. The money will go toward river education campaigns, signage and cleanups.
The second measure from the city provides the city’s three commercial river operators — Backdoor Sports, Bucking Rainbow Outfitters and One Stop Ski Shop — the opportunity to flex their daily allotments. In previous years, each business was allowed a certain number of tube allotments per day, but in 2021 the businesses are given a certain number of monthly allotments that can be used whenever they’d like.
Emalee Erickson uses a stand-up paddleboard on the Yampa River on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Shelby Reardon)
Impact to businesses
While he fully supports the added $5 fee, Peter Van De Carr, owner of Backdoor Sports, said he is deeply concerned about the allotment rule as he believes it will lead to a larger number of tubes on the river all at once, potentially leading to more issues.