1. A. The purpose of these regulations is to regulate use and development in the scenic corridor where the use and development would affect the primitive qualities and characteristics of the wild river segment of the Youghiogheny River.
2. B. The Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland General Assembly are aware that recreational use of the Youghiogheny River has increased considerably in the last several years and that commercial whitewater outfitters are relied upon to provide safe and enjoyable trips on the Youghiogheny. It is in the interest of the State to regulate commercial whitewater rafting pursuant to the State's authority to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens, and to protect its natural resources.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§8-402(b), 8-409(b)(1)(ii), 8-409(b)(3), and 5-209(a), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: April 3, 1989 (16:6 Md. R. 727)

Regulation .03F adopted as an emergency provision effective April 6, 1989 (16:8 Md. R. 904) (Emergency provisions are temporary and not printed in COMAR)

Regulations .02—.06 amended as an emergency provision effective March 9, 1990 (17:7 Md. R. 843); adopted permanently effective June 25, 1990 (17:12 Md. R. 1493)

Regulations .02—.06 amended effective April 29, 1991 (18:8 Md. R. 864)

Regulation .03A amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1707)

Regulation .04A, C amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1707)

Regulation .05A, B amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1707)

Regulation .06B amended effective June 7, 2004 (31:11 Md. R. 856)

Regulation .07 amended effective November 8, 1993 (20:22 Md. R. 1707)