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AW will be hosting public meetings for local boaters in Gunnison, CO on May 21 and in Crested Butte, CO on May 23. These ‘regional paddlers dialogues’ are a part of our efforts to define and protect recreational flow needs throughout the seven-state Colorado River Basin, including many stream segments throughout the Gunnison Basin.

Lyons, Colorado - For the second year in a row, Oskar Blues Brewery is hosting the Burning Can Festival at this year Lyons Outdoor Games.  Burning Can, which takes place under the backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park and the St. Vrain River, is a celebration of good beer, served in a can.  This year, All money raised from Lyons Outdoor Games recycled cans will be donated to American Whitewater. See you there!

In late 2012, PG&E directly challenged the authority of California’s water quality agency–the State Water Resources Control Board–to protect the beneficial uses of rivers impacted by hydropower projects. On Tuesday, May 7, American Whitewater and our partners testified at a hearing before the SWRCB, standing up for the agency’s authority to protect the public interest and respond to changing conditions in the future.

The long awaited first releases on the Missisquoi River in Sheldon Springs, Vermont, were cancelled due to a lack of rain in the northeast. The releases were scheduled for the first 6 weekend days in May, but we were forced to cancel the first three weekends while we wait for the rivers to rise. So put on your booties and do your best rain dance so we can enjoy this big water Class IV run in the bypass reach of the Sheldon Springs Dam.

Duke Energy is currently spilling 600 cfs into the West Fork and will be unable to decrease the flow to provide the scheduled bypass recreation release of 250 cfs for May 11.  Duke Energy plans to reschedule this 250 cfs West Fork Bypass Recreation Release on Sunday, June 9.

After a decade of effort, a new million-dollar valve on the Quemahoning Dam pours into the Stonycreek Canyon. A coalition of partners known as the Stonycreek Quehamoning Initiative worked on the whitewater release project and the development of Whitewater Park. Stonycreek Rendezvous celebrates that success.

AW will be hosting public meetings for local boaters in Ridgway, CO on May 14 and in Montrose, CO on May 22. These ‘regional paddlers dialogues’ are a part of our efforts to define and protect recreational flow needs throughout the seven-state Colorado River Basin, including stream segments throughout the Gunnison Basin.

Come see American Whitewater at Deerfield Fest in Charlemont, MA on July 13th! Deerfield Fest is one of AW's largest fundraising events and the Northeast's biggest whitewater festival. Plus, for vendors, booths are only $50! You can purchase one right now via our vendor registration form. Prices increase to $100 on July 5th.

We are pleased to participate in the Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG day on Wednesday, May 15th! Mark your calendars and consider a special contribution (or renewal if your membership has lapsed). All contributions made through American Whitewater's page on the foundation website that day will receive a portion of matching funds made available to non-profits who participate in this opportunity. 

American Whitewater is proud to announce Laura Dillon as our May Volunteer of the Month! Laura is a key part of Tallulah (GA) releases and coordinates volunteers to assist with those iconic releases. As a thanks for her many efforts, Laura will be receiving a Kokatat WoolCore shirt! Thanks Laura!

American Whitewater (AW) is pleased to announce the launch of our 2013 Gunnison River Basin Flow Survey. By participating in the survey, you can help us define recreational flow needs thoughout the Basin, and protect flows in the future. Your participation is incredibly valuable; the more responses we get, the more robust our findings will be which will strengthen our represention of paddler interest.

Teams of canoes and decked boats will compete in river rescue events on the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro, NC.

This May and June join Paddle to the Sea – the Tuolumne River Trust’s popular paddle-a-thon where hundreds of river lovers and boating enthusiasts raft, canoe and kayak from the Sierra to San Francisco Bay. There is adventurous whitewater and mellow flat-water; fun one-day trips, or going the distance. Boaters of all skills and ages are encouraged to join.

Saturday May 18th - US Senator Mark Udall will host a listening session in Golden, Colorado, to hear community comments about his Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River National Monument and Wilderness Area proposal.  This meeting is the second of two public meetings that Udall is holding regarding the proposal. Public Comments are encouraged.

The 22nd annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held during scheduled releases September 27-29, 2013. This event is a fundraiser for American Whitewater, and will be hosted once again by local paddling club Chico Paddleheads. Join us for a weekend of celebrating the Feather River through races, films and fun!

Green River, Utah - The NRCS has determined that the Green River Diversion structure, an historic lowhead dam just upstream of the Town of Green River needs additional Environmental Study and Review. The structure is the ONLY barrier to downstream navigability on the Green River from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell, and American Whitewater is working to secure safe boat passage under various management alternatives.

Last week a federal judge ruled in favor of the US Forest Service in the case regarding the management of the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River. The decision upholds the current USFS policy of allowing paddling December through April, above 350cfs, on 15 miles of the 21-mile-long upper Chattooga.  While the legal decision is a disappointment, this new management plan is clearly a victory for the paddling community, and is the direct result of over 15 years of advocacy that included an active legal strategy.

May 4th (CheatFest Weekend) is the first scheduled Saturday release on Maryland’s Upper Yough! If water levels cooperate this will be a busy day on the river. For Friendsville, MD (population 491) the influx of hundreds of whitewater paddlers can cause problems. Minimize your impact on the town by driving safely, being discrete while changing clothes, and by being careful when carrying boats along busy Maple Avenue. Remember that there is no parking along Water Street or Morris Avenue (the two riverside streets) unless you are patronizing local businesses. Those invited by local residents to take out on their property should park completely off the street. American Whitewater takes care of the put-in at Sang Run; our suggested donation, $2 per visit or $20 for the season, remains unchanged. For an update on the planned boater parking lot, click the link below.

To date, Yosemite National Park has conducted an extensive amount of public outreach on the Draft Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan. Today the Park announced that they are extending the deadline for the public to submit comments  to Tuesday, April 30th. American Whitewater submitted comments today, and you can read them here!

The annual Cheat River Festival is Friends of the Cheat's annual celebration of spring. This year's festival is dedicated to Bob Burrell, a well-known paddler, conservationist, and guidebook writer based in Morgantown, WV. There will be a kayak race, great food, terrific vendors, and outstanding music. Friends of the Cheat is a long-time partner of American Whitewater; they manage many useful projects watershed incuding  four river access sites. Two of these were developed working closely with AW.  The place is Albright, West Virginia; the date is Saturday, May 4th, 2013 from 12 noon to 11 pm. For more information click the link below:

American Whitewater just recieved an report on the death of Selby Arno on California's Clear Creek last December. It is very complete and well written; you can read the entire report by clicking on the link below:

Scheduled releases occur the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November.  Check out this article for the most up to date information on how to enjoy the river.  

Releases are set to begin this weekend on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee (NC), however the river still has significant numbers of log strainers.  Scouting runs have revealed 8-10 portages, and many more wood pieces that pose significant risk.  Given the unusual amount of wood in the river at this time, paddlers are strongly cautioned about choosing to paddle the West Fork at this time.

American Whitewater is seeking nominations of interested and qualified candidates to serve as volunteer Directors. We are seeking qualified candidates to begin three-year terms starting January 1, 2014.

On Thursday, April 4th, the Department of Interior recommended removing four dams on the Klamath River, listing the action as the Preferred Alternative for a long-term solution to address native fishery and water resource issues in the Klamath Basin. The recommendation was set forth in the Department's Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which provides a comprehensive review of whether partially or fulling removing four dams owned and operated by PacifCorp will help to restore salmon runs to the Klamath River.

This May 3-5th, 2013, American Whitewater will be at the French Broad River Fest in Hot Springs, NC, where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail. Proceeds for the event get donated to American Whitewater and other non-profits. In 2012 French Broad River Fest donated over $5,000 to American Whitewater alone! Tickets are $80 online (www.FrenchBroadRiverFestival.com).

American Whitewater is proud to annouce Phillip "Bubba" Sisk as our April Volunteer of the Month! Bubba is an integral part of the National Paddling Film Festival (which raises $5,000+ for American Whitewater each year!). As a thanks for his many efforts, Bubba will be receiving a Kokatat WoolCore shirt! Thanks Bubba!

Thanks to everyone who submitted comments for the Tuolumne River Plan last month! Now is your chance to weigh in on how the Wild and Scenic Merced River in Yosemite National Park will be managed in the future–comments are due April 18th. With your help, we can advocate more effectively for opening this stunning and amazing river to the public!

Colorado - Mark Udall, who chairs the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee, unveiled draft legislation today to create the Browns Canyon National Monument, covering 22,000 acres between Salida and Buena Vista in Chaffee County.  AW has been active in supporting and helping shape the proposal which includes 10,500 acres of new wilderness and seeks to protect the most popular rafting destination in the country.

On Thursday, March 28th, the Nevada Assembly Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on AB 396, which is a bill that will ensure access for recreation on Nevada's lakes and streams. Strong access laws are especially important if you enjoy spending time on rivers, and paddler's voices are important in this process for Nevada. You can participate a number of ways…

On Saturday April 6th, 2013, California Canoe & Kayak and Jackson Kayak will host a day of whitewater fun in Coloma, CA to benefit American Whitewater. The day will be filled with whitewater clinics for everyone and a BBQ, raffle, music, and whitewater slideshows afterwords. We hope to see you there!

Yesterday, Federal approval was granted for the removal of Millpond Dam on Northeast Washington’s Sullivan Creek.  Millpond Dam has blocked Sullivan Creek since 1909, and removal should be completed within the next 5 years. In addition, streamflows will be improved for paddlers and fish from nearby Sullivan Lake Dam.  American Whitewater has played an active role in the collaborative effort leading to this dam removal and other improvements since it began in 2008.  

We built a mobile friendly version of the American Whitewater river data and it's available to AW Members only. If you're a current member, login at http://m.americanwhitewater.org. It’s a beta product (e.g. unfinished) so this means that it will have bugs and imperfections. Despite this beta status, we wanted to get it in the hands of our members so they can start using it.

Efforts to roll back the boundary of California's Wild and Scenic Merced River are picking up again. H.R. 934 was recently introduced in the House, and if passed it would open the door for Merced Irrigation District to increase the height of the spillway at New Exchequer Dam by 10 feet and expand McClure Reservoir. Not only would this drown a segment of an outstanding river, but it would be the first time in the 45 year history of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that a designated reach would be shortened in the name of development.

Tallulah releases for spring 2013 are going to be held on April 6, 7 and 13, 14. Releases begin at 9:30 am and all boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake. Releases on Saturday are 500 cfs and Sunday releases are 700 cfs.

In a bipartisan effort last month, the Senate introduced the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2013 (S.338). The Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported many projects that provide access and protect important rivers, including the White Salmon (WA), New and Gauley (WV), Illinois (OR) and Snake (ID). If passed, the bill will reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund and support similar projects into the future.

Last month, Interior Secretary Salazar signed a Record of Decision for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Integrated Activity Plan. This first ever-comprehensive management plan for the Reserve establishes an important balance between resource extraction and the need for protection of natural resources. It includes important protections for the Colville and other rivers in the Reserve.

The March/April issue of the AW Journal features "Water Wars Heating Up In California Again".

Current members - Read the issue now!

Not a current member - Renew or Join today!

Future Colorado River water shortages could limit boating opportunities, according to a recent US Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) report. The Colorado’s flow is expected to decline, presenting challenges to ecosystems and the 40 million people reliant on the river system. AW continues working to ensure that boatable flows are protected and is asking paddlers to help strengthen our message by submitting comments to BOR by March 13.

Denver, Colorado - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it was delaying the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Moffat Collection System Project on the Fraser River and South Boulder Creek, for another year.  Previously, the FEIS was scheduled to be released at the beginning of 2013 -- it has now been delayed until February of 2014.

Last month President Obama nominated Sally Jewell for the post of Secretary of the Interior, but she must first be confirmed by the Senate and her hearing is scheduled for March 7th. We have worked directly with Sally and are excited to see her considered for this position. You can add your support by writing to your Senators.

In response to calls by American Whitewater, New England FLOW and the Appalachian Mountain Club, FERC today ordered FirstLight and TransCanada to study the potential for whitewater boating on the Connecticut River at Turner's Falls and Bellows Falls. The companies are seeking to relicense their projects at the Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon dams in New Hampshire and Vermont, and at the Northfield Pumping Station and Turner’s Falls Dam in Massachusetts.

American Whitewater and the Vermont Paddlers Club today filed comments with FERC calling on Morrisville Power & Light (MWL) to schedule releases on the Green River in Vermont.  In their comments filed today with FERC, AW & VPC called on the MWL to provide five weekend 2-day releases from the dam in order to provide additional paddling opportunities.

Federal regulators have recently approved study plans for the proposed Black Canyon Hydroelectric Project that would impact Ernie's Gorge on the North Fork Snoqualmie River. As an initial step in the study process, all paddlers who run this reach in 2013 should report their runs and fill out the survey.

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt gave a speech to the National Press Club calling for more balance between the amount of public land leased for oil & gas and the amount set aside for conservation. A stalemate in the 112th Congress continued to tip the balance in favor of oil and gas, as has been the trend since 2001. Oil and gas extraction on our public lands is putting pressure on many of the rivers that American Whitewater and our partners have worked hard to protect.

Earlier today, Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) re-introduced a set of wilderness bill including the Oregon Treasures Act, legislation that would protect the Chetco River, Molalla River, Rogue River, and Horse Heaven and Cathedral Rock sections along the John Day River.

The American Whitewater Journal is the oldest publication of its kind, and yours can be the next story it tells! Whether you’re an explorer of rivers, a passionate river steward, or someone who likes to blow off steam on the local run every weekend, you’ve got a story to tell and we’d love to hear it. Our next deadline is March 8th. Click here to read about topics we're looking for stories on, or send us a story on any topic you want. 

American Whitewater is pleased to announce the 2013 schedule of releases for the typically de-watered West Fork of the Tuckasegee River, located near Glenville, North Carolina.  These releases are the direct result of negotiations between American Whitewater, our affiliate clubs, Duke Energy and other regional stakeholders.  

American Whitewater is reaching out to our membership to encourage participation in a study of boating conditions and recreation safety conducted by consultants working with the Yakama Nation Fisheries program. The study reaches include Nason Creek, Twisp River, and Chewuch River. The overall purpose of the study is to identify known and anticipated river users and evaluate riverine hazards as habitat restoration projects are planned and implemented.

Yosemite National Park is currently seeking the public's input on how the Wild and Scenic Merced and Tuolumne Rivers will be managed in the future, including the question of whether to open them up to paddling. While we're pleased to see the park is considering lifing the ban in some areas, the preferred alternative for both rivers keeps the long-standing prohibition on paddling in place for the Tuolumne and on sections of the Merced. With your help, we can advocate more effectively for opening these stunning and amazing rivers to the public!

Yesterday a landmark stream recreation bill for the commonwealth of Virginia was reported out of subcommittee and will now go to the full Senate for a vote.  The vote could come as early as next week, and supportive paddlers are encouraged to call their Senators as soon as possible.  This is the closest the public has come to gaining clarity on our rights to float down Virginia's rivers in a very long time.

Last month, Interior Secretary Salazar (pictured in Dinosaur National Monument), released The Colorado River Basin Study – projecting water supply and demand imbalances across seven states over the next 50 years. These imbalances will have direct impacts on streamflows, threatening rivers like the Colorado, Green, Yampa, and Dolores. American Whitewater succeeeded in ensuring that recreational demands are included in the study, and will be considered as solutions are proposed.

American Whitewater, along with New England FLOW and the Appalacian Mountain Club, filed comments and provided testimony this week at FERC scoping meetings held in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to discuss the five dam relicensing proposals filed by TransCanada and FirstLight for hydroelectric projects on the Connecticut River.

The Bureau of Reclamation seeks to raise the height of the dam by 18.5 feet, further inundating the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers at great cost to California taxpayers. American Whitewater submitted comments today opposing the proposal because of the negative impacts to recreation and riparian habitat.  Comments are being accepted through Monday, January 28th, and we encourage you to weigh in!

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA8) have reintroduced their Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361/S. 112) along with cosponsors Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA1). This legislation will help ensure the future of some of Washington’s most popular backcountry recreation areas by designating more than 22,000 acres of wilderness adjacent to the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and protecting nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and 10 miles of the Pratt River as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

On January 15th, American Whitewater submitted comments in support of clean-up activities at two inactive mines near Battle Axe and Opal Creeks in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. The mines operated until the late 1980's, and are located 2 miles east of Jaw Bone Flats in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. Waste rock and soil from the mines has the potential to contaminate nearby rivers and streams through leaching and mass wasting events. American Whitewater provided comment to support clean up activities so long as they are protective of all uses, including whitewater boating. 

The Wall Street Journal published a story today outlining the debate over the possible de-designation of the Wild and Scenic Merced River.  We believe that this type of coverage will help highlight the threat to the Merced and Wild and Scenic rivers everywhere.

The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 2.5 million acres in western Oregon. Currently the BLM is updating their management plan for these lands and the associated rivers. As part of this process they are evaluating rivers for their eligibility as wild and scenic rivers. We are encouraging the paddling community to participate in this process by participating in a public survey that is currently underway. The survey affords paddlers an opportunity to identify and express the recreation and other values the rivers under analysis have.

The membership of American Whitewater elected four Directors to serve on the AW Board at the end of 2012. Our new Directors will serve three-year terms on the AW Board of Directors providing high-level oversight and strategic direction to the organization.

If you haven't started already it's time to start planning for that big multi-day trip you've been wanting to do. American Whitewater's permit database can help you find the information you need.

The lack of clarity regarding the rights of residents and visitors to paddle Virginia's certain rivers and streams has long been an unnecessary source of conflict.  Virginians are now ready to change that by clarifying that in Virginia people have the widely supported right to float down rivers. Thanks to this grassroots effort, a new stream access bill has recently been introduced in the state legislature that needs your support. 

In 2011, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkely reintroduced legislation to create the Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven Wilderness Areas in Eastern Oregon. If passed, the legislation would protect almost 18,000 acres as wilderness near the John Day River, including four miles along the river. This week, American Whitewater sent a letter of thanks to Wyden and Merkely for their efforts to protect the area. 

On December 19th I represented American Whitewater at the annual meeting of their Whitewater Advisory Committee for Summersville Dam . The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the project, has worked closely with whitewater interests for many years. Their management plan takes into account both lake and downstream recreation (and their associated businesses) as well as lake and downstream fisheries, power generation, flow augmentation, and other matters. This year's realeases were very successful, and we're looking for another great season in 2013. For information on river gauge changes, fisheries management, and other matters please click the link below:

AW is pleased to announce that Bob Nasdor has accepted our offer to become American Whitewater’s Northeast Stewardship Director.  Bob is based out of Massachusetts and has been an avid paddler of the rivers of the Northeast for the past 10 years. Bob brings a wealth of experience to the position from his 20-year career as a public interest attorney.

On December 6th, American Whitewater filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Black Canyon Hydro's proposed hydroelectric project on Washington's North Fork Snoqualmie River. FERC is currently in the process of considering study requests required for the project. 

Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the key causes of degraded water quality on rivers throughout the country, and this fall, American Whitewater joined with other conservation and recreation groups to defend the Clean Water Act in the Supreme Court. We filed a "Friend of the Court" brief in support of NRDC and Santa Monica Baykeeper's efforts to ensure that municipalities clean up polluted stormwater. The case focuses on the L.A. and San Gabriel Rivers, and has implications for rivers that flow through towns and cities across the country.  

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recently announced the commencement of relicensing proceedings for the Tomahawk and Grandfather Falls Hydroelectric Projects in Wisconsin. We are pleased to report that FERC has identified whitewater recreation as one of the issues requiring study and analysis and has proposed a whitewater flow study. Paddlers have the opportunity to attend next week's public meeting and file written comments.

Yesterday a hearing was held in US District Court in South Carolina regarding the Forest Service's illegal bans and severe limits on paddling 21 miles of the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River.  The Judge ruled in favor of conservation-oriented paddlers and charted a schedule to resolve the case early next year.  

American Whitewater is proud to announce Adam Rettig as our December Volunteer of the Month! Adam has been volunteering his excellent statistical and water management skills with American Whitewater on the New River Dries (WV) relicensing. In recognition of his efforts, Adam with be receiving a custom Kokatat OuterCore shirt! Thanks Adam!

Colorado - American Whitewater is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Menges to our Stewardship Staff In Colorado. Chris joins our Colorado River Program as the Gunnison River Stewardship Assistant, and will be working with AW staff to assess the relationship between streamflows and recreation quality in the Gunnison River basin. For more on how to welcome Chris to the Team, and how to get involved...

Charity Navigator has recognized our diligence in adhering to strict financial accountability for the third straight year (something that only happens to the top 9% of non profits they rate). It is an honor to receive this top rating three years in a row for our philanthropic efforts in river conservation. At American Whitewater, we strive to maintain the high standards set forth by Charity Navigator and work hard to earn the trust and respect of our members.

As an organization, American Whitewater has been quite fortunate to have a committed group of volunteer Board of Directors that provides the organization with high-level oversight and strategic direction. You have through Midnight Pacific Time, December 14th to cast your vote.

American Whitewater helped launch a new website today to celebrate Montana's rivers.  The blog-style site asks people to share a special story that took place on a Montana river.  AW hopes paddlers enjoy the great photos and stories, and take a few minutes to share some of their own.  You might just win some great stuff too... 

The first season of legal paddling on portions of the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River since 1976 is nearly upon us.  The Forest Service will begin allowing paddling on December 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013, under various restrictions.  This article will help you jump through all the hoops and enjoy the river!

Just a friendly reminder: an American Whitewater membership makes the perfect gift for the paddler or river-lover in your life! We've made buying one super easy and quick too. Just fill out our Gift Membership form and we'll take care of the rest. If they already have an AW membership, no problem, we'll just add on another year to it. You get to give a great gift and support your favorite non-profit at the same time. Awesome!

It’s not too early to be thinking about the Holiday gifts you’ll need for all the river enthusiasts on your list. For 2012, we've put together a great Membership deal: An American Whitewater Membership plus an AW 2013 Calendar all for just $45. We think it’s a great gift to give to any river lover, or heck, a great gift to give yourself! Act fast though, this offer is only good through Dec. 31st, or while supplies last.

The 2013 American Whitewater calendar is now available for puchase! Each year, we collect the best photos from our gracious  fans and pick out our favorites for our annual calendar. We then sell this calendar and use the funds to support our river stewardship work. It's an awesome fundraiser and a product that we know you'll love. Please consider picking up one (or thirty six) of them today. Thanks!

On Friday, American Whitewater formally requested several studies as part of the relicensing of the Hawks Nest Dam, which significantly de-waters the New River Dries in West Virginia.  In addition to our study requests, we offered evidence of the hydropower project's significant effects on whitewater recreation.

A couple quick reminders for Tallulah releases; a) the $5 Park Use Fee ($30 for 15 passenger vehicles) is required for both the Put-In and Take-Out parking lots and can be purchased at the Put In only, b) please leave as few cars as possible at the take out, c) the gate at the take out will be closed and locked at 5pm.

Earlier this week, Free Flow Power willingly surrendered permits that had granted them exporation and development rights associated with two proposed new dams on New York's Black River.  These dams, if built, would have inundated 4.8 miles of the Black River that is currently free flowing.   The surrender of these permits is good news for the Black River.  

It's easy to become a high-level supporter of American Whitewater with our Membership installment plans. With these plans, you can pay for any AW membership over $250 in your choice of 4 or 12 annual payments. So, if you were looking to get that Lifetime membership ($750) at 12 payments it's just $62.50 a month. Easy as $62 pie.

More than two decades after we first investigated the recreational potential of a restored White Salmon River, and a year after a blast of dynamite punched a hole in the base of Condit Dam, the river is now navigable from the headwaters all the way down to the Columbia River! The White Salmon Narrows is a technically challenging new stretch of whitewater that is officially open to paddlers with the skill set to enjoy it safely. Paddlers running this section of river should be solid Class IV boaters who are comfortable running unfamiliar sections of river. 

American Whitewater is pleased to announce David George as our November 2012 Volunteer of the Month! David was one of our many volunteers at this year's Gauley Fest - an event that takes hundreds of volunteers to put on - and we're very grateful for his help. In recognition of his efforts, David will be receiving a custom Kokatat OuterCore shirt! Thanks David!

At American Whitewater, it’s possible to have two different kinds of accounts: a Membership account and a Website account. These two kinds of accounts can be linked together. If you’re a dues-paying AW Member, doing so provides a number of benefits including no ads/reminders to become a member and the ability to manage your membership online. Linking your accounts is optional, but we recommend that all American Whitewater Members do it.

American Whitewater is asking all paddlers and river lovers to take 5 minutes and read our 2012 Winter Appeal (pdf). In it, we layout the hard work we’ve done on behalf of river lovers everywhere, members or not.

Gunnison, Colorado - American Whitewater is pleased to announce a new fellowship position within our Colorado River Stewardship Program. The part-time fellowship is a key addition to our ongoing strategic efforts to define recreational flow-needs across the Colorado River basin, and to grow our network of Colorado-based paddlers engaged in defending streamflows across the state. 

American Whitewater is accepting applications until November 9th for this part-time position.

The Bureau of Land Management is currently receiving comments on proposed changes to the river permitting system for the Desolation and Gray Canyons of Utah's Green River. The proposed changes change the reservation process from call-in to an online lottery. Comments are due November 10th. For more details and to see the plan...

Earlier this month the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest invited comment on the maintenance of Forest Road 6122 and the proposed new Sultan River Trail, which will provide access to Washington's Sultan Gorge. The trail is part of a settlement agreement to address recreation needs at the Jackson Hydroelectric Project. American Whitewater submitted comments in support of the project, and the opportunity for you to weigh in will be open until November 8th.

The November/December issue of AW Journal features California Bridges - New Opportunities for River Access.

Current members, read the Journal now!

Not a current member? Renew or Join today!

American Whitewater recently sent a letter to Senator Max Baucus formally supporting the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act.  The Act seeks to offer additional protections for Montana's iconic and dramatic Rocky Mountain Front by way of 70,000 acres of Wilderness designations and the creation of a new 200,000 acre National Conservation Area.

Keith Backlund, a master woodworker who created canoe and kayak paddles of unmatched quality, died on the evening of October 25th. He was 60 years old. Born in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania, he grew up making many of the things he needed. An interest in whitewater lead him to concentrate on wood paddle making and he soon became expert at both. Although he started two mainstream paddle companies, Woodlight and Viking, his first love was building custom paddles. He rarely built more than 200 per year. His many apprentices, including Phil Coleman, Jim Snyder, and Jess Whittemore, credit him with being "a catalyst for excellence" that helped them develop the focus and craftsmanship they needed to produce outstanding work. His legacy remains in the hands of many paddlers each time they run a river.

Today, American Whitewater was in Washington D.C., attending the Department of Interior's Partnership in Conservation Award Ceremony.  American Whitewater, along with our project partners from the seven-state Colorado River basin, were given the Partnership award for our work on the US Bureau of Reclamation's Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study.

Fall Tallulah releases are right around the corner. These releases occur the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November. There are a couple of important changes for this year so please review this information if you are planning a Tallulah trip.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act. There’s no doubt that the river you love to play on would be very different today if not for this important piece of legislation, and the majority of our work here at American Whitewater has a connection to it. American Whitewater celebrates the environmental, public health and economic benefits that the Act has brought to everyone! 

On Thursday, October 4th, American Whitewater testified before California's State Water Resources Control Board in support of more stringent water quality protections at the City of Mt. Shasta's wastewater treatment plant, located on the Box Canyon run of the Sacramento River. The Board accepted recommendations from AW and the boating community that these protections be implemented year-round. The final permit is expected to be released in the coming weeks. 

The Tohickon Creek is a favorite run for many mid-states paddlers. Every Fall and Spring there are 750 cfs releases from Lake Nockamixon on the first weekend of November. The river is about an hour north of Philadelpia and empties into the Delaware River. Water arrives at Ralph Stover Park around 9:00 am; the five miles below here are playful Class III. The take out is at Point Pleasant Canoe and Tube. The $5 per vehicle parking fee is a fundraiser for the Point Pleasant Fire Department. Paddlers are asked to be patient, as there will be a lot of people on shuttle roads and access points. For info on the history of the event, click here.

American Whitewater is initiating an open hiring process for a half-time regional stewardship position. The Northeast Stewardship Director will represent American Whitewater in strategically selected regional river conservation and access issues.  Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Did you meet that special someone on the river? Nearly cause a breakup teaching your significant other to boat (yikes!)? If you haven't got a great whitewater love story (yet), what about a favorite gnarly river? Surely you can share some love for one or the other... 

If you think you've got a story to tell here, get cracking, 'cause our deadline for the Jan/Feb American Whitewater Journal is just a couple of weeks away! Check out the full article for details.

The National Park Service (NPS) has released for public comment a Study Report of Wild and Scenic River designation of Connecticut's lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook.   Your comments filed before the October 17 deadline will help secure lasting protection for these rivers.

Moab, UT - American Whitewater is asking for your input to define recreational streamflows on the Colorado and Green Rivers in Canyonlands National Park. Please take five minutes to participate in this study, being conducted in cooperation  with the National Park Conservation Association.  Your input is very important to our efforts to protect river flows in the west.