nitial allocation numbers were derived from 1972 use levels as illustrated by commercial and non-commercial groups. As interest increased, GCNP made adjustments attempting to meet the demand and avoid compromising resource preservation. Despite the negative impacts of Glen Canyon dam on the river corridor and ecosystem, Grand Canyon (GC) is much cleaner now than it was 15 years ago and enjoyed by a broad spectrum of the public.

   In 1981, the non-commercial public realized a 616% increase in user days and an additional 13% increase in 1988. In 1988, outfitters received a 29% increase for the segment of the public wanting commercial trips.

   Before any attempts are made to overhaul the allocation system, some questions deserve answers regarding the private permit system:

   1) GCNP River unit information indicates a 40+% cancellation factor for private launches in ‘94. If this is true, why does the list continue to grow at the apparent rate?

   2) A 40+% cancellation factor supports some privates going every year. Of these, how many occupy space on the waitlist (and continue to until their name is drawn)? They must know something others don’t. Why?

   3) Similarly, in that some people go every year, how many spaces do they displace from those who continue to wait because they don’t know their options? Some folks know how the system works. It works for them, extending the waiting time for all the others.

   Commercial and non-commercial folks go home and tell everybody they know how great their trips were, resulting in even more folks wanting to go. Non-commercial users and commercial passengers have the same recreational motivation, each valuing their choice of trip type.

   Probably, every GC outfitter feels they run ideal trips. Most commercial guides (busting their butt with a smile) feel they run ideal trips. Their passengers do. Funny how some folks feel compelled to define an “ideal trip” for those folks who just experienced one!

   Personally, I don’t see a problem with non-commercial folks going every year as long as this doesn’t inflate the waitlist and preclude other folks on the waitlist from going sooner rather than later.

   Time for a systems check!