Front Page News

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

Earlier today legislation passed the House of Representatives to add 10 miles of the Pratt River and nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the National Wild and Scenic River System. Pending action in the Senate this legislation will provide long-term protection for a spectacular whitewater resource.

We are continuing efforts to collect information on flow preferences for whitewater recreation on the Fox River. If you get out on the river please help us gain a better understanding of instream flow needs by filling out the survey today.

Your help is critical to passing House Bill 1188 and protecting the general publics right to float in Colorado. The last time the State's General Assembly considered a river access bill was 1996. The bill didn't even make it to the House floor. Please make sure this precious opportunity to clarify and codify the right to float is not squandered.

A research program initiated by the MIT Sloan School of Management (USA) and Copenhagen Business School (Denmark) seeks to study open innovation in sport communities.

American Whitewater staff and members of Colorado Whitewater provided testimony yesterday on HB 10-1188 in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee.

After over 7 hours of testimony, the Committee voted 4-3 to move the bill into the full Senate for debate. Thanks to the efforts of CW and AW, the senate has amended the bill to include all paddlers, not just commercial outfitters, and moves Colorado closer to recognizing the publics "right to float" on Colorado's Rivers.

A healthy, vibrant, participatory and functional board of Directors is critical to the long term stability and effective governance of American Whitewater. We are currently seeking nominations of interested and qualified members to serve on our board.

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.

Tallulah releases are on track for this spring. Scheduled releases occur the first two weekends in April. Release dates for April 2010 are 3, 4 and 10, 11. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs.

Pick up your very own copy of our super popular 2010 calendar for just $15! All the photos were submitted by our members and fans and we sell the calendars each year to raise funds for our river stewardship projects. We hope you'll pick one up today!

Submit your best stories and/or photos for top honors in American Whitewater's 2010 Story and Photo Contest. See the full article for complete contest details. Submit something today!

The 2010 Ender Club ($100) level t-shirts are in. These shirts can't be purchased anywhere and are only available to our dedicated members. We hope you'll consider joining us today!

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.

This spring, the Colorado Legislature is considering a bill, which helps protect the rights of commercial boaters to float on commercial sections of river, and increases the safety of boaters by decriminalizing incidental contact with private land to portage obstacles. HB -1188 is a good bill, but doesn't go far enough! HB-1188 passed out of the House by a vote of 40-25, and is scheduled to be introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee for a vote on March 17th. We urge you to contact members of Colorado's Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to support HB-1188, and to amend the bill to include all members of the paddling public.

Current members - Read the Intro to Whitewater issue now!

Not a current member?? Renew or Join today!

A couple of Colorado media outlets came out opposed to HB 1188! But we can fight back and let our opinions be heard too.

VOTE NOW in the ONLINE POLL - it takes 1 minute!

The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled three meetings in early March to gather comments on their alternative management scenarios for the New River Gorge National River. Meetings will be held in Hinton (3/9), Beckley (3/10), and at the New River Gorge (3/11). The NPS is considering several complex alternatives and paddlers are encouraged to attend these meetings to learn more and offer feedback.

A group of regional stakeholders are advocating for a new study of the releases on the Russell Fork River, located on the Virginia-Kentucky border. To support the studyand an improved flow regime, the group is advocating for a Congressional appropriation to fund the Army Corp of Engineers to conduct the study. Paddlers' involvement could help bring a fresh look and better flows to the Russell Fork.

A landmark legislative battle is playing out right now in the state of Utah regarding the rights of paddlers to traverse the state's rivers. A 2008 court case clarified the public's right to paddle and fish Utah rivers. In response, legislators have sought to pass new laws that redefine the rights of the public. The fate of two competing bills will determine whether paddlers will be able to continue enjoying Utah Rivers or not.

The Colorado legislature is considering House Bill 10-1188 (HB-1188), legislation that attempts to clarify Colorado's river access laws. As written, HB-1188 is limited to commercial outfitters and sections of river that have been commercially rafted. AW continues to work to amend the bill to include private paddlers, and is neither supporting or opposing the bill at this time.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the whitewater park feasibility study on the Feather River in Oroville California. Download the report and attend the meeting on February 4^th in Oroville.

Yosemite National Park is starting fresh with a new river planning process for the Wild and Scenic Merced River and tributaries. The public can tell the park what they want studied in the plan by submitting comments before February 4, 2010. Yosemite severely limits whitewater boating in the park, so this is your chance to ask the planners to increase whitewater boating opportunities.

Public hearings have been scheduled later this month regarding a new draft water quality permit for Blue Ridge Paper Products, which discharges tens of thousands of pounds of pollutants into the Pigeon River (NC/TN) each year. The debate over the effluents of the paper mill has been extremely controversial over the past few decades, and this new permitting process marks a significant opportunity for progress. Paddlers are encouraged to attend the hearings, learn more about the issue, and voice your concerns and opinions.

Current members - Read the Creeking Issue now!

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Zoro J. Guice Jr. rejected all remaining legal challenges against Duke Energy's efforts to remove Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River. It is extremely likely that the ruling is the final decision on the fate of Dillsboro Dam, and that removal will begin within a month. This ruling marks a major milestone in the restoration of the Tuckasegee River.

American Whitewater is pleased to recognize Bill Kees as our Volunteer of the Month for January 2010. Bill has served as AWs lead volunteer representative in the Dolores River Working Group in Southwestern Colorado. In recognition of his efforts Bill will be receiving an Outer Core Long-Sleeve Shirt from Kokatat!

The Colorado River Outfitters Association is supporting new legislation that protects Colorado's tourism industry by clarifying the rights of commercial guides to operate on Colorado's historically run rivers. Colorado State Representative Kathleen Curry has indicated her willingness to carry the River Jobs Protection Act in the Second Regular Session of the Colorado General Assembly. American Whitewater has been involved in drafting and review of the bill, and will release a official statement later this month.

The 27th annual National Paddling Film Festival (NPFF) will be held this year in Frankfort, Kentucky on February 26-27th. You can purchase tickets in advance via the American Whitewater Store for $20 (versus $25 at the door). Plus, AW will be there hosting a membership drive where you can renew your AW membership or join for the first time.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce that our Colorado Stewardship Program has been granted additional foundation support for it's work in the Dolores River basin. Funding for our Dolores River Project will enable AW to grow our advocacy role in the Dolores River basin, and engage our membership and affiliate networks to put to use the tools, resources, and partnerships available through our Stewardship Program.

Keith Pitzer, executive director of Friends of the Cheat since 2001, died on the morning of December 22nd following a year and a half long battle with cancer. Under his leadership, Friends of the Cheat expanded its efforts to restore, preserve, and promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River Watershed, one of the country's most important whitewater paddling venues. A former Cheat River guide and manager, he was long-time friend of American Whitewater who worked closely with us on many projects. On December 1st, co-founder and past president and executive director Dave Bassage was named interim director to keep the organization moving smoothly forward.

On October 13, 2009 East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EMUD) Board Members voted to approve their Waste Supply Management Program (WSMP) 2040. Proposals to enlarge Pardee Reservoir, included in this plan, remain a threat to our whitewater interests on the Molkelumne River.

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!

The deadline for our March/April edition is right around the corner. Don't miss your chance to be a part of our "Intro to Whitewater" themed issue...

The November/December issue of the AW Journal is our INFLATABLES ISSUE.

Current members - Read the Inflatables Issue of the Journal Now!

To meet their projected future water needs, Denver Water proposes to develop 18,000 acre-feet per year of new water from the Upper Colorado River basin. Denver Water's prefered project, currently being evaluated by the Army Coprs of Engineers (ACOE), includes raising Gross Reservoir on South Boulder Creek in Boulder County to store an additional 72,000 acre-feet of water from the Fraser River and Upper Colorado basin.

AW is evaluating how severely the project will impact paddling opportunities in the Upper Colorado and Boulder Creek drainages.

For more info, attend one of three public hearings announced by the ACOE.

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.

Our January/February issue is going to highlight our members' tales from the steep, tight, and technical. Got a story to share? We'd love to hear from you. The catch? Deadline to submit material is Monday, October 26th, so start writing up your adventures today.

Show your support of American Whitewater and your love of the Feather River by volunteering some time at the Festival!

"Current" members you can Read the Canoe Issue of the Journal Now! In order to read the online version, you must be registered with the AW website and have your membership associated with your website user account.

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.

Since 2007, American Whitewater has negotiated with various state agencies and urban water providers intent on developing new management criteria for the headwaters of the Colorado River, that threaten to allow water providers to nearly dry-up the river without protecting instream flows necessary for fish, wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts. For two years, American Whitewater has been the lone recreation voice in these negotiations, and we have had measurable success protecting the Colorado River.

Annual fall releases on Piru Creek in southern California will begin on September 10 this year and last for almost 2 months. Escorted access to the upper put in will be provided at a specific time (to be announced) on weekends.

A short note regarding summer flows on the Pit River. Releases of about 850 cfs will be happening Saturday and Sunday, August 29 & 30.

The 19th annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held during the scheduled releases on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2009. The fund-raiser event for American Whitewater is hosted by local paddling club, the Chico Paddleheads.

Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill (SB 670) placing a moratorium on suction dredge mining in California. This is a huge victory for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who enjoys California's rivers.

Paddle rafters, catarafters, IKers, and inflatable paddlers of all kinds, our issue celebrating inflatable paddlers--their unique approach to whitewater, their accomplishments, and their culture--is coming up soon. Deadline for submitting material for the Inflatible Issue is August 31. Please contact the editor directly at editor@americanwhitewater.org

Last summer and fall, and then through the winter and spring, AW worked with Licensees NID and PG&E to conduct "opportunistic flow studies" on numerous reaches within the Yuba Bear Drum Spaulding Relicensing project area. Surveys filled out by boaters are an important part of the "Recreational Flow Study" that is being conducted as part of the Relicensing process.

Features articles on:

* Whitewater of the Sea
* It's Nile or Never!
* Women's Canoe Headed for Int'l Competition
. . . .and much more

"Current" Members Read the Journal Now! (In order to read the online version, you must be registered with the AW website and have your membership associated with your website user account.)

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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has written a letter to FERC and the State Water Resources Control Board recommending that the releases on the Pit River, above the Pit 1 Powerhouse, should be canceled this summer. They cite concerns of potential impacts to Shasta Crayfish. American Whitewater was not consulted before making this recommendation and USFWS staff has stated that impacts to recreation was not a consideration. If you wish to boat the Pit this summer or in the future you need to write a letter now!

American Whitewater has released an updated website! This is the first release of the new website since February of last year. There are hundreds of updates, new features, and several bug fixes as well. Please excuse us over the next couple days as we tweak our website settings for optimal performance.

Please feel free to leave feedback on the new website by logging in and posting on our new website thread in the American Whitewater general forum.

After three years of waiting a new flow schedule for the Cresta reach of the North Fork Feather River has been approved by FERC. This flow shecdule is a result of colaboration between American Whitewater, PG&E and the State and Federal resource agencies. New higher base flows will begin on May 1st.

American Whitewater has joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their Green Power Partnership. AW has purchased enough renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Clean Currents, a leading supplier of wind energy credits, to offset energy usage in our national office.

American Whitewater would like to recognize Molly Buirgy as our April Volunteer of the Month.

As a fan of healthy rivers and the iconic Colorado River rafting trip, Molly never hesitated to invest her energy over the past several months in helping AW update it's inventory of whitewater rivers in Colorado. Paddlers around Colorado will now find the AW River database to be the most comprehensive and organized listing of whitewater runs available. Thanks Molly!

Dolores River - Colorado

Here we are in mid-March with the high elevation snow in the Dolores and San Miguel watersheds at about 106% of normal and dropping daily. Therefore estimates for spring flows in the Lower Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir are a little below normal. The first projections of this years releases for the Lower Dolores are now available.

The deadline for contributing to our May/June issue is Wednesday, March 4th! Contact editor@americanwhitewater.org for more details.

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.

American Whitewater and various stakeholders have formed a Working Group in the Lower Dolores River Valley to update the 1990 US Bureau of Land Management's Lower Dolores River Management Plan. In December 2008, the Working Group launched a year-long process to develop and evaluate alternatives to Wild and Scenic River designation for the Dolores below McPhee Dam.

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.