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    <title>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</title>
    <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/list/send/33/</link>
    <description><![CDATA[River conservation topics]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:21:52 -0400</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:21:52 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: Bluegrass Sierra Club Film Festival 10/9/08</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,9008,9021/#msg-9021</link>
      <author>pwsisk0</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I got another notice in my email for a film festival hosted by Phillip Gall's at the Ky in Nov.  Alpinist.

Man, it would be cool to get a monthly outdoor type gig going on in town.  Wonder what these folks are getting the Ky. rented for?  I can't imagine PG's wanting to spend that much for a Thurs. night showing, but maybe I'm wrong.

B

Phillip Gall's To Host The Alpinist Film Festival!
To Be Held At The Kentucky Theater 11.13.2008, party starts at 8 p.m. &amp; films start at 9 p.m.
Join us for an evening of steep stone, wild water, and deep snow with three award-winning adventure films from the 2008 Silver Screen Session's Alpinist Film Festival! Phillip Gall's will be hosting the event on behalf of the Alpinist Film Festival at the Kentucky Theater in Lexington, Kentucky. The party starts at 8 p.m. and the films will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets will be sold at Phillip Gall's for $12. You may also purchase tickets at Rocktoberfest at the Phillip Gall's tent or at the Kentucky Theater on the night of the event. For more information  please visit www.alpinist.com.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,9008,9021/#msg-9021</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:21:52 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bluegrass Sierra Club Film Festival 10/9/08</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,9008,9008/#msg-9008</link>
      <author>eakirkwood</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I have copied an email I received from the Bluegrass Sierra Club regarding the film festival they are sponsoring,

Please come to the Kentucky Theater in downtown Lexington Kentucky Thursday night Oct 9 for the Bluegrass Sierra Clubs Mountain Film Fest - 

5 films on mountaintop removal and coal mining - only $5

This event is a benefit for the Sierra Club.

Lineup:

5:30 &quot;Mountaintop Removal&quot; - (2007, Dir Mike O Connell, Haw River Films, 74 mins) Award-winning film about the struggle for Marsh Fork Elementary School in West Virginia - Vice President Al Gore watched it at the Nashville Film Festival and said afterwards &quot;mountaintop removal is a crime and should be treated as a crime.&quot; It won the Reel Current Award at the Nashville Film Festival.

7:00 &quot;Coal Power&quot; (Dir. Phylis Geller) A short excerpt from the upcoming film &quot;Coal Power,&quot; which explores what is happening in Appalachia with coal mining and mountaintop removal - the film features local activists, coal miners, politicians and coal company executives. 

7:15 &quot;The Appalachians&quot; (Hour 2) 

8:30 &quot;Renewal&quot; This short film focuses on the faith community's response to mountaintop removal.

8:50 Appalshop's &quot;The Electricity Fairy&quot; A work in progress documenting the fight against a proposed Dominion coal-fired power plant in Wise County, VA.

9:30 &quot;Burning the Future - Coal in America&quot; (74 mins - Dir. David Novack)Great new documentary film about mountaintop removal. Check out the trailer, it is powerful:

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=kQPYKD4WGew]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,9008,9008/#msg-9008</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:47:13 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: AW’s latest plea to take action on several topics . . .</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8998,9001/#msg-9001</link>
      <author>wirednut14er</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks Ledgeman!  Several of these topics are in Colorado, but PLEASE voice your opinion as if you were my next door neighbor.  Besides, much of these affected areas are in the national forest that belong to the taxpayers of the USA, right?  The big downer is that this message isn't getting out to the majority of colorado boaters because most have no affiliation with AW at all.  It's a real shame, but maybe a NPFF road show in coordination with a playboating comp down at the Glenwood Springs playpark along with a rep from AW.  Strength in numbers folks!

Dustin]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8998,9001/#msg-9001</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:54:52 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AW’s latest plea to take action on several topics . . .</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8998,8998/#msg-8998</link>
      <author>leachman</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Scroll down to view the topics:

http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6115727c67057b7110&amp;m=fef515767d6300&amp;ls=fdf01178766502757315717d&amp;l=fe9515787160047871&amp;s=fdf315747d64037a7614757c&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe2f15757467077a721475

Ledgeman]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8998,8998/#msg-8998</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:35:24 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Press Release: Heartwood, WELC, CBF, SC, Sequoia Forest Keeper, Earth Island and Public Citizen at the Supreme Court</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8994,8994/#msg-8994</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[For Immediate Release, September 29, 2008
            

Contacts:

Matt Kenna, Western Environmental Law Center, kenna@westernlaw.org  (970) 385-6941  

            Jim Bensman, Heartwood, jbensman1@charter.net (618) 463-0714

            Marc Fink, Center for Biological Diversity, mfink@biologicaldiversity.org  (218) 525-3884

 

 

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Public's Ability to Participate in National Forest Decisions and Challenge Unlawful Regulations

 

WASHINGTON D.C. — A case that started out as an important challenge to the Bush administration's weakening of the public's ability to provide input on national forest decisions has become a far-reaching case to be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on October 8th.

 

The case began when conservation groups successfully challenged federal regulations issued in 2003 that eliminated the public's ability to comment on and appeal Forest Service actions such as timber sales, oil and gas development and off-road motorized vehicle use. The agency then asked the Supreme Court to review the case to clarify whether citizens can challenge government rules and have those rules retracted, if found to be illegal; or whether the agency can continue using rules after found to be unlawful, except when a member of the public with an attorney brings suit.

 

&quot;The government knows that the public interest community's resources are limited, and that would allow unlawful government action — whether it's a timber sale or deprivation of personal rights — to go unchecked in most instances,&quot; says Matt Kenna, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center.  Mr. Kenna will be presenting the case to the Supreme Court on behalf of Heartwood, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Sequoia Forest Keeper and Earth Island Institute, along with attorney Scott Nelson of Public Citizen. The case is called Summers v. Earth Island Institute.

 

Business, academic, and local governments and communities have filed amicus briefs siding with conservation groups. The timber and building industries have filed amicus briefs siding with the government, asserting that business should be permitted to challenge government rules and public-interest groups should not.  &quot;Obviously, that is a nonsensical and self-serving position,&quot; said Jim Bensman of Heartwood.  

 

&quot;This case is primarily about whether or not the public has a right to be involved in the most important decisions that affect our public lands,&quot; stated Jim Bensman. &quot;The number one priority for the Bush administration has been to reduce public accountability, and this has been especially true when it comes to logging on our national forests.&quot;

 

This is the same case in which the Forest Service tried to create a backlash against an earlier ruling by claiming it required delays for such activities as harvesting nuts, issuing outfitter permits and even cutting the Capitol Christmas Tree. As noted in a 2005 Washington Post editorial, after the judge made clear that the Forest Service was again acting illegally, this case &quot;should lead to more questions about the real motives of the agency that allegedly protects the nation's forests.&quot;

 

&quot;This case is the latest attempt by the Bush administration to limit public involvement and close the courthouse door to those harmed by bad Forest Service decisions,&quot; said Marc Fink, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.

 

###

 

Heartwood is a regional nonprofit conservation organization and cooperative network of grassroots groups, individuals and local businesses working to protect and sustain healthy forests and vital human communities in the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern United States. 

www.Heartwood.org


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-- 
&quot;Through a direct relationship with the Earth, self-reliance becomes the basis for health, peace, justice and freedom.&quot;  - Thomas Banyacya]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8994,8994/#msg-8994</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:48:37 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>River Sweep Poster Contest for Grades K-12</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8850,8850/#msg-8850</link>
      <author>barry</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Students in grades K-12 are invited to design a poster for the 20th annual River Sweep 2009.  Fifteen prizes will be awarded and the grand prize is a $500 savings bond!  Students living in or attending schools in counties bordering the Ohio River are eligible to enter.  The River Sweep will be held Saturday, June 20, 2009 and is a one-day cleanup project for the Ohio River and its tributaries.  The deadline for the Poster Contest is December 15, 2008.  Visit ORSANCO at www.orsanco.org for more information about the River Sweep and the contest.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8850,8850/#msg-8850</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:15:59 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Wild Rivers/Public Lands Bill</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8701/#msg-8701</link>
      <author>desertrat</author>
      <description><![CDATA[That was my baby, one of my favorite projects.  I lived on a ranch outside of Rifle for a summer, and led a lot of hikes to the falls for groups, local citizens and media.  Nice escape from the desert in the summer...wildlife and trout thrive up there.  The flyover was cool!
The amount of media for that area has been impressive, but the decision is made from DC.  Not very balanced.

http://www.saveroanplateau.org/]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8701/#msg-8701</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:28:47 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Wild Rivers/Public Lands Bill</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8697/#msg-8697</link>
      <author>wirednut14er</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Roan Plateau will look like swiss cheese in another year.  Over a thousand new wells will be drilled over the next decade.  That is the primary drilling location opposed by everyone except the ones that work for the energy corps.  There are a couple wilderness quality areas that have streams with genetically pure cut throat trout, at least until the silt and runoff chemicals kill them off.  It's sad, the voting public seems to be unheard on these issues.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8697/#msg-8697</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:47:39 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Wild Rivers/Public Lands Bill</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8695/#msg-8695</link>
      <author>desertrat</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks Dustin.  The battle rages on...I worked on these and almost every other public land issue out there, mostly BLM stuff, and we (the conservation community and local citizens) did a decent job of getting sensitive parcels denied and keeping industry out of roadless but just holding the line was a victory...the term 'balance' doesnt exist for industry or the top down BLM.  There is room for everyone!

The area around Paonia will be a battle, good people working on it.  I dont expect much intrusion, but the locals gotta make some noise and be heard.  I miss being on the front lines of this stuff sometimes.

And then there is the Roan Plateau.......

Glad yer followin the fight.  kudos.  keep updating...

Brandon]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8695/#msg-8695</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:56:11 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Wild Rivers/Public Lands Bill</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8688/#msg-8688</link>
      <author>wirednut14er</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Something in my (and desertrat's) western slope area is on the boards too for the &quot;roadless rules&quot;.  Essentially, Bush is pushing legislation to overturn Clinton's roadless act protecting wilderness quality national forest lands across the country.  Here in Colorado, the White River National Forest is under the gun for proposed &quot;long term temporary roads&quot; that would include 67k acres.  These roads would give exclusive access to natural gas rigs that would be on a 30 year rotation.  Also, outside of Paonia there is another 29k acres that is slated for coal extraction.  This is very crucial for these wilderness areas to stay that way for this amendment to the roadless act to be stopped.  Already this summer, against Governer Bill Ritter's will, Colorado had to put up thousands of habitat sensitive areas for auction to the gas and oil corporations, bringing in the largest sum of royalties to colorado EVER.  There were stipulations put in by Ritter to halt production during migration seasons (fall) to protect the deer and elk populations, but this week the big energy corps got they're way and have full access to these platforms.

Go Clean Energy (in 10 years or less)!!!]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8688/#msg-8688</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:14:57 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wild Rivers/Public Lands Bill</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8687/#msg-8687</link>
      <author>desertrat</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Its an Omnibus Bill to designate more Wilderness, expanded interim protection for areas already set aside, and other goodies........yeah for public lands.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article_view_articleid_30175_display_full_]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8687,8687/#msg-8687</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:55:01 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Gauley Fest AW Beta</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8509,8529/#msg-8529</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[More from AW about Gauley fest.
Brent

AW Gauley River Festival ~ September 19th - 21st ~ Summersville, WV



This year marks the 25th anniversary of Gauley Fest. Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted whitewater flows on the Gauley, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest river festival in the world, posting attendance numbers of over 5,000 people in 2007.

This year's festival will feature live entertainment, a whitewater marketplace, lots of on river activities, and a silent auction where you can pick up some awesome outdoor gear. The Gauley River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater and is our largest fundraising event.  All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater's conservation and access work throughout the Southeast. Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting competitions, live entertainment, and the infamous silent auction. Check out highlights of this year's event at Gauley River Festival.


 Thursday, September 18, 2008

Festival Campground Opens  
Friday, September 19, 2008

Gauley River Release
Volunteer Recognition Dinner: American Whitewater volunteers are welcome to join American Whitewater staff and board members for a thank you dinner.  Volunteers will be treated to dinner in the festival site dining hall.
Music from the Halftime String Band: As the sun starts to set the music starts to crank at Gauley Festival.  Join us on Friday night for some classic blue grass music and dancing from the Halftime String Band.
Film Premier: film TBD
Music from the Halftime String: Enjoy more great blue grass music and dancing into the night! 
Saturday, September 20th

Saturday is the busiest day of Gauley Festival with all sorts of activities including:

AW Membership Drive: Join or renew your AW membership at Gauley Festival and get hooked up with a sweet bag full of goodies from American Whitewater's partners.  Every member will be entered in a raffle to win one of two new kayaks.
Boat Raffle: A brand new boat or the brand new boat of your choice? You can't lose! Make sure you don't miss out on the boats being raffled and auctioned off this year. You will receive a raffle ticket for joining AW or renewing your membership for a chance to win one of the two boats we are raffling for the membership drive. You will also have the opportunity to bid on several boats in the &quot;silent auction&quot;. Get in on the action. . .don't miss Gauley Fest and your chance for one of these great boats:
o                Dagger - boat of choice

o                Jackson - boat of choice

o                Liquid Logic - boat of choice 

o                Pyranha - boat of choice 

o                Riot - Thunder

o                Wavesport - boat of choice

Silent Auction: The Gauley Festival silent auction is your opportunity to pick up some great whitewater and outdoor gear for a great deal.  All the proceeds from the silent auction benefit American Whitewater's river stewardship work. 
Music:  Gauley Festival is as much about music as it is about boating. You can find details about the bands on the Gauley Festival events page. This year we have a great line up of music that includes: 
o                Halftime String Band 

o                Piano Bob 

o                Weedhawks 

o                The Mavens  

We Need Volunteers
Just like most great experiences; it takes a team to make Gauley Fest into the premiere event that it is! Lots of fun and exciting projects happen the week before Gauley Fest to get the festival grounds ready for the adventure and we need many hands on deck Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to keep everything running smoothly. Please sign up for two hours (or more) and become a part of the Gauley Fest Volunteer Team!  It's a fun and easy way for you to be a critical part of an amazing festival.

For your time you'll be given a gorgeous &quot;volunteers only&quot;  T-shirt, invitation to a private &quot;volunteers only&quot; dinner (with great beer!), tickets (one ticket per shift) to the &quot;volunteers only&quot; boat raffle AND the feeling of knowing that you make it happen! 

Want to volunteer as a group? No problem! We have jobs for everyone! Email the volunteer coordinator, Stacey with your availability and she'll get you on the schedule. Happy paddling and see ya there!




For more information go to Gauley River Festival






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This email was sent to: baustin@seifaustin.com

This email was sent by: American Whitewater
PO Box 1540 Cullowhee, NC 28723 USA  


We respect your right to privacy - view our policy   

Manage Subscriptions | Update Profile | One-Click Unsubscribe]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8509,8529/#msg-8529</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:11:02 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gauley Fest AW Beta</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8509,8509/#msg-8509</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Most of you get this probably, but, here is the AW Beta on the Gauley Fest.
Brent



Greetings from American Whitewater

No river in the country defines fall paddling quite as well as the Gauley. Located in the heart of wild and wonderful West Virginia, the Gauley is synonymous with fall boating. Thanks to the US Corps of Engineers drawdown of Summersville Lake, water in the Gauley is scheduled and predictable. The Gauley and its' gateway community, Summersville, are host to American Whitewater's largest festival of the year - Gauley Fest. Hold September 19-21 in your calendar for a legendary weekend of paddling and comradeship. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Gauley Fest. Originally started 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have dewatered the upper river, Gauley Fest today is one of the largest whitewater festivals in the world. Gauley Fest remains a celebration of American Whitewater stewardship success across the country.


Important Gauley news for this year, the National Park Service purchased critical public access at Woods Ferry and Mason's Branch on the Gauley River. The National Park Service, who now manages these access locations, posted this letter to boaters outlining how these access locations will be managed. In addition, American Whitewater has leased the Mason's Branch field for parking from the local land owner. This tract of land was not part of the Park Service purchase.


I hope to see you at Gauley Fest September 19-21. Stop by the American Whitewater membership tent to join or renew your membership - your membership supports our river stewardship work. Remember, what happens at Gauley Fest stays on the Gauley.

See you on the river,

Mark Singleton
Executive Director




 
 
 2008 Membership and Fundraising Drive

September wraps up the &quot;win a trip to Ecuador&quot; contest,

Join or Renew today!




Help AW protect rivers here in the states and you could win a trip with Small World Adventures in Ecuador.   With generous support from Smith Sport Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008. Anyone who joins or renews their AW membership or donates at least $10 to support our river stewardship efforts will be entered in a raffle for a week long trip in Ecuador with Small World Adventures and monthly prizes from Smith Sport Optics. 

Click here to learn how you can win a trip in Ecuador



 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2008 Gauley Fest Presented by Subaru ~~ September 19-21 (WV)
Come join American Whitewater at the nation's most popular river festival!
As summer rapidly fades into September the attention of most paddlers begins to focus on one thing: the Gauley River and the incomparable American Whitewater Gauley Fest. The 2008 Gauley Fest Presented by Subaru will be held September 19th - 21st in Summersville, WV right next door to the Gauley River in the same location as in countless years past.

Every year Gauley Fest features a huge marketplace for gear, great bands and food, plus most importantly a funding and membership drive for American Whitewater. Not to mention the opportunity to run the incomparable Gauley River over multiple days.

This year AW will be raffling off and silent auctioning 6 brand new kayaks from all the major whitewater boat manufacturers. This will of course be in addition to our infamous silent auction that promises to be chock full of some of the hottest gear from your favorite vendors. Check out the Gauley Fest pages on our website for updates on the silent auction items.


Afraid of gas prices on your drive to the big G Fest? Why not carpool? Save yourself some gas money, shrink your impact on the planet, and meet some great fellow boaters on the way. Take a stop by our Gauley Fest Forum and throw up a post with a title like &quot;2008 Carpool from &quot; just replace  with your actual town and or state and see if anyone in your area would like to carpool with you.

Last but not least, as amazing as Gauley Fest is it would never happen if wasn't for the help of AW's awesome volunteers. Head on over to the festival's volunteer page and sign up to help out. This year's volunteers will be give a &quot;volunteers only&quot; Gauley Fest t-shirt, an invitation to a private &quot;volunteers only&quot; dinner (with great beer!), and tickets for a &quot;volunteer only&quot; raffle for a brand new Dagger Kayak of your choice, plus more great volunteer incentives! Don't delay, sign up today! 



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8509,8509/#msg-8509</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:23:51 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8429/#msg-8429</link>
      <author>Powhoundus</author>
      <description><![CDATA[What festivities? Can't find anything on that confusing website.

Wes]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8429/#msg-8429</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:17:18 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8417/#msg-8417</link>
      <author>desertrat</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Some festivities on the Chattooga this weekend... 

[www.teamscum.com]]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8417/#msg-8417</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:43:10 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Russell Fork Releases Activity (FORF)</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,3909,8392/#msg-8392</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Wes, there is plenty you and the club can do to facilitate.  First thing is the club party/RFRR as a forum to raise awareness of the potential for eco-tourism in the area.  There are folks in Frankfort we need to bring to the event out of the governor's office.  There is much to be gained by bringing attention to the event and the BWA.  I will loop you in and anyone else that wants to help.  Yes, we need manpower on all fronts.
Brent]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,3909,8392/#msg-8392</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:21:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Russell Fork Releases Activity (FORF)</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,3909,8388/#msg-8388</link>
      <author>Powhoundus</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Brent,
As you know, I'm very interested in doing whatever I can to help secure future summer releases ... at a usable time (i.e. not 8pm - 4am) on the RF. How does one get invited to this meeting? What can we as a club do to help negotiate a reasonable plan?
Wes]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,3909,8388/#msg-8388</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:30:47 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8382/#msg-8382</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Yep, numbers do count and that is why we must, all of us, write letters to everyone we can.  AW's membership is about 6700 and should be at 10,000.  They need help with getting those numbers up.  I never will forget the expression on the forest service guy at the meeting last fall about the headwaters when I told him I was president of the BWA and we had 250 interested members in the ban issue.  Numbers count.  We need more members in the BWA and AW for that reason.  And, of course, we need our members to voice their concerns over any boating ban, especially one in our back yard here in the Southeast US where we all paddle the most.  Thanks to all on this thread for keeping the discussion going. 
Brent]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8382/#msg-8382</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:28:00 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8378/#msg-8378</link>
      <author>LarryC</author>
      <description><![CDATA[From what I saw on the FS site, those totals are probably pretty accurate for the total numbers too.
You have to remember that just TU claims 100,000 members. I can't find anything on AW membership, but if it's 10,000 members I'll be suprised. 

Comments aren't supposed to be a major factor in policy decisions. However, political pressure does effect them and the fisherman have the numbers and the money.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8378/#msg-8378</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8375/#msg-8375</link>
      <author>Powhoundus</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hmmm.... I re-read it and think you are right.... I did mis-understand the gist of the msg. I thought the final total he reported was all action alert total from all except TU to mean all comments. Now it makes sense that he's labeling these totals as wins.... Thanks for pointing that out.
Wes]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8375/#msg-8375</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:45:48 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8369/#msg-8369</link>
      <author>pwsisk0</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Yo Wes,

If you're referring to this post then he was commenting on the online action comments pages set up by the opposition to boating.....not the email comments sent in by everyone.  Or at least that's how I read it.  In other words, boaters were able to make up about 20% of the comments against the ban using webpages set up specifically for people to use who support the ban.  Not bad.

http://boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/1534842

I have no idea the overall numbers comparison, but I would expect boaters to have weighed in at least as much as fisherman people.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8369/#msg-8369</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:29:26 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Chattooga Headwater Urgent Issue</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8367/#msg-8367</link>
      <author>Powhoundus</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Did you guys see Rob's comments on Boatertalk about how badly we were outnumbered in comment count :( Still time to write senator / congressman, and I'm writing the head of USFS to complain about how Sumter NF wasted millions on an EA only to ignore the results / recommendations ... once I figure out how. This sucks.
Wes]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8367/#msg-8367</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:25:37 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Energy and the Environment and the U.S. Presidential Election</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8253,8253/#msg-8253</link>
      <author>leachman</author>
      <description><![CDATA[This was past along to me by the previous conservation officer, Mr. Kirkwood:

Dear Cumberland Chapter, Sierra Club members:

The Cumberland Chapter, Sierra Club will participate in a live television panel
discussion this evening (Monday, 8/18) on the &quot;Kentucky Tonight&quot;
program hosted by Bill Goodman.   The program, &quot;Energy and the Environment
and the U.S. Presidential Election&quot; will air on KET1 at 8:00 PM EST.  

We hope you will be able to watch and participate.  Kentucky Tonight will not
be taking live phone calls, as is their usual practice, because of construction
underway as part of KET's conversion to digital television.  However,
viewers with questions and comments may send e-mail to kytonight@ket.org. 
Please include your first and last name, town, county and state. 

Panelists will include:

* State Senator Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, co-chair of the General Assembly's
2008 Special Subcommittee on Energy.  Senator Smith is the Retail Operations
Director of Perry Oil Co.

* William Daugherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of NGAS Resources,
an independent natural gas exploration and production company operating
primarily in the Appalachian Basin.

* Hank Graddy, Midway Attorney and Sierra Club member. 
Mr. Graddy has done significant environmental work on air and water quality
issues in Kentucky including those related to coal-fired power plants. 

For more information, go to this page on our Chapter website:
http://www.kentucky.sierraclub.org/newsroom/tv/ket_081808.asp



To adjust your Sierra Club email preferences, please reply to this email with a
description of your wishes. Thank you.

Sierra Club 85 Second St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA  94105]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8253,8253/#msg-8253</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:27:20 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Today is the last day to send in letters.....</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8251/#msg-8251</link>
      <author>bethany</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Just a reminder:

Today is the last day to submit a letter. Only takes a second or two. 

Bethany]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,1105,8251/#msg-8251</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:11:11 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Threatened Rio Jondachi Ecuador</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8134,8231/#msg-8231</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Here is a link that Matt sent to me which I can't open but maybe some of you can.
Brent


Brent. Please download the Jondachi presentation from this link and let me know what you think. 
https://www.yousendit.com/download/Q01GVWRuQzMrV3hFQlE9PQ
 
--Matt Terry]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8134,8231/#msg-8231</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:04:06 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Threatened Rio Jondachi Ecuador</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8134,8134/#msg-8134</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My dear old friend, Matt Terry, has asked for some help with the Jondachi corridor.  We did some of the earlier runs on this then new run in 97 and 98.  See the Bowlines article January/February 1999 Ecuador: Jewel of the Andes: http://www.surfbwa.org/html/bowlines_arcN.html
Brent
.

Apparently this amazing jungle creeking stream is now threatened.  What follows is what I received from Matt that addresses the topic, what his organization, Ecuadorian Rivers Institute is doing, and what is needed or hoped for:

Brent. I wrote the following overview for the International Rivers Action Alert that went out a couple of months ago and has generated over 2000 e-mail responses by clicking on this link: http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/799004. I was wondering if you could talk to Mark Singleton about sending an Action Alert about the Jondachi out to the AW list serve. It would key to get an article in the Sept/Oct AW magazine as well, but I may be too late to get something in there. Also, pushing the IX Annual Napo River Festival on January 16-18 would be key. 
 
 

Save the Jondachi River, the Gem of the Andes !

Stop Termopichincha’s Hydro Project on the Jondachi River

 

One of the most beautiful, wild and pristine rivers of the Ecuadorian Amazon faces destruction with plans to develop the 20-megawatt “La Merced de Jondachi” hydroelectric project by Termopichincha S.A.  If built, the project would dewater a majestic section of the river which is located in the UNESCO Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

 

The Jondachi River is one of Ecuador ’s premier rivers for whitewater kayaking, and is a highly acclaimed world class kayaking destination. Recreational use of the Jondachi River helps sustain a tourism-based economy in the Napo province in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 

 

The Jondachi is an exceptional resource that includes a unique riparian watershed with impressive biodiversity that flows through both private and communal lands that are home to 15 indigenous Kichwa communities that depend on the natural flows and conditions of the river for their traditional activities of fishing and bathing. 

 

Termopichincha recently started developing this project and applied for a water concession permit in April of 2008. 

We need to stop this project before it gets past the planning stage.

 

Please write a letter and tell Termopichincha to leave the Jondachi River alone! 

 

A sample letter and instructions to have maximum impact with your message are enclosed below. You can also make comments directly online at: http://www.termopichincha.com.ec/contactenos.php?menu=9&amp;idiom=1

 

 

If you have any questions or would like to know more details about Termopichincha's hydro project on the Jondachi River , please write to amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com.

 

SAMPLE LETTER AND INSTRUCTIONS 

Please open a new e-mail message and include the following information:

 

Send to:

Ing. Pedro Lopez, Project Manager, Termopichincha S.A.

pedro.lopez@termopichincha.com.ec

 

Send a copy to:

Soc. Carlos Flores, Community Relations Manager, Termopichincha S.A. 

carlos.flores@termopichincha.com.ec

 

Gina Sanmiguel Palacios, Prefecta de Napo

ginaprefecta@yahoo.com

 

Ing. Patricio Roa, Environmental Director, Provincial Government of Napo

patriciorroa@yahoo.com

 

Dra. Verónica Sion de Josse, Tourism Minister of Ecuador

ministra@turismo.gov.ec

 

Ing. Armando Chamarro, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment, Napo-Pastaza Provinces

achamorro@ambiente.gov.ec

 

Ing. Rafael Valladares, Regional Director of the Ecuadorian Water Authority, Quito

cnrhagquito@impsat.net.ec

 

Ing. Fernando Izquierdo Tacuri, Interim Executive Director of the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

fizquierdo@conelec.gov.ec 

 

Ing. Patricio Oliva Cajas, Environmental Director of the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

poliva@conelec.gov.ec

 

Ing. Eduardo Cazco Castelli, Director of Energy Concessions for the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

ecazco@conelec.gov.ec

 

Rodrigo Torres, Journalist, Napo Province 

prensa6406@hotmail.com

 

Send a copy and any replies to the “Friends of the Jondachi” to keep a copy of your communication on file with the group working to Save the Jondachi: 

amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com

 

 

pedro.lopez@termopichincha.com.ec; carlos.flores@termopichincha.com.ec; ginaprefecta@yahoo.com; patriciorroa@yahoo.com; ministra@turismo.gov.ec; achamorro@ambiente.gov.ec; cnrhagquito@impsat.net.ec; fizquierdo@conelec.gov.ec; poliva@conelec.gov.ec; ecazco@conelec.gov.ec; prensa6406@hotmail.com; amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com

 

Subject: NO al Proyecto Hidroeléctrico “La Merced de Jondachi”

 

 

Message:

Dear Ing. Pedro Lopez, Gerente de Proyectos de Termopichincha S.A.

 

I am writing to express my personal concern about Termopichincha’s plans to build the “La Merced de Jondachi Hydroelectric project” on the Jondachi River . 

 

This project would cause irreversible damage to an outstanding resource with exceptional biodiversity. 

 

The Jondachi River is an important tourist destination that helps support the local economy in the Napo Province , and is one of the many important natural resources in the UNESCO Sumaco Biosphere Reserve that deserve special recognition and attention. 

 

Please reconsider the development of the “La Merced de Jondachi” hydroelectric project, and help preserve the Jondachi River as a world-class paddling destination so that the Kichwa communities and local businesses will continue to have opportunities for a sustainable income in the future. 

 

Sincerely

 

*YOUR NAME 

**WHERE YOU ARE FROM






DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking have a nice display in their brochure about the Jondachi and river conservation which is described below:


Pictured above is the cascada San Rafael over which flows
the entire Quijos River. At 430 ft. it is the tallest
waterfall in the country and a symbol of the region. It is
in danger of being de-watered.
Like any developing country, Ecuador is looking
for ways to harness it’s natural resources
for it’s own use and to sell to the world market.
In addition to oil, Ecuador is rich in water,
with vast potential for hydro-power development.
We recognize this is necessary for the
country, yet we hope it is done responsibly.
This is why Ecuadorian Rivers Institute (ERI)
has become involved.
ERI works with local communities and governments
to make sure all interests are represented.
It attempts to review and monitor
proposed projects to ensure the designs are in
keeping with historical flows. If communities,
fragile and unique ecosystems, or recreational
interests are threatened, ERI seeks to halt the
project all together, or arrive at a workable
solution that will minimize impact, and meet
everyone’s needs.
Here are just a few of the areas in which ERI is
currently focused.
HYDROPOWER REFORM - They are working
to protect the interests of recreational users
with the proposed hydro development projects
affecting the Topo, Jondachi, Pucuno,
Toachi &amp; Quijos Rivers. They are lobbying for
the application of modern environmental flow
standards based on natural flow conditions
and exposing the as well as designing hydro
projects based on “median flow” parameters,
which do not accurately represent the actual
conditions.
IN-STREAM GRAVEL MINING - The ERI is
working with the Ministry of Mines to develop
guidelines and policies to adequately
control in-stream gravel mining.
RECREATIONAL USE INVENTORY - ERI is
developing a database of flow requirements
for recreational river use in Ecuador based on
comparative flow studies for watershed management
planning.
COMMUNITY-BASED WATER QUALITY
MONITORING - They are working with the
Aquatic Ecology Lab of the University of San
Francisco in Quito to develop baseline evaluations
of water quality and ecological funcionality
of the rivers and streams in the Upper
Napo watershed.
NAPO RIVER FESTIVAL - This is a unique
intercultural event to celebrate the Napo Watershed
and its importance to everyone.
Ecuadorian Rivers Institute is a small organization
faced with a monumental task. Their
passion to save the rivers of Ecuador is impressive,
their funding is not. Your tax deductible
contributions can help to cover the
cost of lawyer fees and other overhead related
to the fight. To learn more about ERI and how
to donate visit:
http://kayakecuador.com/ERI_Home.htm#top
OR http://adventurekayaking.wordpress.com
D A K N E W S L E T T E R
DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking (866) 529 2566]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8134,8134/#msg-8134</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:51:04 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Threatened Rio Jondachi Ecuador</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8133,8133/#msg-8133</link>
      <author>brentaustin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My dear old friend, Matt Terry, has asked for some help with the Jondachi corridor.  We did some of the earlier runs on this then new run in 97 and 98.  See the Bowlines article January/February 1999 Ecuador: Jewel of the Andes: http://www.surfbwa.org/html/bowlines_arcN.html
Brent
.

Apparently this amazing jungle creeking stream is now threatened.  What follows is what I received from Matt that addresses the topic, what his organization, Ecuadorian Rivers Institute is doing, and what is needed or hoped for:

Brent. I wrote the following overview for the International Rivers Action Alert that went out a couple of months ago and has generated over 2000 e-mail responses by clicking on this link: http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/799004. I was wondering if you could talk to Mark Singleton about sending an Action Alert about the Jondachi out to the AW list serve. It would key to get an article in the Sept/Oct AW magazine as well, but I may be too late to get something in there. Also, pushing the IX Annual Napo River Festival on January 16-18 would be key. 
 
 

Save the Jondachi River, the Gem of the Andes !

Stop Termopichincha’s Hydro Project on the Jondachi River

 

One of the most beautiful, wild and pristine rivers of the Ecuadorian Amazon faces destruction with plans to develop the 20-megawatt “La Merced de Jondachi” hydroelectric project by Termopichincha S.A.  If built, the project would dewater a majestic section of the river which is located in the UNESCO Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

 

The Jondachi River is one of Ecuador ’s premier rivers for whitewater kayaking, and is a highly acclaimed world class kayaking destination. Recreational use of the Jondachi River helps sustain a tourism-based economy in the Napo province in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 

 

The Jondachi is an exceptional resource that includes a unique riparian watershed with impressive biodiversity that flows through both private and communal lands that are home to 15 indigenous Kichwa communities that depend on the natural flows and conditions of the river for their traditional activities of fishing and bathing. 

 

Termopichincha recently started developing this project and applied for a water concession permit in April of 2008. 

We need to stop this project before it gets past the planning stage.

 

Please write a letter and tell Termopichincha to leave the Jondachi River alone! 

 

A sample letter and instructions to have maximum impact with your message are enclosed below. You can also make comments directly online at: http://www.termopichincha.com.ec/contactenos.php?menu=9&amp;idiom=1

 

 

If you have any questions or would like to know more details about Termopichincha's hydro project on the Jondachi River , please write to amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com.

 

SAMPLE LETTER AND INSTRUCTIONS 

Please open a new e-mail message and include the following information:

 

Send to:

Ing. Pedro Lopez, Project Manager, Termopichincha S.A.

pedro.lopez@termopichincha.com.ec

 

Send a copy to:

Soc. Carlos Flores, Community Relations Manager, Termopichincha S.A. 

carlos.flores@termopichincha.com.ec

 

Gina Sanmiguel Palacios, Prefecta de Napo

ginaprefecta@yahoo.com

 

Ing. Patricio Roa, Environmental Director, Provincial Government of Napo

patriciorroa@yahoo.com

 

Dra. Verónica Sion de Josse, Tourism Minister of Ecuador

ministra@turismo.gov.ec

 

Ing. Armando Chamarro, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment, Napo-Pastaza Provinces

achamorro@ambiente.gov.ec

 

Ing. Rafael Valladares, Regional Director of the Ecuadorian Water Authority, Quito

cnrhagquito@impsat.net.ec

 

Ing. Fernando Izquierdo Tacuri, Interim Executive Director of the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

fizquierdo@conelec.gov.ec 

 

Ing. Patricio Oliva Cajas, Environmental Director of the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

poliva@conelec.gov.ec

 

Ing. Eduardo Cazco Castelli, Director of Energy Concessions for the Ecuadorian Energy Commission (CONELEC)

ecazco@conelec.gov.ec

 

Rodrigo Torres, Journalist, Napo Province 

prensa6406@hotmail.com

 

Send a copy and any replies to the “Friends of the Jondachi” to keep a copy of your communication on file with the group working to Save the Jondachi: 

amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com

 

 

pedro.lopez@termopichincha.com.ec; carlos.flores@termopichincha.com.ec; ginaprefecta@yahoo.com; patriciorroa@yahoo.com; ministra@turismo.gov.ec; achamorro@ambiente.gov.ec; cnrhagquito@impsat.net.ec; fizquierdo@conelec.gov.ec; poliva@conelec.gov.ec; ecazco@conelec.gov.ec; prensa6406@hotmail.com; amigosdeljondachi@gmail.com

 

Subject: NO al Proyecto Hidroeléctrico “La Merced de Jondachi”

 

 

Message:

Dear Ing. Pedro Lopez, Gerente de Proyectos de Termopichincha S.A.

 

I am writing to express my personal concern about Termopichincha’s plans to build the “La Merced de Jondachi Hydroelectric project” on the Jondachi River . 

 

This project would cause irreversible damage to an outstanding resource with exceptional biodiversity. 

 

The Jondachi River is an important tourist destination that helps support the local economy in the Napo Province , and is one of the many important natural resources in the UNESCO Sumaco Biosphere Reserve that deserve special recognition and attention. 

 

Please reconsider the development of the “La Merced de Jondachi” hydroelectric project, and help preserve the Jondachi River as a world-class paddling destination so that the Kichwa communities and local businesses will continue to have opportunities for a sustainable income in the future. 

 

Sincerely

 

*YOUR NAME 

**WHERE YOU ARE FROM






DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking have a nice display in their brochure about the Jondachi and river conservation which is described below:


Pictured above is the cascada San Rafael over which flows
the entire Quijos River. At 430 ft. it is the tallest
waterfall in the country and a symbol of the region. It is
in danger of being de-watered.
Like any developing country, Ecuador is looking
for ways to harness it’s natural resources
for it’s own use and to sell to the world market.
In addition to oil, Ecuador is rich in water,
with vast potential for hydro-power development.
We recognize this is necessary for the
country, yet we hope it is done responsibly.
This is why Ecuadorian Rivers Institute (ERI)
has become involved.
ERI works with local communities and governments
to make sure all interests are represented.
It attempts to review and monitor
proposed projects to ensure the designs are in
keeping with historical flows. If communities,
fragile and unique ecosystems, or recreational
interests are threatened, ERI seeks to halt the
project all together, or arrive at a workable
solution that will minimize impact, and meet
everyone’s needs.
Here are just a few of the areas in which ERI is
currently focused.
HYDROPOWER REFORM - They are working
to protect the interests of recreational users
with the proposed hydro development projects
affecting the Topo, Jondachi, Pucuno,
Toachi &amp; Quijos Rivers. They are lobbying for
the application of modern environmental flow
standards based on natural flow conditions
and exposing the as well as designing hydro
projects based on “median flow” parameters,
which do not accurately represent the actual
conditions.
IN-STREAM GRAVEL MINING - The ERI is
working with the Ministry of Mines to develop
guidelines and policies to adequately
control in-stream gravel mining.
RECREATIONAL USE INVENTORY - ERI is
developing a database of flow requirements
for recreational river use in Ecuador based on
comparative flow studies for watershed management
planning.
COMMUNITY-BASED WATER QUALITY
MONITORING - They are working with the
Aquatic Ecology Lab of the University of San
Francisco in Quito to develop baseline evaluations
of water quality and ecological funcionality
of the rivers and streams in the Upper
Napo watershed.
NAPO RIVER FESTIVAL - This is a unique
intercultural event to celebrate the Napo Watershed
and its importance to everyone.
Ecuadorian Rivers Institute is a small organization
faced with a monumental task. Their
passion to save the rivers of Ecuador is impressive,
their funding is not. Your tax deductible
contributions can help to cover the
cost of lawyer fees and other overhead related
to the fight. To learn more about ERI and how
to donate visit:
http://kayakecuador.com/ERI_Home.htm#top
OR http://adventurekayaking.wordpress.com
D A K N E W S L E T T E R
DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking (866) 529 2566]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8133,8133/#msg-8133</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:50:54 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dam Cam. Watch a dam be removed live...</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8118,8118/#msg-8118</link>
      <author>acreekfreak</author>
      <description><![CDATA[&quot;NOAA, in partnership with the Conservation Law Foundation, will capture live on camera the removal of the dam, opening up 14 miles of the Souhegan River&quot;

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080804_damcam.html]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,8118,8118/#msg-8118</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:40:23 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: How to take Action on the Chattooga Headwaters</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,7999,8066/#msg-8066</link>
      <author>hanleyk1</author>
      <description><![CDATA[By the by, if any of you relatively new boaters are still sitting on the fence about the Lower Yough trip, let me once again thoroughly endorse it as a great low intermediate run. I know that some of the folks who seemed to be voicing some concern (both publicly and privately) about whether they were or were not ready for the Lower Yough found themselves out on the Cumberland below the falls this past weekend. If you're doing the CBF at 2000 or so, you're certainly in plenty good shape for the Lower Yough.

Actually, I want to chime in and say that, although I think the discussion about fatalities on the LY was a productive one, I do believe it intimidated some of our novice boaters and therefore had a counterproductive side effect. I also feel that George's assessment of the hazards on the Cheoah as a function of number-of-incidences over opportunities-for-incidence (boater-days) is a valid one. With literally millions of people going down the LY over the years, somebody's got to die eventually. Whereas, the limited number of people having gone down the Cheoah so far resulting in one death and one near-death is a reasonable indicator of much greater risk. Whether that risk is easily mitigated or not is a whole different argument. Additionally it should be noted that since the sample on the Cheoah is still fairly small, the data may be considered to have a relatively high margin of error. Still, it's something to consider.

                Hanley]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,7999,8066/#msg-8066</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:49:54 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: How to take Action on the Chattooga Headwaters</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,7999,8053/#msg-8053</link>
      <author>ezgpaddler</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Wes relax,

Your taking me far to seriously here. My intent on the comments comparing the Yough and the Cheoah is merely observational from data posted by AW. I could care less what you or anyone else paddles. I believe in the do your own research theory of paddling, the only true measure of a paddlers ability to negotiate any river is the humble assessment of ones own skills. I simply find it humorous that so many were so willing to post about the dangers of the yough  and ignore the far more serious nature of other rivers. The Cheoah included. 

I am not offende at all about the discussion over the Yough, I posted the AW link right up front so all paddlers could view the beta and assess their own skill level. The trip was titled &quot;Intermediate trip&quot;. I ceased to post because the thread was being distracted from mit's original purpose.
We're heading up there tomorrow.

I no nothing of you or your paddling and no judgement is or was intended. Maybe I should get to know you before I remark about anything you post. On the other hand maybe yo should do the same prior to assuming everything I post here is life or death serious. Personally speaking i am certain our opinion of the Cheoah may differ, yet our opinions of the Chattooga may not.

Have a drink and enjoy the evening.]]></description>
      <category>Keep Our Rivers Flowing</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Forum/read/send/33,7999,8053/#msg-8053</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:31:43 -0400</pubDate>
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