I agree with the no reservations,
The reservation system in Calif has ruined camping, you have to fight on line 6 months in advance, it's stupid
But I don't mind paying a small fee, $16 an't all that bad, as long as it stays first come first serve, no reservations
The state wants money, you might want to offer up alternatives
Small fee, no reservations
If the state has already commercialized the whole river, you are fighting a losing battle to keep it free, offering and supporting an alternative might be your best chance
Good luck I hope you win