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Wave Sport presents Steward of the Year Award to Barry Adams
posted September 24, 2007
American Whitewater and Wave Sport presented the Steward of the Year Award to Barry Adams of
Pittsburgh, PA at the 2007 American Whitewater Gauley Festival in Summersville, WV this past
weekend. Adams is the second recipient of the annual river stewardship achievement award that
recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to river access, conservation, and/or
safety on behalf of American Whitewater. Along with the recognition Adams was awarded a Wave Sport
boat of his choice.
Barry has been instrumental in organizing the annual Over the Falls Race and Festival in Ohiopyle, PA. He is also working closely with Ohiopyle State Park to open the Falls to private boater access.
For an update on this years event and a great Flash video view the Pittsburgh Trib.
During the past year Barry led American Whitewater efforts to increase paddling access to Ohiopyle Falls. After several meetings with key people at Ohiopyle State Park and the Pennsylvania DCNR there is some progress. Unfortunately, nothing is happening fast.
American Whitewater initially proposed that the Falls be opened up outright. After this was rejected, Barry and the The Ohiopyle Falls Access Committee (Barry Tuscano, Charlie Walbridge, John Lichter and Kevin Colburn) created a pilot program, which would open the Falls on days and times designated by new park management. This proposal was then taken to upper-level state park management in Harrisburg, where several questions arose. American Whitewater emphasized the importance of leaving the decision to run the Falls to the individual paddler.
Although the DCNR rejected the proposal, they did offer additional days when boaters could run the Falls under a Special Activities Agreement. Running waterfalls of similar height and difficulty is a mainstream activity for 21st century whitewater paddlers. Even after thousands of runs, the perception among decision makers remains that Ohiopyle Falls may pose some additional risk. While the current plan to increase access is very cautious, it is the only option on the table. The Ohiopyle Falls Access Committee is working closely with the State park to have a new access plan in place for 2008.
American Whitewater would like the thank Wave Sport Kayaks for their support of AW's river stewardship volunteers.
Barry has been instrumental in organizing the annual Over the Falls Race and Festival in Ohiopyle, PA. He is also working closely with Ohiopyle State Park to open the Falls to private boater access.
For an update on this years event and a great Flash video view the Pittsburgh Trib.
During the past year Barry led American Whitewater efforts to increase paddling access to Ohiopyle Falls. After several meetings with key people at Ohiopyle State Park and the Pennsylvania DCNR there is some progress. Unfortunately, nothing is happening fast.
American Whitewater initially proposed that the Falls be opened up outright. After this was rejected, Barry and the The Ohiopyle Falls Access Committee (Barry Tuscano, Charlie Walbridge, John Lichter and Kevin Colburn) created a pilot program, which would open the Falls on days and times designated by new park management. This proposal was then taken to upper-level state park management in Harrisburg, where several questions arose. American Whitewater emphasized the importance of leaving the decision to run the Falls to the individual paddler.
Although the DCNR rejected the proposal, they did offer additional days when boaters could run the Falls under a Special Activities Agreement. Running waterfalls of similar height and difficulty is a mainstream activity for 21st century whitewater paddlers. Even after thousands of runs, the perception among decision makers remains that Ohiopyle Falls may pose some additional risk. While the current plan to increase access is very cautious, it is the only option on the table. The Ohiopyle Falls Access Committee is working closely with the State park to have a new access plan in place for 2008.
American Whitewater would like the thank Wave Sport Kayaks for their support of AW's river stewardship volunteers.