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Gunnison River Campsite Designation, Reservation System, and Commercial Allocation System

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    The Gunnison River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is a 3,746-acre unit within the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (D-E NCA) designated to be managed to provide opportunities for non-motorized float boating and camping. Between the boat put-in at Confluence Park in Delta and the takeout at the Whitewater Boat Ramp, there are approximately 39 miles of predominantly Class I waters, with some Class II features. The river winds through the scenic D-E NCA, making this float attractive for beginners and experienced boaters alike. The proposed action affects the entirety of the SRMA.

    Monitoring by BLM Rangers shows there are 12 unofficial locations which overnight boaters frequent, as indicated by campsite assessments. These assessments, conducted at twelve sites, evaluated spots of mineral soil frequented for camps for presence of trash, spur trails, noxious weeds, campfire impacts, associated tent pads, and general vegetation damage. This data, in conjunction with efforts by Bureau of Land Management rangers in the 2020 season to solicit feedback from visitors, has helped inform the proposed action.

    The proposed action is to designate 14 campsites along the approximately 30 mile stretch of river within the D-E NCA; implement a reservation system for those camp sites; and implement commercial allocation limits between May 1 and Labor Day weekend.