THE ADOPT-A-BEACH PROGRAM

The Adopt-a-Beach (AAB) program has completed its eighth year as a study that monitors camping beaches in Grand Canyon. This program, sponsored by Grand Canyon River Guides, Inc., is implemented by a 100% volunteer force of river guides, scientists, and NPS personnel. Results are submitted to various agencies such as the Cultural Resources Program of the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC). Results are also presented to the Adaptive Management Program so that private and commercial recreational interests are represented as stakeholders in Colorado River management as reported to the Secretary of the Interior.

Increased erosion to beaches in the post-dam era and guides' concerns for better resource management led to this volunteer monitoring effort. During a commercial river season, guides document a sample set of about 40 beaches by using 35-mm, disposable cameras. Photographs are taken from designated locations overlooking their adopted beach and a data sheet is filled out every time the guides go down river. Results are analyzed by a qualified scientist, and conclusions are presented to pertinent resource managers and the public.

An EXAMPLE of a selected beach.

presented to pertinent resource managers and the public.

How We Can Make a Difference

Big beautiful beaches that support a wide variety of native species are part of the unique camping experience in Grand Canyon. Sediment-laden flood flows build and maintain beaches, prevent over-population of non-native plants and keep on-going erosion in check. The lack of such flows in the post-dam era have encouraged beaches to dwindle in number and size while hosting rampant growth of non-native plants.
Through the AAB program, the guides become stewards of the Colorado River corridor and can show hard evidence of changes to beaches over time. If beaches are continually wasting away, we lose a valuable resource and GCRC makes a lot of noise to resource managers.

We Need Help!

Whether you are a commerical guide or a participant who is interested in preservation of Grand Canyon, you can help. We ALWAYS need guides to adopt a beach for a river season. Other folks can donate to Grand Canyon River Guides and specify where their donation should go.

Need More Info?

2000-2001 Executive Summary
2002 Executive Summary