River Use Requirements: On all stretches of the Dolores the BLM requests that you follow proper river etiquette.  Here are some requirements and expectations. At the launch, the group or permittee must have the following:

• Private groups between Bradfield Bridge and Gypsum Valley Bridge are limited to 25 people/group
• Private groups launching at Slickrock or Gypsum Valley Bridge are limited to 16 people/group through the Wilderness study Area
• Do not camp near archaeological sites to protect resources
• a first aid kit adequate for the size of the group and type(s) of activities, and sufficient for treating serious injuries
• a repair kit or kits with adequate materials to repair the types of boats used on the trip,
• an air pump or pumps adequate to inflate boats after repairs,
• a washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet system that allows for the carry-out and disposal of solid human body waste in a responsible and lawful manner; the toilet system must be adequate for the size of the group and length of the trip.
• a durable metal fire pan at least 12 inches wide with at least a 1.5 inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain fire and remains even if stoves are to be used for cooking
• a fire blanket for use under the fire pan is recommended to facilitate total ash removal
• a strainer for dishwater
• a “scrim” material is recommended for use as “kitchen” flooring
• properly-sized (whitewater type I, III, or V) life jackets in serviceable condition for each member of the group
• each raft, dory, or canoe must have: an extra oar, paddle, or motor capable of maneuvering the vessel, and a bail bucket or bilge pump (does not apply to self-bailing boats).
• parties using low capacity vessels (kayaks and inflatable kayaks) must carry one spare paddle for every three vessels
• each boat 16 feet or longer must have a type IV throwable device or a commercially made rescue rope with at least 40 feet of line
• dogs must be kept under control at all times and all dog waste must be carried out of the river area

Western rivers, no matter what the regulatory authority is, need our utmost effort to help in their preservation. We also need to boat safely. The following are additional safety and leave no trace expectations.

• Carry out all human (and dog) waste using an approved toilet system.
• Urinate only in the river or in your designated pee bucket by the toilet, which then gets dumped in the river
• Pack it in and then pack it out by carrying out all charcoal, fire ash, and garbage.
• Keep side canyon streams, springs, and pools pristine and free of soap and other contaminants.
• Make campfires only in fire pans. Bring your own firewood and limit wood gathering to driftwood found along river banks and beaches.
• Carry whistles on your life jackets. The sound of a whistle will carry over the sound of a rapid better than your shouts. Have your group agree to emergency signals before you launch.
• Bring a spare PFD for every boat bigger than an inflatable kayak (IK). If all you have are IK’s, bring an extra PFD for every 5 people on your trip.
• Bring a Type IV throw-cushion and/or 40-foot throw-rope.
• Bring a satellite phone, In-Reach, or SPOT device for emergency use and know how to use it responsibly. Many man-hours are wasted and the safety of rescuers is endangered every year through inadvertent or unthinking calls for assistance. Don’t be that person.
• Note the public land boundaries shown in this guide and respect private property.