They are concerned about removing material from river. I was involved with a hiway restoration and part of the requirement was to remove all non native materials from the
river, including non-native rip rap, ballast, wood and steel. If the area is really that
sensitive, then even rafters should not be allowed in the area as the activity of hundreds
of tourists impacts the endangered species as well. Keep everyone out, leave the wrecked
railroad in place as is, and let nature take it's course. But lawyers won't get rich that way and the rafting groups won't get free press and likely, new boat launches as well.
((If the areas around the country are as sensitive as these groups say they are, they then
should be Human Free Zones -- nature only -- and nothing more. No select groups get playgrounds at others, including the enviroments, expense.))