A plan to offer motor-assisted float trips on the Clearwater River has been shelved for this season because of the controversy created, says Scott Streadwick, owner of Liquid Lifestyles.
"We're going to voluntarily withdraw," he said. "We'll hold off for one season and then review it with BC Parks in the fall. We want to be seen as good corporate citizens."
Several people forwarded emails to the Times on Monday that said Liquid Lifestyles was applying to BC Parks for a permit to operate jet-boat tours on the Clearwater. They feared the proposal was the "thin edge of the wedge" that would lead to more motorized access to Wells Gray Park.
In fact, his company already has an amendment to its permit, but it wouldn't be used for jet-boating, Streadwick said.
The amendment, which was arranged after consultation with BC Parks last fall, would allow them to attach a "kicker" outboard motor to their regular river rafts.
Presently one of the trips Liquid Lifestyles offers is from where the Clearwater River Road ends at the Mahood River downstream to the Saber-Tooth Rapids, Streadwick explained.
This is a float trip and involves no whitewater.
It is quite popular but is not a full-day excursion, which is what they would like to offer.
The plan had been to add a kicker motor to their rafts to extend the trip upstream on the Clearwater from the Mahood several kilometers to the downstream end of Gatling Gorge, which is near the confluence with Murtle River.
Visitors would get off the rafts and hike to look at the gorge, which is quite spectacular. The trips likely would have been offered during late August and September, so people would see salmon jumping up the rapids.
After looking at the sights the visitors would get on the rafts again and float down the Clearwater past the Mahood to the top of the Sabretooth Rapids - making a full day trip.