Comment on FR Doc # E9-16482

September 10, 2009 Mike Archer Chief Ranger Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86002 Re: RIN #1024-AD50 Dear Mr. Archer, As a non-profit educational and environmental organization, Grand Canyon River Guides was created in 1988 to provide river guides with a collective voice in the protection of their work place and the preservation of the Colorado River experience. GCRG has been heavily involved with the Colorado River Management Plan in all of its phases. Consequently, we would like to take this opportunity to comment on the changes to 36 Code of Federal Regulations, section 7.4(b) as follows: 1) Extending the proposed rule to encompass the entire Colorado River from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead National Recreation Area is an important step towards keeping excessive and uncontrolled use in check while improving protection of the resource. 2) Requiring all commercial and private river trips below Diamond Creek to obtain a permit, including trips operated by or for the Hualapai Tribe, is necessary to properly regulate this section of the river. 3) Clarification of rules, operational conditions for all river trips, closures, etc… is critical for safety and for the protection of park resources. 4) We are pleased to see that the “swimming” issue has been adequately clarified. 5) We ask that Grand Canyon National Park continue respectful government-to-government relations with the various tribes whose lands border the park in order to successfully address tribal concerns and needs. As the Colorado River Management Plan moves forward in its implementation phase, Grand Canyon River Guides is fully invested in its success for the life of the plan. From our perspective, the clarification of these rules puts into action important portions of the Final EIS necessary to achieve the park’s mission. Sincerely, Lynn Hamilton Executive Director AND The Officers and Board of Directors Grand Canyon River Guides Inc.