Big Orange Boat to take case to BLM
Vendor says she was singled out from other businesses

One way or another, the owners of the Big Orange Boat say they will be out on Lake Havasu next summer.

“I’d say it’s definitely more than likely right now,” Big Orange Boat co-owner Tricia Chrzanowski said. “Because it’s a legal issue that (the Bureau of Land Management) has no right to allow or not allow.”

Tricia Chrzanowski, her husband and co-owner Steve, are set to argue on Nov. 20 two BLM tickets issued earlier this year. Tricia Chrzanowski said she was singled out and feels the BLM has no right to prevent her from operating her floating restaurant on the lake. The tickets were issued as a violation of using BLM water to promote and operate a business, Chrzanowski said.

“I think it could escalate to include every business here in Havasu if that’s what they’re trying to enforce,” she said. “This could get ugly, but I’m up for the fight. I’m not one of the good old boys.”

The BLM, in coordination with the city, removed all shoreline vendors from Rotary Park and London Bridge beaches in July. The two parties are currently in negotiations to possibly allow two vendors back to the beaches, but both determined the BLM has exclusive jurisdiction over the water below 450 feet. The Big Orange Boat, during operation, sits out in the middle of the lake and therefore is not the city’s responsibility, according to BLM officials.

BLM Assistant Manager for Recreation and Visitors Services Mike Henderson said he could not comment about the current court litigation process but could comment on BLM’s policy.

“Any activity that is commercial, competitive, organized or vending, dealing with public lands or related waters requires a permit,” he said. “Anything dealing with below the 450-line from the lake bottom is still federal lands and involves us and the Bureau of Reclamation. Anything above that and it could be city, tribal, other property.”

Chrzanowski added that she had been operating the business for about 15 years on the water and never been asked to file for a permit until this summer.

BLM Lake Havasu Field Manager Ramone McCoy explained the issue was the result of limited resources and funding.

“The whole issue came up because the city asked us to get involved with the vendor issue and that’s when we became aware of the other businesses.”

McCoy also said she was aware the Big Orange Boat owners inquired about a Special Recreation Permit but had not filed one.

“The first thing anyone would have to do is come in with an application but we have not seen one from them yet,” McCoy said. “After seeing an application we take it and analyze the potential impacts of the activities. The process is required by the National Environmental Policy Act and we have to follow guidelines under that law.”

Chrzanowski said she does not plan to file an SRP.

“No one else is being required to fill out one,” Chrzanowski said. “Well, if I need one, then everyone needs one. If I’m different then I need answers and no one will give me answers right now. I believe this is a civil case about discrimination more than anything else. I want answers and proof of the answers.”

You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com