EPA chief honors local rafting company

Aboard a commercial Colorado River raft with Hoover Dam as a backdrop, Environmental Agency administrator Mike Leavitt traveled to the depths of Black Canyon Oct. 26 to bestow honors on Forever Resorts for its positive environmental efforts.

The former three-term Utah governor, whose father grew up in the Virgin Valley town of Bunkerville, was greeted by nearly two dozen invitees of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area concessionaire, who were treated to a picture-perfect day on the Colorado River.

"I spent my youth fishing Lake Mead," said Leavitt, who joined the Bush administration nearly a year ago. "So this is not a place new to me at all."

Leavitt awarded special commendations to Ron Deeb, general manager of Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures, and Tom Burnside, general manager of the Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina, for their achievements associated with the EPA Performance Track program.

The "voluntary partnership" program "recognizes and regards private and public facilities that demonstrate strong environmental performance beyond current requirements," according to the EPA.

Leavitt explained that by acting environmentally friendly and being a good corporate citizen, Forever Resorts and the 343 other members who've joined the NEPT, allow the agency time, effort and resources to go after the serious polluter.

"Good corporate citizens are those who will exceed our expectations," Leavitt said, "and in doing so, allow the EPA to concentrate on enforcement and compliance activities with those that haven't. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures and Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina are making substantial contributions by exceeding our expectations."

Leavitt lauded the company for its commitment to reduce solid waste by 1.9 million tons annually through recycling.

"We will stay pro-active with our environmental efforts," Deeb said, taking a familiar pose on the raft with Hoover Dam poised behind him. "Our vision will be as clear as the Colorado River."

Burnside sounded a similar note.

"With us, it's simple, simple awareness," said the manager of the concession 46 miles downstream from the put in point below the dam. "Awareness training is met with more enthusiasm by our employees than anything we do."

The rafting company, taken over by Forever Resorts in February 2002, has been a concessionaire with the National Park Service for almost 25 years and has 40 employees, according Black Canyon/Willow Beach's Kathleen Wood.


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