An analysis of the motor-row conversion issue of Colorado River float trips.

Abstract

River float trips on the Colorado River through Marble and Grand Canyons increased dramatically within the last ten years such that the National Park Service has determined to reduce numbers of river trip participants and require all motorized trips to convert to oar-powered trips by 1977. These policies have become major management concerns that are identified as the "motor-row issue." This study examines the "motor-row issue" which consists of four major subissues: (1) limitation of use, (2) perception of a wilderness experience, (3) user agreement with conversion, and (4) user preference for type of trip. Data were collected with self-administered questionnaires distributed at one pre-trip and four post-trip sites. Results of the study indicate there is not a definitive position of the user population regarding conversion. For example, a strong majority of respondents perceive a wilderness experience, agree that numbers of people should be limited, and are highly satisfied; users are divided in their agreement with conversion policies and preference for type of trip. These results will yield definitive conclusions regarding conversion when the National Park Service defines the "desired" populations of participants through management goals and objectives.