RBC I The 2015 Colorado Parks and Wildlife River Outfitter license application is now available at cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Boating/RiverOutfitterApplication.pdf.
River recreationists come to Colorado from all over the country to pursue adventure on Colorado waters. The CPW, through licensing and regulation, ensures each enthusiast’s guide has completed the necessary coursework and has the appropriate skill and ability to lead others on river rafts or boating excursions.
“Licensed outfitters go out of their way to make the public as safe as possible,” says CPW Boating Safety Manager Kris Wahlers. “When you go on a raft trip next summer, please ask to see the outfitter’s Colorado river outfitter license.”
According to the Colorado River Outfitters Association, there were more than 450,000 paying river passengers in 2013, with an economic impact to the state of more than $145 million.
The River Outfitter Program (ROL) was established by the Colorado Legislature in 1984. This program gave responsibility to the Parks and Wildlife Commission for enacting rules and regulations necessary to ensure the safety of river-running activities by setting guide training and required safety and environmental equipment requirements.
Under the guidance of Article 32 of Title 33, Colorado Revised Statutes, all persons who provide river-running services such as guide services in Colorado are required to first obtain a river outfitter license from CPW.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, more than 300 state wildlife areas, all of Colorado’s wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreation. For more information go to cpw.state.co.us.