frontpagenews

On Tuesday, June 11th, California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) will hold two public meetings about whether to permanently cancel summer flushing/whitewater flows through Northern California's Pit River Canyon. The Pit 1 reach is a valued whitewater resource, and it's important that boaters weigh in on the process, either by turning out to a meeting or submitting written comments!

Earlier this month American Whitewater filed comments on the "assessment phase" of the forest planning process for the two National Forests in Western North Carolina.  We offered information on rivers that are regulated by hydropower dams, as well as advocating for protection of the region's remaining wild and free-flowing rivers.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

American Whitewater 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.