Recreation Management Resources

The following links provide an array of resources related to river recreation management.

River Access Planning Guide

River Access Planning Guide is a document that provides a step-by-step process to planning for river access with recreation users in mind. The planning guide intends to serve as a resource for planners, river managers, and users as they approach site selection and design to establish new river access or improve existing access. The thoughtful planning and design supported by the planning guide will support and benefit public resource agencies, river managers, and private entities responsible for providing waterway access. The development of the River Access Planning Guide is a result of partnership between numerous nonprofit organizations and agencies.Contributors include the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Forest Service, American Whitewater and River Management Society. 

Prepare to Launch! 

Prepare to Launch! is a resource designed to help facility and trail planners and park and recreation project leaders plan and build or update an access site tailored to the needs of canoeists, kayakers, tubers, stand-up paddlers, or small craft sailors. It guides a reader through the development process from conception to design creation, and provides a variety of launch construction options.

Better Boater Bathrooms 

As the popularity of river rafting skyrocketed decades ago, river managers realized that there was a tremendous need for systems to manage, transport and pack human waste out from the river, responsibly. RMS' predecessor, the American River Management Society, published Better Bathrooms for Boaters: a Sourcebook for River Managers to provide information about collection and disposal techniques and suggestions for communicating new regulatory requirements to river recreationists.  In addition, it reported on the results of a pilot project that measured the reported use of recommended human waste systems.

River Use Allocation

This page includes articles and books about allocating river use. River managers, river advocates, and outdoor industry outfitters and manufacturers encourage enjoyment of our nation's rivers.  When traffic increases, however, processes become necessary so the experience is fun, inspiring and safe for both the resource itself and those who enjoy it. 

Additional Resources about River Recreation Management

• Water Trails Management