1980
when the Hatch Amendment was passed as an element of
the 1981 Department of the Interior Appropriations 8ill.
The amendment prohibited a reduction of user days or
passenger launches for commercial motorized craft below
1978 levels during the summer season.

8ased on passage of this amendment, the N PS responded
with a decision to modify the Colorado River M anage-
ment Plan to allow a diversity of river running
experiences in Grand Canyon National Park. While SOme
reevaluation of management goals has taken place, the
preservation of the Grand Canyon of the ColoradoRiver
for future generations remains a primary objective of the
plan.

Public comments received during the four public
meetings and through over 600 pieces of correspondence
reflected a diverse interest. The prepondera nce of these
comments favored some combination of oars and motors
while voicing an interest to have a period for oar only
use.

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