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<br />~- ') <br /> <br />3) SIGNS: While signs are only as.good as the people who decide to obey them, they can go a long <br />way towards helping to educate the private boater who is trying to cooperate. Designating specific <br />loading and unloading areas, parking and no parking areas, and other "rules of the road" should <br />help to reduce unnecessary congestion. <br /> <br />4) DESIGN: If areas for specific activities are designated, it would behoove us to design these areas <br />keeping in mind the following concerns.. <br />(1) Establishing a "first in", "first out" flow might be desirable. <br />(2) Alternatively, we could design a system where larger groups could get "organized" out <br />of the way of the ramp, and allow smaller groups to come in and quickly launch. <br />Congestion often occurs when one group (and it is usually unintentional) jumps in front <br />of another group to try and launch. <br />(3) Perhaps a specific area could be designated where private boaters could drop their gear <br />and have the extra time to get organized while out of the way of the flow of traffic. <br />This would be particularly helpful on weekends when private use is at its highest <br />Historically, all of the commercial companies have worked together very well, and they have <br />worked aggressively to minimize their impacts on the private boaters. To the best of our <br />knowledge there are no significant conflicts among current users. <br /> <br />~ <br />) <br /> <br />5) CONGESTION: Despite our efforts, there will still be times when the Wink Jaffe "put in" <br />becomes congested -- much like the Aspen Gondola lift line on a good powder day. Fortunately, <br />our busy season on the Roaring Fork is relatively short (3 to 4 weeks) and usually over before the <br />bulk of the summer season arrives in mid-July. The number of connnercial rafters using the area is <br />still moderate compared to other popular rivers in the State~ Commercial use in the area is non- <br />conswnptive and renewable. Whitewater rafting is a major tourist attraction in Aspen, and it is <br />inevitable that some congestion will occasionally occur. <br /> <br />6) SAFETY: Whitewater rafting is an outdoor sport with inherent risks. At higher water levels the <br />Roaring Fork clearly presents some challenges, Because of these challenges we must make sure <br />that our customers are adequately prepared for their trip, given proper paddling instructions, <br />outfitted in appropriate coldwater river gear, and familiarized with safety procedures to follow <br />while on the river~ This process takes time and there is no better place for guests to go through this <br />familiarization procedure than right at the put in. One of our concerns is that any effort to <br />streamline our "put in" procedures at the ramp should not compromise our ability to assure a safe <br />trip. Again, to the best of our knowledge, there are no significant conflicts between users, either <br />commercial or private~ We respect each others use of the facilities and we work very well together <br />.-.- even on those congested days. The extra time we might take to launch on a busy day is used to <br />give passengers additional paddling instructions, and additional information that will enhance the <br />safety of their trip. The bottom line is that we would rather see some congestion rather than a rush <br />to get people out of the way and onto the river. <br /> <br />In conclusion, we appreciate your cooperation" We look fonvard to working with your staff in an <br />effort to make our use of Stein Park, Wink Jaffe Park and Wingo Junction as efficient and as low <br />impact as is possible. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br />