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Grand Canyon National Park releases proposed rule to update regulations governing Colorado River

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - A proposed rule to update regulations associated with the management of the Colorado River and adjoining lands administered by the National Park Service within Grand Canyon National Park was published in the Federal Register today. The proposed rule would update 36 Code of Federal Register, section 7.4(b), thereby, implementing Grand Canyon

National Park's recently completed Colorado River Management Plan.

Currently, 36 Code of Federal Regulation, section 7.4(b), regulates the use of the Colorado River and adjoining lands from Lee's Ferry (River Mile 0) to Diamond Creek (approximately River Mile 226). The proposed rule would apply to the entire Colorado River and adjoining lands within Grand Canyon National Park, including the reach of the river downstream from Diamond Creek to the boundary between the park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area (approximately River Mile 277).

The proposed rule would clarify that all commercial and noncommercial river trips using any part of the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park must obtain authorization from the National Park Service in the form of a permit, contract or other written agreement. It would also update visitor use restrictions and camping closures and would delete unnecessary provisions in the current regulation as called for in the Colorado River Management Plan.

A copy of the Federal Register notice and the proposed rule language is available by visiting

www.regulations.gov, at www.federalregister.gov, or by contacting the park. The Environmental Impact Statement for the Colorado River Management Plan is available by visiting http://www.nps.gov/archive/grca/crmp/index.htm or by contacting the park.

The National Park Service will be accepting public comment on the proposed rule for a period of 60 days, ending on Sept. 10. Comments must include a reference to this proposed rule's Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1024-AD50 and can be submitted in one of two ways: (1) electronically by visiting www.regulations.gov and following the instructions for submitting comments; or (2) by mail addressed to: Mike Archer, Chief Ranger, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.

For further information please contact Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, Grand Canyon National Park at (928) 638-7779.


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