Front Page News

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!

Mature Boaters? Venerable Paddlers? Superannuated Whitewater Enthusiasts? Whatever you call them, we're all incredibly fortunate that we have a huge contingent of older folks who enjoy whitewater paddlesports. They can be a reservoir of knowledge, a voice of wisdom--and they're almost always having more fun than anyone else on the water. We figured that this group, often underrepresented in whitewater films, books, and magazines, deserves a chance to shine. To that end, we're calling our May/June feature "Boating Beyond Youth." Oh yeah, did we mention that the deadline for submissions is only a couple of weeks away? So if you or someone you know seems to fit this category (NO, you won't get us to say what age qualifies as old), let's encourage them to get cracking on the keyboard (or word processor, or typewriter, or pad of lined paper, or quill and parchment). Deadline's coming in a couple of days...

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners will host a public meeting to announce the Francis E. Walter Dam Flow Management Plan and discuss its implementation for the 2010 recreation season. The meeting will be held Feb. 18 at the Mountain Laurel Resort, Route 940 West, White Haven, Pa., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Whether you are a Colorado Resident, or someone who travels to Colorado to hit the peak paddling season each year, we need your help to ensure all boaters have safe access on all Colorado rivers. AW asks that you Contact Colorado's State Legislators and Urge them to Add Private Boaters to the "River Outfitter Bill".

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.

Here's a quick update from the Jackson Hole Kayak Club, one of the winners of the 2009 Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign. With the help of additional funds from Clif Bar and American Whitewater, they were able to finish their installation of a set of stairs to access a section of the Snake River (WY) near the Kings Wave Rapid.

After nearly a decade of negotiations and involvement by American Whitewater, Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River (NC) is finally being removed! February 4, 2010 saw the first steps of a multi-week process to remove the 100+ year old dam from blocking this great river from flowing freely.

American Whitewater would like to recognize Theresa Simsiman as our February Volunteer of the Month! In recognition of her efforts Theresa will be receiving an OuterCore Long-Sleeve Shirt from Kokatat!

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.

Earlier this month the National Park Service released their new draft management plan for the New River Gorge National River. The analysis accompanying the plan explores five alternatives representing different strategies that are all targeted at protecting the ecological, cultural, historical, and recreational values of the river corridor. The Park Service has selected their prefered alternative and has requested public comments on their draft plan and analysis between now and April 1, 2010.

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!

New for 2010, anyone who joins American Whitewater at our Explorer level ($500) will receive this great Keen backpack with AW logo. AW is excited to offer this thank-you gift to some of our most enthusiastic members from one of our staunchest supporters. Awesome!

In this entry, LVM's John Grace sits down with AW's Kevin Colburn and Jeff Paine to talk about the status of paddling the headwaters of the Chattooga River - and why it's so important to paddlers even if they live nowhere near it. This was recorded in mid-December 2009 so doesn't touch on the most recent developments, but it gives a great, quick overview on the issue.

It was with great pride and enthusiasm that American Whitewater announced Bill Cross as our 2009 River Steward of the Year. The reward for his tireless work was much more than just good river karma however, it was a brand new kayak of his choice donated by Jackson Kayaks! Bill sent this thank you note over to the folks at Jackson Kayaks and we wanted to share it here with everyone. Thanks for all your hard work Bill!

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.

A recent private closure of the Vermillion River in Illinois has paddlers and political representatives urgently seeking solutions. It appears that several good solutions exist, and we encourage Illinois paddlers to offer their support and encouragement for opening the 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.

Yesterday the US Forest Service "voluntarily withdrew" their decisions and analysis regarding their illegal ban on paddling the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River. The decisions and analysis were under intense scrutiny in the administrative appeals process, and are currently being challenged in Federal Court. The step is just the most recent in 14 years of avoidance tactics employed by local decision-makers in the agency, and will create massive additional burdens for public participants in the process.

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.

Ship Creek Canyon has been known for several years as a great Alaskan whitewater run just outside downtown Anchorage that flows through the military's Fort Richardson light-tactical training area. Recently the base has stepped up enforcement of a paddling ban and charged local paddler with trespassing on military land for paddling Ship Creek this past summer.

Due to the current weather predictions, the US Army Corps of Engineers has cancelled the public meeting scheduled for Summit County (December 8). The meeting will be rescheduled for January 2010. Stay tuned for meeting anouncement.

American Whitewater is pleased to recognize Jared Hogle as our Volunteer of the Month for December, 2009. Jared was and remains the leading local advocate for access to New York's Ausable Chasm and other regional rivers. In recognition of his efforts Jason will be receiving an OuterCore Long-Sleeve Shirt from Kokatat!

The US Army Corps of Engineers has added a public hearing on the Moffat Collection Project. Date: December 8, 2009 Location: Keystone Conference Center (0633 Tennis Club Road, Keystone, CO, 80435) Time: Open House 4:00 pm; Public Hearing begins at 6:00 pm

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 state of South Carolina is considering funding the removal of the third of three dams on Twelvemile Creek. The other two dams are already slated for removal. Take an online survey to support the full restoration of Twelvemile Creek, and the potentially great whitewater currently lost under reservoirs.

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!

Earlier this year Cody Erhart, a recent landscape architecture program graduate, produced images for American Whitewater depicting what Sullivan Creek (WA) might look like following the removal of Millpond Dam. We are pleased to share these images which are a blend of science and art aimed at facilitiating discussion about the future of Sullivan Creek.

American Whitewater continues to play a leadership role in efforts to protect the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers through Wild and Scenic River designation, Wilderness designation of the federal lands along the river, and designation of state-managed forest lands as a Natural Resource Conservation Area. Paddlers can take action today to keep these efforts on track.

Earlier today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to designate the Molalla River as a Wild and Scenic River (H.R. 2781). This legislation will protect 15.1 miles of the Molalla River and 6.2 miles of the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla River in Oregon.

Each fall American Whitewater sends out an end of year appeal to members for donations. Please take some time to review the American Whitewater winter appeal letter arriving in your mailbox. 


Help! If you have submitted any material for publication in American Whitewater in the past several months, there's a good chance we don't have it anymore. Due to a pernicious computer failure, we're scrambling to recover much of the content for our January/February issue now, and we don't necessarily have contact info for authors and photographers. So, if we haven't already contacted you personally to re-send your contributions, please do so as soon as possible.

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

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

Nevada Irrigation District (NID) will be releasing 350 cfs into California's Bear River below Rollins Reservoir on Saturday, and Sunday, November 14 & 15. Releases will also happen from Wednesday to Sunday, November 18 to 22, 2009. A third release of 200 cfs will happen from November 25 to 29. NID, with the cooperation of AW, will conduct an "opportunistic flow study" to take advantage of these flows.

Boaters are getting a surprise fall boating season on the NF Feather river in California, due to dam maintainence. Poe Dam to Poe powerhouse section will have flows through November and probably into December. At the same time, a new AW online gauge has just started reporting flows in that same reach.

American Whitewater's Thomas O'Keefe will be testifying in Congress this morning (Thur Nov 5) before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

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.

For the low price of $45, this package includes a one year membership with American Whitewater (or a one year extension to a current membership) plus a copy of Doug Ammons' book "Whitewater Philosophy"! This package deal could be the perfect gift for the whitewater paddler in your life, or a great way to renew your own membership. A year saving rivers with AW and a book from one of the highest regarded whitewater writers and paddlers in the world.

Just in time for the Holidays this year, American Whitewater will be offering two books for sale from well-known paddler and author Doug Ammons: Whitewater Philosophy and Laugh of the Water Nymph. These books are some of the most well read in the all of whitewater. What's more, purchasing these books helps support American Whitewater but also Doug's decades long efforts to support rural schools in Nepal. Check out the book links for full details.

A private hydropower company has proposed to install hydropower generation facilities in two Army Corps of Engineers Dams on the West River (VT), including Ball Mountain Dam which provides releases into the popular whitewater section of the West. The Company, Blue Heron Hydro (BHH) is hosting a public meeting and site visit to discuss their proposal. Paddlers interested in the effects that the hydropower installation may have on the West River are encouraged to attend the meeting and site visit.

American Whitewater has reached agreement with Snohomish PUD and other parties to the relicensing of the Jackson Hydropower Project on the Sultan River. The future proposed license will support whitewater boating on the Sultan River and in particular the reach between Culmback Dam and the Powerhouse known as the Upper Sultan.

Earlier this week FERC granted a permit that gives a private company sole rights to study and seek to develop a damaging hydropower project on Montana's famed Madison River. The project would pipe water from Quake Lake around the Class IV/V Slide section of whitewater to a new powerhouse downstream. American Whitewater and regional paddling clubs have opposed this project and will continue to do so.

Earlier this week the US Forest Service cancelled their plans to allow a paltry six days of paddling on one small section of the upper Chattooga River (NC/SC/GA) this winter. As it has been for 33 years, the entire Upper Chattooga River now remains banned to all canoeing and kayaking, while all other existing uses have no limits. Conservation-oriented paddlers have challenged the overarching agency decision to ban paddling on the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River in court and in the administrative appeals process over the past two weeks.

With a prolonged maintenance outage at Nantahala Hydro Station and higher than expected rainfall Duke Energy is expecting to begin releasing water through a gate at the Nantahala Lake Dam on Monday, November 2, 2009. This management marks an opportunity for paddlers to enjoy the Class IV+ Cascades and Class III+ Upper Nantahala, and is likely to last until late December.

Last week legislation (H.R. 1593) to protect Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River passed the House of Representatives.

It's really rather simple - human-powered outdoor pursuits need a healthy climate. If the climate is out of balance, then our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors can go from being degraded to actually disappearing. Check out a new short video on the topic, and consider taking action.

After a two-year drought in the southeast, Tallulah releases are on track for this fall. Scheduled releases occur the first three weekends in November. Release dates for November 2009 are 7 & 8, 14 & 15, and 21 & 22. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs.

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.

Ready for your viewing pleasure, you can now purchase the American Whitewater 2010 Calendar! A huge thanks goes out to all the many AW members who submitted their photos.

And the winners are: River Gypsies Mexico Trip: Samuel Wells of Fountain Hills, AZ. Small World Adventures Ecuador Trip: Helen and Gary Plummer of Salinas, CA. Thanks to all our members that joined, renewed or donated during this contest, we really appreciate your support!

Conservation-oriented kayakers and canoeists sought protection in federal court on Wednesday from an illegal decision by the United States Forest Service involving the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. The USFS decision, which was the culmination of a 2004 administrative appeal by American Whitewater, makes it a federal crime for paddlers to float the northernmost 21 miles of the River and its tributaries except on a limited seven-mile section during 6 or fewer days per year.

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.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce Bill Cross as our 2009 River Steward of the Year. American Whitewater annually awards this honor to a single volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication to our river stewardship mission, and who has recently reached a major milestone in their efforts. In addition to our appreciation the AW River Steward of the Year Award comes with a Jackson kayak.

American Whitewater would like to recognize Michelle "Mac" Miller as our October Volunteer of the Month. Mac was an outstanding volunteer at this year's Gauley Fest volunteering a ton of time to help us put on the event. She was tireless in her efforts and always met every challenge with a friendly smile and remarkable determination. Thanks Mac!

Thanks to the awesome work of AW's many supporters, American Whitewater has won New Belgium Brewing's $10,000 Skinny Dip for a Cause grant! The final voting results put AW ahead of the closest contestant by almost 1000 votes. No doubt a testament to the wonderful support we're so honored to have from our members.

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.

Here's the complete list of winners in AW's Summer Membership Drive for September. Stay tuned for the grand prize winners announcement on Oct. 15th!

If you want to obtain a permit to float the Selway, Snake, Middle Fork of the Salmon, or wild main Salmon Rivers in 2010, you need to know about changes coming in the Forest Service permit lottery and launch reservation system. The Four Rivers Lottery is going "green", incorporating an entirely online system as part of our desire to go paperless.

The 2009 Whitewater Symposium will be held at Zoar Outdoor on the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts. The Symposium seeks to advance the sport of whitewater paddling by bringing together key players from all aspects of the whitewater spectrum including freestyle, river running, racing, rescue and playboating.

Another year, another awesome American Whitewater Gauley Fest presented by Subaru! Gauley Fest is of major importance to AW as it's our biggest fundraising event. All the funds raised at this national level event go back to funding AW's River Stewardship work all over the United States. A huge thanks goes out to all our volunteers that helped out, people who attended and vendors that setup!

Right now the State of Colorado is accepting input on a management proposal for unroaded backcountry areas on Forest Service land including lands along Los Pinos, Piedra, Hermosa Creek, Mad Creek, Saint Vrain River, Conejos River, Lime Creek, Upper Animas River, Cache la Poudre, Elk River, and the Taylor River. Even though Americans already decided to protect ALL roadless areas in the Forest System through a federal plan in 2001, a plan that has been upheld in recent court decisions, the state continues to push a plan that includes some troubling provisions that impact the backcountry experience our community enjoys.

There is incredible potential for the White Salmon River to once again be home to abundant wild salmon and steelhead populations and a new whitewater run. But before this vision can be realized, the 95-year old, 125-foot Condit dam, which blocks fish passage and innundates a section of river awaiting a future first descent, must be removed. The Washington State Department of Ecology is currently accepting comment on one of the last permits the dam owner needs to make removal a reality.

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

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced recently that there is sufficient reservoir storage behind Francis E. Walter Dam to complete all planned whitewater releases for 2009.

Great news, this year's American Whitewater Gauley Fest presented by Subaru will feature an awesome AW Members-only game of Rock, Paper, Scissors for over $3,500 of awesome gear (including a new Liquidlogic kayak!). Woody Callaway of Liquidlogic kayaks will be heading up this fun and friendly "competition" that's open to AW members only. Stop by the Liquidlogic booth at 9:15PM to participate, just make sure your membership is current by then, otherwise you can't play and win!

American Whitewater would like to recognize Bob Taylor as our September volunteer of the month. Bob has been a major volunteer dedicating hundreds of hours over the years to Deerfield Fest benefiting AW. He's worked tirelessly with all aspects of the festival from electrical, field setup, booth work and cleanup. Moreover, Bob is well known in the local paddling community as an excellent boater who's always willing to help teach beginning boaters the ropes. On top of all that, Bob's just a really cool guy. Thanks Bob!

Are you one of AW's Summer Membership Drive Winners for August? Read the full article and see if you've won! Don't worry, there's still time to get in on the contest. Join, Renew or make a donation (if you're already current) today!

"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.

American Whitewater received an open letter to boaters from the National Park Service outlining Gauley River access for 2009. For the last decade AW has leased the open field at Mason Branch for private boater parking - we are leasing the field again this year. These are your AW dues at work!

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.

Currently, New Belgium Brewing Company is running a contest among water advocacy groups. The top vote recipient is eligible for a $10,000 grant. Please go to their website and vote for American Whitewater and help us restore more rivers!! http://www.newbelgium.com/skinnydip

American Whitewater is asking our members, particularly those living in Oregon to take action to protect the Wild Rogue. The Rogue River Wilderness and Rogue River Wild and Scenic River represents one of Oregon's most treasured natural landscapes. Legislstion in Congress (H.R. 2890 and S. 1271) will provide more comprehensive protection for the river corridor for future generations.

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.

Public Notice - Regional Watershed Supply Project proposed by Million Conservation Resource Group.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers announces the scoping comment period for the Flaming Gorge/Green River Pumpback has been extended to September 28, 2009.

After considerable delay, US Forest Service officials announced a final decision on managing recreation uses on the upper Chattooga River and released the Environmental Assessment.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comments on a proposal to permit a "Heritage Center" interpretive site on 20 acres in the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River corridor in South Carolina. The proposal includes new construction, use of pesticides and introduction of a new user group to the Wild and Scenic River corridor where kayaking and canoeing is currently banned.

By the end of September, the Upper Colorado River Stakeholders Group will submit a local resource management plan alternative for the US BLM's Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Offices. American Whitewater has worked for over two years to represent paddlers in the negotiations, ensuring the plan explicitly protects flows that support a range of outstanding boating opportunities in Gore Canyon, Pumphouse, and Glenwood Canyon. The alternative plan crafted by the group seeks to balance permanent protection for recreational values in the Colorado River; water project yield; flexibility for water managers; and certainty for stakeholders.

This September 18th, spend a day paddling with Anna Levesque on the Lower Gauley and raise money for AW! If you haven't heard of the Ladies of the Lower G event it's an annual event that Anna Levesque of Girls at Play and North American River Runners (NARR) put on around Gauley Fest. All the ladies who sign up spend the day boating down the Lower Gauley with Anna and others for the low, low price of just $40 (which includes shuttle and lunch). To sign up call NARR at 1-800-950-2585 and reserve your spot soon!

Everyone loves to attend the world's biggest paddling festival: the American Whitewater Gauley Fest presented by Subaru. However, what most people don't realize is that outside AW's 8 full-time employees, it's a completely volunteer run event! AW sure could use your help. Please sign up for 2 hours (or more) and become a part of the Gauley Fest Volunteer Team!

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.

We put up a Facebook event page for the 2009 Gauley Fest. Check it out and share with your friends. See you there!

There will be a whitewater release on the Rock Creek Reach of the Feather river this weekend (8/22-23).

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

Fifty years ago today a 7.3 magnitude earthquake triggered a massive rockslide that dammed Montana's Madison River and buried a Forest Service campground beneath 80 million tons of rock. Recently, a power company pitched a plan to divert water from the lake that was formed behind the slide to a powerhouse in the valley below, which would severely impact the river. American Whitewater, Beartooth Paddlers, and the Jackson Hole Kayak Club filed comments last week introducing legal, recreational, and ecological arguments against the project.

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.

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.