As the river rafters in our community submit their lottery applications which are due today, January 31, the BLM is also seeking comments on the draft Desolation Canyon business plan. The draft business plan provides the American public with the opportunity to review how recreation fees will be used and submit comments on proposed fee changes. 

Desolation Canyon

The BLM Price Field Office manages the Desolation Canyon float trip that annually provides over 6,000 visitors with outstanding recreational opportunities on America’s public lands. About 1,500 visitors are passengers on commercial river trips, and 4,500 are private boaters. In addition to providing the whitewater float trip, Desolation Canyon offers a variety of amenities, including put-in and take-out boat ramps, parking facilities, camping and toilet facilities at both the put-in and take-out, trash removal, and canyon campsites.

The Draft Business Plan for the Desolation Canyon River Program proposes to increase Individual Special Recreation Permit fees for the Desolation Canyon Area. An Individual Special Recreation Permit for Desolation Canyon includes the use of all facilities in the special area. Fees for Desolation Canyon have not increased since 2008, however operational costs have risen substantially since then, to include: four river rangers for a longer season; and additional infrastructure maintenance. The proposed fee change is to raise the current $25 Desolation Canyon Special Area fee to $50 for the 2021 season. 

Comment Information

The BLM Price Field Office will accept comments through February 12, 2020. Submit comments for the Draft Business Plan for the Desolation Canyon River Program to Jaydon Mead at jmead@blm.gov (put “river business plan comment” in the subject line) or BLM River Business Plan Comment, 125 South 600 West, Price, UT 84501. Comments made to the BLM during a comment period are public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act requests.