City Urges Community to Protect the Yampa River

The City of Steamboat Springs, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and members of the fishing community are requesting the communities along the Yampa River follow the recommendation of the Yampa River Management Plan when tubing the Yampa River.

The Yampa River Management Plan (Plan) which was created by a Citizen’s Advisory Committee and adopted by City Council in 2004, established management objectives for the Yampa River. An important goal identified in the planning process was to manage the Yampa River resources for public use while protecting the natural values of the river.

It is recommended that the upper stretch of the Yampa River maintain a low level of recreational impact due to the high degree of naturalness and the high quality of wildlife that resides in the area. In order to achieve these results, the group requests that all private tubers put in the Yampa River at or below Fetcher Park and not go past the Stockbridge Multi Modal Center. There is ample parking available at Howelsen Park to begin the downtown float. All commercial operators are required to put in at or below the 5th Street Bridge.

Additionally, the following rules apply to all river users:
• No Glass Allowed
• No Littering
• No Styrofoam Coolers
• Respect Other River Users
• Respect Private Property
• No Dogs Allowed
• No Nudity
• No Alcohol
• Avoid Standing and Walking on the Riverbed

The Yampa River is a wonderful amenity. Let’s enjoy it and preserve it for future generations.

For more information, please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife (871-2855) or Craig Robinson, City of Steamboat Springs (879-4300).