Park Service Incompetence

[Earthquakesubs]

As in most circumstances, competition is a good thing and the government has a proven track record of poorly monitoring and spending funds. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have " nearly unlimited " financial backing and no real risk/loss, like the NPS. Contrary to the stress about the risk/loss as private companies would have to account for. I'm not saying to do away with the NPS, but there must be a better solution to how Lake Powell is taken care of. We can all agree that it is an absolutely beautiful place, with great fishing and water recreation, but there always feels as if it's sometimes treated with the bare minimum attention.

It also sounds a lot like Aramark may have been given the bid and extended through some controversial means. I would not be surprised if there was a little quid pro quo or under-the-table dealings going on.

What is the bid process?

 

[haydukelives]

Your comment is illogical. You say "The money is there...", based only on a single data point, namely slip fees you consider to be too high based on comps from marinas on a single lake located across the country, approximately 1/3 the size of Powell and one that is managed by different agencies. Furthermore, without knowing what Aramark pays Glen Canyon NRA and without knowing where that money goes (many park fees go to the agency and are not retained in the park), your conclusions are inherently flawed.

My original post contained corresponding facts from different sources. An overwhelming amount of information is available regarding how underfunded NPS is and the impact this has on our parks. Why not post something factual we all can chew on versus specious, off the cuff statements?

Alternative facts.

 

[Sunny]

"May 2, 1988", "Powell Marinas Technically up for Concession Bid"
"The National Park Service is inviting proposals to take over three marinas along Lake Powell but any would-be concessioners should know they're playing against a stacked deck." , "The deck stacking is due to the federal law concerning National Park Service contracts.", "Existing concessioners who have provided satisfactory service are provided a "right of preference" in the renewal of contracts by law,"

Aramark has had the contract at "Lake Powell, North" since 1988. And has been renewed everytime.

 

[Skip]

I received an interesting email on this subject and will try to get it all in here.
"Powell Marinas Technically up for Concession Bid"
The NPS is inviting proposals to take over three marinas along Lake Powell but any would be concessionaires should know they are playing against a stacked deck. The deck stacking is due to the federal law concerning National Park Service contracts. "Existing concessionaires who have provided satisfactory service are provided a "right of preference" in the renewal of contracts by law."Aramark has had the contract at Lake Powell since 1988. It has been renewed every time.

I can remember when they took over from Del Webb, it was great service before and after for a few years. Then with no competition it has gotten progressively worse. I fault the NPS, have you ever tried to get them to do anything? It is impossible!! They are so far removed that they have no worries about not doing their jobs. I have even heard arguments about making the parking better but the NPS won't even listen.
Bucking-Ho try to get some things done then see how you feel about fees, service, etc. I have been visiting Lake Powell almost 40 years and I can tell you from experience that the service has definitely gotten worse. Don't get me wrong there are some great guys at Bullfrog who are trying to do their best and I want to say thank you to Tony and part of his team.