Canoeing business fights permit denial after 28 years of service

In a recent government meeting, a representative from Sun Dog Athletics expressed deep concern over the denial of their canoeing permit by Pitkin County, marking the first time in 28 years that the company has faced such an issue. The organization, which has been a staple in the Aspen area, highlighted its commitment to stewardship and community service, noting their receipt of the Pitkin County CARES community service award for environmental efforts, including litter cleanup initiatives.

The representative detailed their extensive history of responsible operation, emphasizing that Sun Dog Athletics has never had any violations or issues with their canoeing program. They also mentioned their active participation in local environmental organizations and initiatives, including adopting Highway 82 for litter cleanup and organizing community trash events.

Despite these efforts, the new management plan for Northstar has led to a significant reduction in permitted guide services, limiting the number to just five. This decision has placed Sun Dog Athletics in a challenging position, as their application was ranked seventh, just two spots shy of receiving a permit. The representative criticized the new scoring system for not adequately considering factors such as uniqueness and stewardship.

In light of the permit denial and the lack of an appeal process, the representative proposed a compromise that would allow for limited guided canoeing, suggesting a cap of 30 guests per season. This proposal aims to balance the county's management goals with the community's desire for guided canoeing experiences. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between regulatory frameworks and local businesses dedicated to environmental stewardship and community engagement.