Front Page News

PPL Montana will reopen the road that provides access to its Madison Dam and public recreation areas immediately downstream in the Bear Trap Canyon for the Labor Day weekend. The road was closed after equipment atop the west side of the dam was damaged by a falling boulder from the wall of Bear Trap Canyon early Monday (8/30)

This September 17th, spend a day paddling with Girls at Play on the Lower Gauley and raise money for AW! It only costs $40 and that includes lunch and shuttle. All proceeds go to AW. The trip leaders and safety boaters will include accomplished paddler and women's Green Race record holder, Adriene Levknecht, Girls at Play ambassador, Mary Frances Hansford and more!

The Obama Administration is wrapping up the initial phase of their America's Great Outdoors Initiative. We would like to thank all the paddlers who attended listening sessions. We encourage paddlers to check out the AGO comment website and vote for AW's comments.

The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is taking public comment on its Proposed Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Little Snake Field Office which administers 1.3 million acres of the Yampa River basin. The plan addresses major issues facing our public lands and waters, and determined that 3 segments of the Yampa River are suitable for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

American Whitewater is proud to announce the two Affiliate Club recipients of the 2010 Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign: The Greater Baltimore Canoe Club and the University of Idaho Recreational Student Organization! Each club will receive a $1,250 grant to go towards their respective projects.

There are only 3 weeks left to participate in American Whitewater's Flow Study for the Dolores River. This is the last call to help American Whitewater propose new reservoir operations and negotiate enhanced instream flows below McPhee Reservoir.

The rangers and staff of the Gauley River National Recreation Area outline access for the 2010 season in an open letter to boaters.

American Whitewater would like to recognize the Ohiopyle Access Committee as our September Volunteer of the Month. Over the last decade, the Ohiopyle Access Committee represented the interests of boaters to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks resulting in a limited boater access policy now being tested at Ohiopyle Falls.

The International Whitewater Hall of Fame recognizes long time AW volunteer and former Executive Director, Risa Shimoda, as a 2010 inductee.

The September/October issue of AW Journal features Wilderness Whitewater. Current members, read the Journal now! Not a current member? Renew or Join today!

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks has implemented a pilot program to provide limited private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls through September 12, 2010. As a pilot program there are some limitations on access and important guidelines for use.

Each year, American Whitewater and its staff of just 8 puts on the world's biggest whitewater festival, and AW's biggest fundraiser, the American Whitewater Gauley Fest! However, we couldn't do it without out the help of over 250(!) volunteers each year. Please take a few seconds and sign up to volunteer via our simple, online form. Thanks!

FERC has released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the McCloud /Pit Hydroelectric Project in Northern California. In this document FERC staff provides their "preferred alternative" which gives more weight to angling than to recreational boating. Find out what you can do to change FERC's mind.

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers Philadelphia District has updated the Francis E. Walter Dam water release schedule for the remainder of the 2010 recreation season. The current level of water storage will not allow the Corps to complete whitewater releases after Aug. 29; however if additional storage is accumulated, the Corps will add releases.

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: $25
• Friday and Saturday: $20
• Saturday only: $15

• Friday 8 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area
• Saturday 2 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area

Over the past few months Gresham Municipal Utilities has been gearing up to relicense their hydroelectric projects on the Red River. As paddlers know operation of the Weed Dam impacts flows on the Red River. American Whitewater can provide technical assistance on the project but we are seeking a local volunteer or group of volunteers willing to invest some time in this process over the next few years.

The Army Corps of Engineers has just released a Draft Environmental Assessment to rebuild the Minto Fish Collection Facility on the North Santiam River. Most boaters know this facility as the place with the hazardous low head dam between Niagara County Park and Packsaddle County Park on the river. The project to rebuild the facility, which would keep the existing dam in place, would result in a two year closure of the river from Niagara to Packsaddle. The current proposal is to build a portage trail that would accommodate kayaks. It is unclear if this would accommodate rafts. Those who use this river are encouraged to provide public comment.

After two decades of working on Ohiopyle Falls access, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks contacted American Whitewater today with official notification granting additional boater access to Ohiopyle Falls starting August 22, 2010.

American Whitewater is collecting input from paddlers on this week-end's North Fork South Platte releases.

The first of it's kind release into Bailey and Foxton canyons will be evaluated for the quality of boating these additional flows provide.

Please join AW for the First Annual Bailey Festival, and participate in the flow study.

The 20th annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held September 24, 25, and 26, 2010. The Festival will coincide with the Rock Creek/Tobin scheduled releases on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, 2010. The fund-raiser event for American Whitewater is hosted by local paddling club, the Chico Paddleheads. The benefit event will be held at "Indian Jim School" campground located two miles upstream from the small town of Tobin and one mile upstream from Tobin Vista. Free camping and ample parking is available. Bring the whole family to enjoy, celebrate, and support the work American Whitewater has done to ensure regular, recreational whitewater releases on this amazing, classic California river!!

On August 2^nd Friendsville Town Council discussed problems with whitewater access. Too many paddlers are taking out on Water Street (river left) and Morris Avenue (river right). These are quiet residential areas not suitable as public takeouts. Some boaters are cutting through private property without permission, others are simply being rude and insensitive. Please remember that we are guests of the town. Town Council supported the extended release schedule and deserve our respect! Please do not get out above the Wilderness Voyageurs Access. You can park on Maple Avenue or use the town park a mile downstream. Do not park or take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge unless you own property or have a personal invitation from a landowner. Never park, drink, or change clothes in front of a home if you don't know the owner. Respect the town, and remind your friends to act responsibly.

On July 26, 2010, the US Forest Service decided not to allow long term logging access on the trail through Blackwater Canyon. This decision follows nearly a decade of analysis and public debate, and will protect the ability of hikers, skiers, and bikers to enjoy the historic railroad grade that winds through the scenic Blackwater Canyon.

American Whitewater is pleased to release a short video celebrating our successful restoration of boatable flows to West Rosebud Creek downstream of the Mystic Lake Hydroelectric Project. The video is also intended to raise awareness of a new proposal to dam and divert West Rosebud Creek immediately below the existing hydropower facility.

The contest closes August 11th, so get us your best stories and photos ASAP!

Colorado's Governor has created a Task Force charged with establishing a framework for landowners and boaters to efficiently and fairly resolve disputes over the use of rivers as they arise. The Task Force will NOT decide whether there is a "right to float" in Colorado.

Act today to secure historic funding for river and trail access! This week congress will consider fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund through offshore drilling revenues. This fund is the best resource available for purchasing new river access and conservation easements, and has been underfunded in the past. Please Act Today.

The National Park Service is working on the Wild and Scenic River Management Plans for both the Merced and Tuolumne rivers. American Whitewater recently had the opportunity to meet with the Park service and provide input into this planning process. Many rivers in the Park have been closed for decades, this meeting represents a huge step towards a future boating access in Yosemite National Park.

American Whitewater is excited to announce a conservation initiative for watersheds and rivers of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. We have joined with a coalition of groups to realize shared conservation goals for the rivers and watersheds of the Olympic Peninsula. These wild rivers give us clear water, world-class recreation and unmatched opportunities for solitude and inspiration. They bring jobs and economic benefits to local communities and provide critical habitat for salmon, steelhead and a variety of other wildlife species. Through Wild and Scenic designation, Wilderness designation, and additions to Olympic National Park we will ensure the free-flowing character, water quality, and recreational benefits these rivers provide for generations to come.

Efforts by the Ausable Chasm Company to discourage legal public enjoyment of the Ausable River through intimidation have not thus far resulted in the State of New York filing any trespassing charges against paddlers. The State generally supports recreational use of its navigable rivers like the Ausable. Paddlers wanting to paddle the river are encouraged to read this article before their trip and make their own decision on whether or not to paddle.

Each year, AW takes a look back at the previous year and distills the organization's projects, supporters and financial information - plus much more - into one document, our Annual Report. The 2009 American Whitewater Annual Report is now available for your perusal and enjoyment.

Active AW projects in the southeast have been highlighted in a new video release by Mike McKay of Five2Nine Productions. Check out footage of Dillsboro Dam removal and interviews with key AW volunteers.

Come see American Whitewater at this year's Potomac Fest, July 10 and 11 in Great Falls, MD/VA! Just minutes from the Nation's Capital, the 20th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival will be two days of fun events organized to delight beginners, experts and spectators alike.

The Obama Administration and the federal land management agencies are asking for your help as part of the new "America's Great Outdoors" Initiative. As such, the Administration is hosting a series of listening sessions around the country. American Whitewater, and our partner organizations in the Outdoor Alliance are encouraging outdoor recreationists to attend these sessions and share your experiences.

American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 8th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this program is provided by Clif Bar. AW Affiliate Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects that promote river stewardship, conservation, access, and/or safety education on our nation's rivers.

Last weekend marked a major success for the paddling community: federally mandated river access at the power company lands at the put in for the Ausable Chasm. Unfortunately, in a surprize move the Ausable Chasm Company, which owns the land in the river corridor, had police onsite to write trespassing tickets for several paddlers.American Whitewater is seeking legal assistance regarding this matter. If you are an attorney in the State of New York and are interested in this issue, please promptly contact kevin@americanwhitewater.org.

Just a reminder to paddlers: Clean and dry your boats and gear between rivers. This simple action will help prevent the spread of invasive non-native mussels and keep our rivers healthy.

New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), under an order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), plans to open New York's Ausable Chasm to paddlers on Friday, June 18th, 2010. American Whitewater would like to thank our volunteer Jared Hogle for all his assistance on this project. In addition, it is likely that more paddlers sent FERC comments on this issue than on any other FERC project in the Country. Congratulations to all of you, and we wish you many great runs on the Ausable!

The USFS announced today that they will further delay reaching a new decision on how to manage recreation on the Upper Chattooga. A 2009 decision was withdrawn shortly after its release, and the agency stated a new decision would be released early in the spring of 2010.

The Upper Yough release season brings hundreds of paddlers to the small town of Friendsville, MD on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. The crowded takeout at the Wilderness Voyageurs store and the parking area along Maple Street has been irritating nearby residents for years. Please remember that we are guests of the Town when using this access. Certain activities are offensive to town residents, including 1) Changing clothes in public view, especially between cars and the guard rail. 2) Blocking road traffic with boats or bodies. Please don't walk or place boats in the roadway, even for a short time! 3) Consuming alcoholic beverages in public. There will be an increased police presence in 2010 and citations will be issued to offenders.

Protect access by showing respect for local residents. Be discrete and courteous, and remind your friends to do the same.

Gauley Fest is coming up September 17th - 19th and it's time for vendors to send in their registration forms.

Obama administration officials hosted the White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors Friday, April 16. The conference is an attempt to reshape U.S. conservation policy at a time when the nation is facing new environmental threats and American Whitewater was there to represent the interests of whitewater paddlers.

As paddlers, we have the opportunity to help in creating a long-term vision and plan for the wilderness and backcountry of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado.

The landscapes under consideration include the Inner Canyon of the Gunnison River which contains some of the best backcountry whitewater in the West. We have until May 12th to comment.

Administration officials announced that they will host a White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors on Friday, April 16, and American Whitewater has received an invitation to attend.

The removal of Dillsboro Dam is complete. Work to restore and stabilize the river banks will continue over the next few months.

After several years of international diplomacy, last month the Governor of Montana and the Premier of British Columbia signed an agreement permanently halting proposed mining and petroleum extraction in the Canadian portion of the North Fork of the Flathead River's watershed. Last week Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester introduced legislation that would offer the same protections for the watershed on our side of the border. Together, the recent actions of Montana and British Columbia will protect one of our Nation's last best rivers.

Last week American Whitewater sent a letter to the Utah legislature opposing HB 141, a bad stream access bill that is currently under consideration by the Rules Committee. We are hopeful that the Executive Appropriations Committee will chose not to fund this bill because it is a waste of money in economically tight times. Calls from paddlers to the Executive Appropriations Committee highlighting the potential impacts of this bill would be useful in educating Committee members.

This month, American Whitewater is pleased to recognize the outstanding volunteer contributions of Patrick Tooley, Ken Ransford, and Jay Kenney.

Patrick, Ken, and Jay have served as AW's expert advisors on River Access in Colorado, and have helped develop AW's analysis and position on Colorado's House Bill 1188, which seeks to clarify the Right of Navigation in Colorado. We would like to recognize them for their countless hours working on our Colorado River Access project and we are grateful for their continued efforts in Colorado over the last two decades.

American Whitewater has been working for three years to get improved flows on the McCloud River, quite possibly the best class III/ IV wilderness run in California. In order for this to become a reality we need your support!

Olympic gold medalist Joe Jacobi recently featured the Atlanta Whitewater Club's clean up of the Ocoee River in his "Gold to Green TV" video series. The featured clean up was assisted by a 2008 Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Grant provided through American Whitewater.

If you have the day off, can get the day off, have a furlough day or can even call in sick we need boaters at the October 13th EBMUD Board of Directors Meeting where they will vote to certify the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for their Water Supply Management Plan 2040.

CANCELLED--September 5, 6, 7 Bear River Study Flow

Based on recent scouting trips on the Bear River below Drum Power House, AW, PG&E and NID have agreed that the boating flow study of the Drum Power House and Dutch Flat Power House reaches on the Bear River is to be postponed until 2010. Based on recent scouting trips, the reaches have a level of difficulty and a level of potential hazard that will require better information regarding the reach, and a more controlled study than the "opportunistic" study that we had planned.

Over the past several months American Whitewater has been participating in mediated settlement negotiations regarding the fate of two dams that are part of the Sullivan Creek hydroproject, which has not generated power in over half a century. The negotiation team is exploring opportunities for enchancing the management of Sullivan Lake in a manner that benefits both recreation and the environment, and is considering options including removal for Millpond Dam.

Prevent the transport of nuisance species. Clean all recreational equipment.

There is a new invasive species in California. The zebra and quagga mussels, originally from Ukraine, landed in the Great Lakes in the 1980s and have spread steadily throughout the Midwest and Mississippi River.

We ask that paddlers familiar with Idaho's Black Canyon of the Bear River fill out a short one-page online survey. The survey will help us understand paddler's preferences for flow volumes and scheduling. American Whitewater strives to represent the interests of the paddlers that are out on the water, and surveys are a big help.