Computer Simulation for Rafting Traffic on the Colorado River.pdfVIP

Computer Simulation for Rafting Traffic on the Colorado River, C. A. Roberts and H. R. Gimblett, Proc. 5th Conf. Research on Colorado Plateau, USGS, 2001, 19 – 30. Computer Simulation for Rafting Traffic on the Colorado River Catherine A. Roberts Associate Professor Department of Mathematics and Computer Science College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts, USA 01610 and Randy Gimblett Associate Professor School of Renewable Natural Resources The University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona, USA 85721 Page 1 of 22 Abstract A computer program called the Grand Canyon River Trip Simulator (GCRTSim) has been developed for use by managers at the Grand Canyon National Park. GCRTSim consists of a database and a simulator, as well as extensive analysis tools. The database will eventually contain approximately 500 trip diaries collected in 1998 and 1999 that report stops for activities and camping along the 226 mile Colorado River corridor within the purview of the National Park Service. The simulator provides users with the opportunity to set up prospective launch schedules for rafting trips and to simulate rafting seasons using these launch calendars. Both the trip diary database and the results of the simulations can be analyzed using extensive graphing tools. The analysis can provide insight into use levels that could impact both the recreational experiences and the treasured resources along the Colorado River corridor. Key Words Colorado River, Simulation, Grand Canyon National Park, Rafting, Management, Launch Schedule, Model Page 2 of 22 Introduction The 1989 Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP, 1989) governs the recreational rafting traffic on the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon National Park. This document sets limits on use and is the guiding document for Park man