. 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.