PPL Montana will reopen the road that provides access to its Madison Dam and public recreation areas immediately downstream in the Bear Trap Canyon for the Labor Day weekend. The road was closed after equipment atop the west side of the dam was damaged by a falling boulder from the wall of Bear Trap Canyon early Monday (8/30)

This September 17th, spend a day paddling with Girls at Play on the Lower Gauley and raise money for AW! It only costs $40 and that includes lunch and shuttle. All proceeds go to AW. The trip leaders and safety boaters will include accomplished paddler and women's Green Race record holder, Adriene Levknecht, Girls at Play ambassador, Mary Frances Hansford and more!

The Obama Administration is wrapping up the initial phase of their America's Great Outdoors Initiative. We would like to thank all the paddlers who attended listening sessions. We encourage paddlers to check out the AGO comment website and vote for AW's comments.

The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is taking public comment on its Proposed Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Little Snake Field Office which administers 1.3 million acres of the Yampa River basin. The plan addresses major issues facing our public lands and waters, and determined that 3 segments of the Yampa River are suitable for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

American Whitewater is proud to announce the two Affiliate Club recipients of the 2010 Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign: The Greater Baltimore Canoe Club and the University of Idaho Recreational Student Organization! Each club will receive a $1,250 grant to go towards their respective projects.

There are only 3 weeks left to participate in American Whitewater's Flow Study for the Dolores River. This is the last call to help American Whitewater propose new reservoir operations and negotiate enhanced instream flows below McPhee Reservoir.

The rangers and staff of the Gauley River National Recreation Area outline access for the 2010 season in an open letter to boaters.

The September/October issue of AW Journal features Wilderness Whitewater. Current members, read the Journal now! Not a current member? Renew or Join today!

American Whitewater would like to recognize the Ohiopyle Access Committee as our September Volunteer of the Month. Over the last decade, the Ohiopyle Access Committee represented the interests of boaters to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks resulting in a limited boater access policy now being tested at Ohiopyle Falls.

The International Whitewater Hall of Fame recognizes long time AW volunteer and former Executive Director, Risa Shimoda, as a 2010 inductee.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks has implemented a pilot program to provide limited private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls through September 12, 2010. As a pilot program there are some limitations on access and important guidelines for use.

Each year, American Whitewater and its staff of just 8 puts on the world's biggest whitewater festival, and AW's biggest fundraiser, the American Whitewater Gauley Fest! However, we couldn't do it without out the help of over 250(!) volunteers each year. Please take a few seconds and sign up to volunteer via our simple, online form. Thanks!

FERC has released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the McCloud /Pit Hydroelectric Project in Northern California. In this document FERC staff provides their "preferred alternative" which gives more weight to angling than to recreational boating. Find out what you can do to change FERC's mind.

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers Philadelphia District has updated the Francis E. Walter Dam water release schedule for the remainder of the 2010 recreation season. The current level of water storage will not allow the Corps to complete whitewater releases after Aug. 29; however if additional storage is accumulated, the Corps will add releases.

In association with the National Public Lands Day the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Watershed Research and Training Center will be hosting the annual clean up of the Trinity River and State Highway 299. Are you interested in volunteering with our clean up effort? WE NEED AND WELCOME YOU!

Timberline Tours presents the 2010 Gore Canyon Race - Saturday, August 28, 2010

Colorado - The "Timberline Gore Canyon 2010" event is on! This is a classic Class V whitewater race that brings together the finest whitewater rafters, kayakers and paddlers of all types of river craft. There is no better way to end the Western United States boating season. Enjoy great whitewater racing and camping at Pumphouse Recreation Area with all your fellow boaters.

Over the past few months Gresham Municipal Utilities has been gearing up to relicense their hydroelectric projects on the Red River. As paddlers know operation of the Weed Dam impacts flows on the Red River. American Whitewater can provide technical assistance on the project but we are seeking a local volunteer or group of volunteers willing to invest some time in this process over the next few years.

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: $25
• Friday and Saturday: $20
• Saturday only: $15

• Friday 8 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area
• Saturday 2 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area

The Army Corps of Engineers has just released a Draft Environmental Assessment to rebuild the Minto Fish Collection Facility on the North Santiam River. Most boaters know this facility as the place with the hazardous low head dam between Niagara County Park and Packsaddle County Park on the river. The project to rebuild the facility, which would keep the existing dam in place, would result in a two year closure of the river from Niagara to Packsaddle. The current proposal is to build a portage trail that would accommodate kayaks. It is unclear if this would accommodate rafts. Those who use this river are encouraged to provide public comment.

See how a Canadiana youth development program is teaching kids the importance of rivers and how to protect them in the latest issue of Currents.

After two decades of working on Ohiopyle Falls access, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks contacted American Whitewater today with official notification granting additional boater access to Ohiopyle Falls starting August 22, 2010.

The 20th annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held September 24, 25, and 26, 2010. The Festival will coincide with the Rock Creek/Tobin scheduled releases on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, 2010. The fund-raiser event for American Whitewater is hosted by local paddling club, the Chico Paddleheads. The benefit event will be held at "Indian Jim School" campground located two miles upstream from the small town of Tobin and one mile upstream from Tobin Vista. Free camping and ample parking is available. Bring the whole family to enjoy, celebrate, and support the work American Whitewater has done to ensure regular, recreational whitewater releases on this amazing, classic California river!!

American Whitewater is collecting input from paddlers on this week-end's North Fork South Platte releases.

The first of it's kind release into Bailey and Foxton canyons will be evaluated for the quality of boating these additional flows provide.

Please join AW for the First Annual Bailey Festival, and participate in the flow study.

On August 2^nd Friendsville Town Council discussed problems with whitewater access. Too many paddlers are taking out on Water Street (river left) and Morris Avenue (river right). These are quiet residential areas not suitable as public takeouts. Some boaters are cutting through private property without permission, others are simply being rude and insensitive. Please remember that we are guests of the town. Town Council supported the extended release schedule and deserve our respect! Please do not get out above the Wilderness Voyageurs Access. You can park on Maple Avenue or use the town park a mile downstream. Do not park or take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge unless you own property or have a personal invitation from a landowner. Never park, drink, or change clothes in front of a home if you don't know the owner. Respect the town, and remind your friends to act responsibly.

Kremmling, CO - The popular Pumphouse Section of the Upper Colorado River will be the site for a Pack It Out Campaign coordinated by the US Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with American Whitewater and NRS.

In an effort to reduce impacts from human waste on this popular overnight run, these groups are teaming up to educate river users and hand out FREE WAG BAGs on August 14th.

On July 26, 2010, the US Forest Service decided not to allow long term logging access on the trail through Blackwater Canyon. This decision follows nearly a decade of analysis and public debate, and will protect the ability of hikers, skiers, and bikers to enjoy the historic railroad grade that winds through the scenic Blackwater Canyon.

American Whitewater is pleased to release a short video celebrating our successful restoration of boatable flows to West Rosebud Creek downstream of the Mystic Lake Hydroelectric Project. The video is also intended to raise awareness of a new proposal to dam and divert West Rosebud Creek immediately below the existing hydropower facility.

American Whitewater would like to recognize Risa Shimoda as our August Volunteer of the Month. Risa is, amongst many other things, the chief coordinator behind Potomac Fest in VA/MD. Potomac Fest is the third largest whitewater event that AW attends (behind our own Deerfield Fest and Gauley Fest) which raised nearly $10,000 for AW in 2009. Risa has also recently been inducted into the Whitewater Hall of Fame for her long history of river advocacy work throughout the US. Please join us in saying thanks to Risa!

While international rivers are out of the scope of the stewardship workplan of American Whitewater, many of our members may be interested in river issues from other countries. Rivers in South Korea face many threats as highlighted in Currents.

This August 7^th the annual Friendsville Days Parade will block the usual Maple Avenue access until 1:00 pm. The town park will also be closed to paddlers. Boaters wishing to drop a shuttle car in town have two choices. First, from the Friendsville Exit, go south on Route 42 towards Sang Run. Turn left on 1^st Avenue and enter the town south of Maple Street. Park on First Street or major side streets like Chestnut Street or Oak Street. After running the river, walk to your car and drive it to the takeout. Do not park by the river on Morris or Water Streets unless invited by a property owner. Or enjoy the parade and meet after 1:00 pm on Maple Street and run your shuttle as usual. After the parade there will be all-day festivities at the town park including food, music, crafts, a car show, and fireworks. Drop by after running the river!

On August 14-15, Denver Water is planning to release 300 cfs into the North Fork of the South Platte River. When combined with natural flows, we are expecting great boating levels in the Bailey and Foxton sections. Stay tuned as the event takes shape, but be sure to put August 14th on your calendars!

The contest closes August 11th, so get us your best stories and photos ASAP!

Colorado's Governor has created a Task Force charged with establishing a framework for landowners and boaters to efficiently and fairly resolve disputes over the use of rivers as they arise. The Task Force will NOT decide whether there is a "right to float" in Colorado.

Act today to secure historic funding for river and trail access! This week congress will consider fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund through offshore drilling revenues. This fund is the best resource available for purchasing new river access and conservation easements, and has been underfunded in the past. Please Act Today.

The National Park Service is working on the Wild and Scenic River Management Plans for both the Merced and Tuolumne rivers. American Whitewater recently had the opportunity to meet with the Park service and provide input into this planning process. Many rivers in the Park have been closed for decades, this meeting represents a huge step towards a future boating access in Yosemite National Park.

American Whitewater is excited to announce a conservation initiative for watersheds and rivers of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. We have joined with a coalition of groups to realize shared conservation goals for the rivers and watersheds of the Olympic Peninsula. These wild rivers give us clear water, world-class recreation and unmatched opportunities for solitude and inspiration. They bring jobs and economic benefits to local communities and provide critical habitat for salmon, steelhead and a variety of other wildlife species. Through Wild and Scenic designation, Wilderness designation, and additions to Olympic National Park we will ensure the free-flowing character, water quality, and recreational benefits these rivers provide for generations to come.

Efforts by the Ausable Chasm Company to discourage legal public enjoyment of the Ausable River through intimidation have not thus far resulted in the State of New York filing any trespassing charges against paddlers. The State generally supports recreational use of its navigable rivers like the Ausable. Paddlers wanting to paddle the river are encouraged to read this article before their trip and make their own decision on whether or not to paddle.

Each year, AW takes a look back at the previous year and distills the organization's projects, supporters and financial information - plus much more - into one document, our Annual Report. The 2009 American Whitewater Annual Report is now available for your perusal and enjoyment.

The July/August issue of the AW Journal features International Paddling.

Current members, read the Journal now!

Fort Collins, Colorado - Northern Colorado Water Conservation District, one of the largest water providers in Colorado and the proponent of diverting Colorado's Wild and Scenic Cache la Poudre River into new reservoirs, has stolen the Save The Poudre Coalition's name and used it to mock elected officials, scientists, buisness leaders, and the public's interest it protecting the river.

In response to the ongoing threats to BC's rivers from run of river hydro development, Leland and Andria Davis are putting on a festival and race on Callaghan Creek (BC, Canada) to raise awareness and to raise money to help save rivers. Proceeds will go to American Whitewater and the BC Creek Protection Society.

Active AW projects in the southeast have been highlighted in a new video release by Mike McKay of Five2Nine Productions. Check out footage of Dillsboro Dam removal and interviews with key AW volunteers.

Come see American Whitewater at this year's Potomac Fest, July 10 and 11 in Great Falls, MD/VA! Just minutes from the Nation's Capital, the 20th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival will be two days of fun events organized to delight beginners, experts and spectators alike.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce releases this coming weekend (July 10 and 11, 2010) on both the Black Canyon of the Bear River (ID) and West Rosebud Creek (MT). Both of these rivers are Class IV/V and the releases are the result of years of hard work by AW staff, volunteers, and affiliate clubs. Enjoy!

After consulting with American Whitewater, Chelan PUD has made the decision to cancel the planned whitewater boating opportunities on the Chelan Gorge this weekend (July 10 and 11). Providing this opportunity requires a balancing act between lake level, spill and whitewater boating and unfortunately, at this time the PUD is not able to accommodate all three. Boaters should know that AW is actively engaged with Chelan PUD to document the reasons for canceling this weekend's release and we will work together to determine the best means of providing the opportunities we agreed to. The release on July 24 and 25 is scheduled to take place as planned.

The 2010 Chelan Gorge Recreational Releases present whitewater boating opportunities that will be available for two weekends in July (10th and 11th; 24th and 25th) and two weekends in September (11th and 12th; 25th and 26th). American Whitewater has invested more than a decade of effort into bringing this opportunity to the paddling community of the Pacific Northwest, and we are excited to kick off the second year of weekend releases.

The Obama Administration and the federal land management agencies are asking for your help as part of the new "America's Great Outdoors" Initiative. As such, the Administration is hosting a series of listening sessions around the country. American Whitewater, and our partner organizations in the Outdoor Alliance are encouraging outdoor recreationists to attend these sessions and share your experiences.

If you live in the Northeast, chances are you've been to Deerfield Fest lots of times without even realizing how much work goes into putting it on. Every year we're short on volunteers, we need your help to put on this critical AW fundraiser! If you are interested in volunteering for the Deerfield River Fest, head on over to the Deerfield Fest Volunteer Page for full details and sign up.

Last weekend marked a major success for the paddling community: federally mandated river access at the power company lands at the put in for the Ausable Chasm. Unfortunately, in a surprize move the Ausable Chasm Company, which owns the land in the river corridor, had police onsite to write trespassing tickets for several paddlers.American Whitewater is seeking legal assistance regarding this matter. If you are an attorney in the State of New York and are interested in this issue, please promptly contact kevin@americanwhitewater.org.

American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 8th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this program is provided by Clif Bar. AW Affiliate Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects that promote river stewardship, conservation, access, and/or safety education on our nation's rivers.

The Northeast's most popular whitewater festival, Deerfield Fest, is happening this July 31st in the town of Charlemont, MA. It's American Whitewater's biggest event and fundraiser in the Northeast. If you're a vendor interested in being a part of Deerfield Fest head over to the vendor page to register.

You have until July 23rd, 2010 to submit your photos for the American Whitewater 2011 Calendar!

If your photo is chosen, you'll get a free copy of the calendar. Plus, you'll know you helped support AW's river stewardship projects as we sell these calendars as a fundraiser. Finally, we'll also consider your photos for the 2010 Photo and Story contest in the AW Journal. Thanks!

Last week Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker from Tennessee introduced the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2010. This bill would protect roughly 20,000 acres of some of Tennessee's wildest lands, including the Bald River Watershed and lands near the Cheoah River.

Just a reminder to paddlers: Clean and dry your boats and gear between rivers. This simple action will help prevent the spread of invasive non-native mussels and keep our rivers healthy.

New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), under an order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), plans to open New York's Ausable Chasm to paddlers on Friday, June 18th, 2010. American Whitewater would like to thank our volunteer Jared Hogle for all his assistance on this project. In addition, it is likely that more paddlers sent FERC comments on this issue than on any other FERC project in the Country. Congratulations to all of you, and we wish you many great runs on the Ausable!

The USFS announced today that they will further delay reaching a new decision on how to manage recreation on the Upper Chattooga. A 2009 decision was withdrawn shortly after its release, and the agency stated a new decision would be released early in the spring of 2010.

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

Wilderness Whitewater is the theme for our September/October issue of American Whitewater. If you have stories of adventures or reflections on wild, remote rivers, this is your chance to share them. Deadline is June 25th.

Many paddlers are contacting AW about the Ausable Chasm, which was supposed to be opened to paddling for Memorial Day weekend based on a whitewater recreation plan filed in November 2009. All FERC needs to do is publish a simple letter accepting the plan, yet for the past six months they have failed to do so. With the Class IV+ Ausable at a perfect boating flow for the Holiday weekend, we regretfully report that the gate remains locked.

Mokelumne recreational releases, 2010. High spring flows have been steadily dropping and the Tiger Creek Canal is starting to divert water from the river.

PG&E is expecting the following recreational flows June 26th & 27th:

Devil's Nose - at put-in (M11) 900 cfs at takeout (M38) approx 1200 cfs
Remember that Devil's Nose does not get recreational flow in Dry & CD years due to frogs. Flows in Above Normal & Wet years usually run well above this flow. This is a rare opportunity to catch this reach at this flow range.

Tiger Creek - at put-in (M59) approx 1450 cfs
Previous Tiger Creek boater survey's from 2007, 2008 & 2009 where the flows ranged from 500 to 1000 cfs indicated folks would like to see more water in this reach during our rec flow days - so here it is!

South Yuba and Canyon Creek Update 6/03/2010

South Yuba: at JBR is running about 1500. In the next couple of days it is more likely to go up, say by 200-300, than to drop.

Middle Yuba: above Our House Dam (Plumbago) 740 cfs 6 am June 3
After running these rivers, fill out the boater survey to help establish future flows in South Yuba and in Canyon Creek..

The survey is at: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB2297AJ8Q9ZL

Next update 06/04/2010

American Whitewater has scheduled a work party with Washington Trails Association for Saturday June 19 from 8:30-3:00 to work on the Sultan River trail into the gorge on the Upper Sultan. Volunteers are needed.

The Upper Yough release season brings hundreds of paddlers to the small town of Friendsville, MD on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. The crowded takeout at the Wilderness Voyageurs store and the parking area along Maple Street has been irritating nearby residents for years. Please remember that we are guests of the Town when using this access. Certain activities are offensive to town residents, including 1) Changing clothes in public view, especially between cars and the guard rail. 2) Blocking road traffic with boats or bodies. Please don't walk or place boats in the roadway, even for a short time! 3) Consuming alcoholic beverages in public. There will be an increased police presence in 2010 and citations will be issued to offenders.

Protect access by showing respect for local residents. Be discrete and courteous, and remind your friends to do the same.

Now you can receive instant, customized updates about water conditions by subscribing to WaterAlert, a new service from the U.S. Geological Survey. Whether you are watching for floods, interested in recreational activities or concerned about the quality of water in your well, WaterAlert allows you to receive daily or hourly updates about current conditions in rivers, lakes and groundwater when they match conditions of concern to you.

The gate at the take-out for the Lewis County PUD will be open this weekend (May 22/23). The gate will be opened from approximately 10 am to 6 pm by PUD staff. The river is at a nice level and this will be the last official gate opening for the spring.

Canyon Creek (CA)

175 to 200 cfs will be released into Canyon Creek through Thursday, May 20. On Friday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 25, and maybe beyond, NID will release 300 CFS into Canyon Creek.

South Yuba (CA)

On Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22 PG&E will release 250 cfs from Spaulding Dam. On Sunday, May 23 the flow is likely to increase.

The releases on the Pit River could be canceled this summer. The California State Water Resources Control Board has issued a 21 day notice that they will respond to the US Fish and Wildlife Service recommending that the releases on the Pit River should be canceled this summer due to concerns about Shasta Crayfish. Paddlers need to act now if these releases are going to be saved.

Recently, American Whitewater teamed up with the good folks at Riverlink, the Nantahala Outdoor Center and a bunch of super volunteers to do a cleanup on the French Broad River in North Carolina. Heavy winter flows had unfortunately pushed a large amount of trash into the river. By the end of the day, the cleanup crew had picked up over 30 bags of trash, 15 tires and even two large sections of plastic drainage tubing.

In late March the Utah Governor passed legislation that allows landowners to prevent paddlers and anglers from traversing many of the state's rivers and streams. The new law will go into effect in one year, and is anticipated to have many negative effects on local tourism and outdoor industry economies, as well as the quality of life for Utah residents. AW is now exploring which rivers may have potential for future public access protections with a survey.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce our May 2010 Volunteers of the Month: Chris Donochod, Justyn Thompson, Mark Mickey, Matt Kern, and Sid Border. These five folks are the chief organizers behind French Broad River Fest in North Carolina each year. This event has been going on for over a decade and has grown from 300 people to 2,500. Each incarnation of FBRF since the first has had a focus on on the local French Broad river and also on river stewardship. The event also donates a large portion of its proceeds to American Whitewater, donating $5,000 in 2009 alone.

A proposal to ship massive pieces of oil extraction equipment from Korea across back roads in Idaho and Montana to Alberta is raising concerns from paddlers, conservation groups, businesses, public safety officials, and everyday citizens. Comments on a portion of this project are due May 14, 2010.

Gauley Fest is coming up September 17th - 19th and it's time for vendors to send in their registration forms.

Current members - read the Boating Beyond Youth issue now!

Not a current member? Renew or Join today!

The 16^th Annual Cheat River Festival is coming on Saturday May 1st from noon to 11pm. The place is Albright, WV at the head of the Cheat Canyon. This year's festival is dedicated to Keith Pitzer, who died this past winter after leading Friends of the Cheat for 8 years. It's the biggest little river festival in the country! Check out the gear and food vendors, conservation exhibits, climbing wall, kids area, and art market! Then sit back and listen to the many wonderful musicians who come from all over to play for Friends of the Cheat. It's a great friendly atmosphere for all. Admission: is $15.00; kids under 12 gofree. For more information go to www.cheat.org/festival.

We're excited to announce that the next version of the American Whitewater Journal, and all subsequent editions, will be printed in full color! After years of being only partially in color, we're making the change in 2010 to full color. Plus, we've made a few, minor visual improvements to the appearance of the Journal that we hope folks will appreciate.

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It's that time of year again . . . time to pull together all your photos from your out-of-country river running trips and write a story that glorifies your own actions at the expense of others--it's the International Paddling issue.

Obama administration officials hosted the White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors Friday, April 16. The conference is an attempt to reshape U.S. conservation policy at a time when the nation is facing new environmental threats and American Whitewater was there to represent the interests of whitewater paddlers.

As paddlers, we have the opportunity to help in creating a long-term vision and plan for the wilderness and backcountry of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado.

The landscapes under consideration include the Inner Canyon of the Gunnison River which contains some of the best backcountry whitewater in the West. We have until May 12th to comment.

Puget Sound Energy has announced their construction schedule for the Snoqualmie Falls Powerhouse upgrades that will close access to the Powerhouse run from June 2010 to March 2013.

The annual Hoosic River Whitewater Release into the Schaghticoke Gorge will be on Wednesday, April 21, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. American Whitewater and Adirondack Mountain Club negotiated these releases through a multi-year dam relicensing process. The Hoosic has something for everyone: an impressive Class V upper section featuring a 30 foot falls, and a fun Class III lower section featuring numerous play waves and holes.

Join American Whitewater and our colleagues in the river conservation community on Thursday, April 15th, for an evening celebrating free-flowing rivers. Come learn more about rivers in our state identified for protection through Wild and Scenic designation, the status of current campaigns, and ways that you can help ensure that these wild rivers remain wild forever. The event will take place at the Mountaineers Program Center in Seattle, WA.

American Whitewater would like to recognize Brian Jacobson as our April Volunteer of the Month. Brian has been an integral part of the AW volunteer team working towards resolving the mismanagement of the Upper Chattooga River in the Southeast. His on-the-ground knowledge has proven invaluable as we analyze access proposals from the USFS. Brian is a pleasure to work with, and we are happy to recognize him as our April Volunteer of the Month.

This April, come check out the annual French Broad River Fest April 30th - May 2nd in Hot Springs, NC. All the proceeds from ticket sales for the event get donated to American Whitewater and the local Hot Springs Learning Center! In 2009 French Broad River Fest donated over $5,000 to American Whitewater alone!

Over the last three years, nearly 600 rafters, kayakers, cyclists and pedestrians have successfully removed over 6 TONS of garbage from the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado. Help continue the tradition on April 25, 2010, and enjoy a rewarding day on the South Platte River!

Administration officials announced that they will host a White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors on Friday, April 16, and American Whitewater has received an invitation to attend.

On Monday, March 29, 2010, American Whitewater joined a diverse group of stakeholders in signing and submitting two inter-related settlement agreements that call for the continued operation of Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River, enhanced operation of Sullivan Dam on the natural Sullivan Lake, and the removal of Mill Pond Dam on Sullivan Creek. The agreements are the culmination of over three years of consistent efforts to resolve issues related to the surrender of the Sullivan Project, located in northeastern Washington.

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!

After 10 years of negotiations and 1000's of hours of effort, Dillsboro Dam has finally been removed! Check out the full article for a video recap!

The Army Corps of Engineers announced today that they will be releasing 1500-1800cfs all weekend (March 26-28). Read the full article for details, and as always, be safe out there.

Gold Ray Dam on Oregon's Rogue River has not generated power in almost 40 years, is a serious impediment to endangered salmon migration, blocks paddlers exploring the Rogue, and has become a financial burden for its owners. Comments in support of a proposal to remove the dam are now needed.

On March 18, 2010 the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) released their new management plan for the Blackfoot River. After conducting their analysis and considering public input, FWP decided not to institute a limited permit system on the Blackfoot.

American Whitewater is again partnering with Riverlink and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a river cleanup on the French Broad River. This cleanup will take place on Friday, April 30th 2010 the day before the first evening of the nearby French Broad River Festival. Check out the full article for details on how you can come and help us out!

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.