March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely,

Thomas Wolfe 59 Rogers Ct Golden, CO 80401-6515 3821 Adamy St. Columbus, NE 68601-2986 Mark Mueller Erik Bailey 1333 York St Denver, CO 80206-2214 5050 Pierre St Unit A Boulder, CO 80304-4444 Chris Baer Kathleen Henry Vagabond Rd Buena Vista, CO 81211 95 S Lake Rd Rock Hill, NY 12775-7010 Joel Wenblad Philip Schreiber 303 COUNTY ROAD 520 Fraser, CO 80442 1950 King Ave Boulder, CO 80302-8043 Andy Farquhar Jamie Knight 905 F St Salida Co Denver, CO 80201 3341 Yukon Ct Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-6132 Cole Moore Jeff Walters 940 Quinn St Boulder, CO 80303-2132 1255 Olive St Denver, CO 80220-2938 Katie MacKnight Matthew Mckenzie PO Box 1039 Leadville, CO 80461-1039 400 Palmer Loop Eagle, CO 81631 Andrew Althage Beth Mckenzie 32305 Meadow Ridge Ln Pine, CO 80470-9536 400 Palmer Loop Eagle, CO 81631 Michael Bannister Josh Parker 132 Pike St Golden, CO 80401-5538 59 Rogers Ct Golden, CO 80401-6515 Paul MacNaughton Anne Parker 852 Mariposa St Denver, CO 80204-4315 Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

Paul Donovan Suzannah Mikol 2503 Tremont Pl Denver, CO 80205-3139 1245 Josephine St Denver, CO 80206-3161

Claire Carren Emma Donharl 1524 W Oak St Fort Collins, CO 80521-2349 457 Animas View Dr Unit 6 Durango, CO 81301-9001 Cindy Fornstrom 3141 S Clarkson St Englewood, CO 80113-2805 Brandon Adsit 7119 Russell Ct Arvada, CO 80007-7681 Matthew Booth 310 Mcconnell Dr Lyons, CO 80540-3805 Kurt Randall 225 Girard St Durango, CO 81303-7938 Max Ryan 1109 11th St Golden, CO 80401-1107 David Farkas 230 Pinon Rd Durango, CO 81303-7629 Whitney Montgomery 37 Warwick Rd Asheville, NC 28803-2445 Malcolm Auld 1917 Wallenberg Dr Fort Collins, CO 80526- Harris Montgomery 1967 37 Warwick Rd Asheville, NC 28803-2445 Ben Milner Greg Yearsley PO Box 2138 Fraser, CO 80442-2138 3320 Zuni St Denver, CO 80211-3358

Andrew Grigsby 622 Teocalli Rd Crested Butte, CO 81224-9759 Chason Russell 144 Woody Creek Plz Woody Creek, CO Lisa Bigler 81656-8573 228 NW 11th St Corvallis, OR 97330-6006

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches. I would like more information about how camping permits managed through recreation.gov would impact camping at Pumphouse that are currently managed through self service station at the site.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Nathan Werner 1902 E 11th St Stq Loveland, CO 80537-3236

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed! March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Good morning Mr. Dittlinger, as an avid river runner of nearly 21 years that resides along the Colorado river in Fruita, Colorado, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan.

I agree with the BLM's preferred alternative, "Alternative C." I think the day use permits being unlimited and self-issued are a good idea. I disagree with the 1/4 mile camping prohibition from the Colorado river in Gore Canyon. Camping should be unrestricted in Gore canyon because camping use there is very light and in general, as an experienced private rafter, it is not a place most river runners are lining up to want to spend the night in vs. the day trip option in place. This is likely due to the difficulty of class V rapids in an isolated canyon, and the logistical challenges of packing overnight gear through the run, without an upset that has the potential of losing vital camping gear in the process.

As for below Gore Canyon, I've always felt that camping below Gore and above the State Bridge, should be on a reservation system. This is primarily because of some unethical "camp grabbing" by some unscrupulous individuals that goes on unchecked. However, if camping is going to be permitted on this section of the Colorado river, I firmly and strongly believe that the river camping reservation system should be conducted through a live, human staffed phone line, like the system in place downstream at the BLM's Westwater Canyon (UT) permit system-and not the recreation.gov site. The problem with recreation.gov is the site is not a good system to book river camping permits with because of the near lack of actual human staffing and oversight. My experience is that there are some people who book the river camping permits online through recreation.gov and then simply don't show up at the launch and also typically fail to cancel their reservation at recreation.gov. This is already a common problem on the Colorado river downstream at the BLM's Ruby-Horsethief (CO) permit system. An example of this I've seen, several times, is for the popular Black Rocks camps in Ruby Canyon, respectively # 1-8, that were found online to be mostly all booked, only to get on the river the same day (or early the next day) to find no one camping at any of them. Having to call a real person on the telephone, in a real BLM river office has a way of garnering the public's respect for the river camping permit process, and their role in honoring their obligations in it to timely cancel permits they don't use.

I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self-issuing permit system would be enacted.

Mr. Dittlinger I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process. It has been a pleasure to share my comments with you, thanks for your time.

Sincerely, Charles Szasz 1014 E Grand Ave Fruita, CO 81521-3109

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

I do not agree with there being any regulation in gore canyon. The section is the most pristine on the entire Colorado River. Users of Gore Canyon are experienced river runners who understand proper river etiquette.

I 100% agree that from Pumphouse down river needs regulations. It has become increasingly crowded resulting in a strong degradation of the river corridor.

Hikers should not be allowed at the Radium Warm Springs. They leave broken glass, beer cans, human waste, and ruin the experience for users of the river who all pay to be there.

Sincerely, Tony Glassman 1121 Mesa Dr Eagle, CO 81631

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

Camping along Pumphouse should be day-of/before permitting on a first-come first-serve basis, with Groovers/Wag Bags being mandatory required equipment. Planning trips on this stretch through Rec.gov could result in no on river camping opportunities for those of us that want to make a last minute decision or those of us who have not been fortunate enough to get a lottery permit. My family camps on the Upper C at least 5 times a year and flexibility allows us continue boating as a family as all of our work schedules allow. Perhaps a blend of Rec.gov and in-person permits would work. Most importantly we need to hold people accountable for their campsite and boat launch etiquette.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Chris Cremer PO Box 1183 Silverthorne, CO 80498-1183

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan.

The first time I ran the Upper Colorado was in the mid 1980's. I really appreciate the ability to spontaneously do a trip on this section of the river. As such, I do not support the restrictions on camping between Pumphouse and State Bridge. I have used the river every year during the past 3 summers (July/August) and have not had any issues finding a camping spot along the river. Although I understand that boaters who show up late in the day may have problems finding an available site. As such, I prefer the plan to not change regulations on the Upper Colorado.

If a permit system is going to be implemented, I think it would be good to limit the time window before permits can be obtained online (e.g. - camping permits become available 2 weeks before a launch date). We usually decide to run the river within a week or two before we actually go. Limiting the window would minimize "just in case" camping permit holders who may not release a permit until it is too late for effective use by other parties. For example, "just in case" users might obtain a permit months in advance, only to release it when it is too late for others to plan a spontaneous trip. If camping is going to be permitted, Option C with this window modification might work well.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Jeff Jarriel 2635 Edenderry Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3868

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

I have been running the pumphouse section for many years, and I applaud your process to address the impacts imposed by increasing usage. I have done numerous day runs in rafts and kayaks, and also have done a few overnight trips as "self-support" in kayaks without rafts.

Permitting all river users and switching to day use permits is a good idea. For the time being, I also support not limiting the number of boats that can launch. I really don't want this stretch to become another lottery process.

I generally support your preferred alternative C, with a couple of modifications. I support expanding the pumphouse campground to accommodate RV camping, but suggest making the RV sites more primitive, meaning don't supply water and electric service. I believe that with the additional amenities, you will be attracting new, large RV campers to the location. This may result in making reservations even tougher to get. Lets support more camping, but aim it at roughly current usage patterns.

Second, I support limiting on-river camping to designated sites, but there is no reason to push for "more primitive" . Leave the picnic tables and established firepits. When we kayak self-support, we appreciate the tables and pits. Carrying small inadequate substitutes just to meet regulations is not the best option. I also understand the need for toilet systems. Perhaps adding some wag-bag stations at put-ins would encourage all users, especially day users, to be more responsible.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Brian Parsons 5566 Dunraven Ln Golden, CO 80403-2062

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Bu virtue of its difficulty, fewer users are camping in this portion of the canyon. Because of this, those users who are camping in the Gore area tend to be better educated environmental stewards.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Jesse Selwyn 2939 W Erika Ct Grand Junction, CO 81504-6964

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

I am a Durango, Colorado native and professional river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self-issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Orion Chapman 405 E 4th Ave Durango, CO 81301-5610

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

I recognize that high and growing usage of this river corridor requires an increase in oversight and regulation.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Jim Edwards 3583 Nyland Way Lafayette, CO 80026-8946

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

As an avid river runner, I am writing to comment on the preliminary environmental assessment of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Area Management Plan. I am concerned about how the new day use permit system would be administered and I respectfully request further information about how the self- issuing permit system would be enacted. I do not support the restrictions on dispersed camping specifically in Gore Canyon (RMZ 2). Gore Canyon has not seen the crowding, sanitation, and environmental degradation from dispersed camping as in downstream reaches.

While I support camping reservations on the Upper Colorado stretch, I think it should be structured similar to Westwater Canyon and Ruby/Horsethief, without a lottery.

I appreciate your office’s dedication to protecting the high value outdoor recreation along the Upper Colorado River and I support the efforts to mitigate impacts that are negatively affecting the river corridor and protecting the great recreation experience that currently exists. I also support the use of user data collected by a new permit system to be used for future monitoring of the river.

Thank you for considering my comments during your recreation management plan process.

Sincerely, Josh King 3838 Fredericks Ct Boulder, CO 80301-6005

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!

March 23, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Attn: Shane Dittlinger P.O. Box 68 Kremmling, CO 80459 Sent via email: [email protected]

RE: Upper Colorado River Wild & Scenic Recreational Floatboating Interest Group Comments on Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0028-EA

Dear Mr. Dittlinger,

I like option C.... it needs to happen to protect that river corridor

Sincerely, Jeremiah Hughes Dillon, CO 80435

Rivers need to be Protected, Restored, and Enjoyed!