Re: Conviction for Operating a Commercial Business in Zion National Park

Conviction for Operating a Commercial Business in Zion National Park
Date: January 18, 2013
Contact: Ray O’Neil, 435 772-7823

On December 4th, 2012, Steven Sieren was fined for engaging in a business operation in Zion National Park without a permit. Mr. Sieren paid a $500 fine for illegal guiding in the park and may be denied a Commercial Use Authorization in the future.

After receiving a tip from an outside source about a potential permit violation, Mr. Sieren was contacted by law enforcement rangers as he was attempted to obtain a permit for a trip into the popular canyon route "The Subway". Mr. Sieren initially denied the report that he was operating in a commercial capacity and insisted that he was traveling with friends. He later admitted to investigating rangers that he was operating an advertised commercial photography workshop in the park and was planning on leading one into the wilderness.

Commercial guiding and other business operations in wilderness are prohibited by federal law. 90% of Zion National Park is managed as wilderness. Certain commercial activities are permitted in areas of the park that are not designated as wilderness, but all commercial activities require a Commercial Use Authorization from Zion National Park. Information about Commercial Use Authorizations can be found on the Zion National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/permits.htm.

Wow, you can't even get a permit for such activities in wilderness???

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hotrod4x5
Wow, you can't even get a permit for such activities in wilderness???

Of course not - the wilderness is regulated after all. Overnight stays in most of Zion's backcountry, as well as climbing and canyoneering routes, are by permit only. And some of the more popular areas/routes are by lottery only. Commercial outfitters are banned, in part, to prevent them from competing with the average Park visitor trying to do the Narrows or Mystery, etc. Why should someone have to pay an outfitter to see certain areas when they are in a National Park or be shut out from getting a permit because some guide already sucked them up.

In 2009 I was on a day trip to Glen Aulin HSC when I passed somebody doing some sort of overnight photographic documentary accompanied by a rider and two stock animals from the stables. Should I presume that individual had a similar Commercial Use Permit for Yosemite?