Navigating river trips

Commercial and private boaters, who battle over Colorado River access, joined to recommend changes last week to the National Park Service’s plan for rafting the Grand Canyon.

The Park Service had proposed a “gateway system” in which boaters would register online for trips, and then be directed to commercial outfitters or a waiting list for private parties. Officials would monitor registrations and divvy up tough-to-get permits based on them.

Instead, four boating groups suggested dividing permits equally between private and commercial users. They also advocated allowing commercial groups to continue using outboard motors and replacing the lottery with a reservation system. A final plan could be unveiled this fall.

-- Ashley Powers