Bureau of Land Management seeks public input on San Juan River plan

MONTICELLO — The Bureau of Land Management's Monticello field office is seeking public comment on the draft business plan for the San Juan River.

The plan proposes to increase river recreation fees to help cover operational costs, which have risen since the last time fees were raised in 2001. 

Current fee rates are $6 per person for river trips between Sand Island and Mexican Hat; $12 per person for river trips between Mexican Hat and Clay Hills; and $18 per person for river trips between Sand Island and Clay Hills.

The BLM is proposing to increase these rates to $10, $20 and $30, respectively; establish a $6 permit application fee for all private river launches; and modify the river's permit lottery season.

The Utah Recreation Resource Advisory Council also will review the proposed changes and public input and provide the BLM with recommendations on the proposal prior to any changes to the river recreation program. All proposed changes would begin in the 2014 river season.

A copy of the plan is on the Monticello field office website. The public is invited to provide written comments on the plan through Jan. 25. Written comments should be mailed to: Bureau of Land Management Monticello Field Office, Attn: Todd Parker, Outdoor Recreation Planner, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, UT 84535

Comments also may be submitted via email. The subject line should read “San Juan Business Plan” in email to BLM_UT_MT_Comments@blm.gov.