I'm not sure, or maybe I'm drawing a mind blank after the
rescue today (since I'm still sitting here in wet boots),
either way Tom, I'm slightly confused on your language in
reference to concessionaires interferring with other
visitors. Let me see if I can clear a little air on
concessions and licensing which was brought up by another
author.
Concession copanies have been in the parks long before the
parks were established. We all recognize Grand Canyon had
numerous private operators conducting tours, building
toll trails, and selling the Canyon before 1919.
Concessions legislation dates to the 1930's. The
legislation provided certain protection for the companies.
Historically this assisted businesses through the
depression, war years, and economic slumps. In the 1980 /
1990's paradigms changed. Yosemite's situation was
highlighted by Secretary Lujan resulting in the sale of the
complete company (infrastructure and all) to the National
Park Foundation for 64 mil. In 1993, a new contract was
issued to a company which assumed the 64 mil debt over a 15
year contract with no possessary interest. A similar
situation occurred in Yellowstone when the NPS removed a
concessionaire.
The park service invites concession companies to operate
within areas because we feel there is a need, not just
public demand, but actual need for such services. With
river concessions, we believe there is a real benefit to the
general public (I won't enter the debate on costs) who
cannot row their own boats down the river to having the
experience.
Concessions operations, as a rule, are not allowed to limit
/ restrict the general public from enjoying areas within the
parks. In other words, the West Rim is closed to private
vehicles during the summer. Fred Harvey is allowed to
conduct tours, but does not have exclusive rights to the
area which also allows foot travel and government supplied
shuttle buses. The same applies in other areas such as
Yosemites Mariposa Grove. There are certain areas which may
only be accessed through the use of concession guides
(several caves and historical sites.) Even the annual Grand
Canyon Christmas dance has to hold several tickets for the
general public.
If you are implying the outfitters are limiting private use
of the river, I'd say the NPS did so based upon our best
information at the time. I'd also say we'll have to make
that tough decision again this time since there is an
overwhelming demand for use of a limited resource. We're
seeing some good ideas out there and reading all of them
(especially since I'm looking for the extra alternative.)
Along the same line, companies only run reservations for two
years for several reasons - not related to demand. The
whole demand question is a complicated one which we need to
define on both sides - I'm not sure the fact we have a
waiting list with 6,800 names means that is the actual
demand. If there was no waiting list at all and we said we
will issue permits Febraury 1 for a April 1 launch date,
would I have 6,800 applicants? One of the benefits of this
list has been the ability to plan a trip (and place your
childrens names on it.)
One person asked about licensing, old concession contracts
had a set franchise fee to the treasury, 15 - 30 year
contract lifes, and "preferential" rights (they were given
the opportunity to outbid any higher bidder.) New contracts
are significantly different. Current river contracts are
for 7 years. A franchise fee is paid to the treasury and an
additional fee to the Colorado River Fund (which in future
contracts will hopefully continue but under a different set
of rules). At least one year before the contracts expire,
the NPS will release a prospectus of requirements to
interested companies. Bids will be accepted from anyone
meeting the minimum and selection made on the best bids.
The current cycle is designed so the CRMP revision will be
completed just prior to the release of the next prospectus.
While river companies are different than companies with
hotels, etc., we should recognize there is a significant
investment by the companies. I doubt anyone out there
would like the government deciding whether or not their
income means was going to exist. There are family members
who run some companies, and some have passed to next
generations.
Patrick
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