This December 8th-24th KEEN will donate $5 to American Whitewater for each purchase made in their Hybrid.Shop online using the code KEENAW.
What's more, this offer is open to anyone, AW member or not, who shops at Keen's Hybrid.Shop online.
The Park Service held two public meetings this past month and solicited scoping comments on the subject of whether to recommend the Skagit River upstream of Copper Creek as a candidate for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the Park Service is in the process of reviewing comments, it is not too late to weigh in. It is important for the Park Service to hear from the paddling community and those who enjoy the recreational opportunities this river offers.
AW has provided comment on the Puget Sound Partnership's draft Action Agenda for cleaning up Puget Sound in Washington State. The Puget Sound Partnership is a community effort of citizens, governments, tribes, scientists and businesses working together to restore and protect Puget Sound. The scope of this effort includes the headwater areas that flow into the Sound including nearly 100 recognized whitewater runs that are readily accessible to the paddlers of Western Washington and Southwest British Columbia.
Ohiopyle State Park is conducting a public open house on Saturday, Nov 22, 2008, at 1 pm to 5pm to gather input and feedback on a new proposal for private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls. The open house is a chance for the boating community to review the new park proposal, ask questions of park staff and provide comments.
American Whitewater would like to recognize John Cantrell as our November volunteer of the month.
Stacey Johnson, Gauley Fest volunteer coordinator, had this to say about John:
We ask that paddlers familiar with Idaho's Black Canyon of the Bear River fill out a short one-page online survey. The survey will help us understand paddler's preferences for flow volumes and scheduling. American Whitewater strives to represent the interests of the paddlers that are out on the water, and surveys are a big help.
Recently American Whitewater sent our Fall Appeal to our current members. This letter highlights some of the many stewardship projects American Whitewater is working on and some of the current threats that whitewater enthusiasts face.
As you review the Fall Appeal, please consider a couple of things. First, that membership in American Whitewater is more than a subscription to our Journal. Your membership fuels our stewardship work. For each dollar that you invest in membership, American Whitewater is able to leverage that dollar for another two dollars in foundation and sponsorship support.
Looking for that holiday gift for a paddler new to the sport? How about an AW membership!
American Whitewater is pleased to announce the availability of a special holiday membership package for 2008. For the low price of $45 this package includes a one year membership with American Whitewater (or a 1 year extension to a current membership) plus a 2009 American Whitewater calendar and a copy of Doug Ammons book "Laugh of the Water Nymph"! A total value of $77 for just $45!
AW is asking that paddlers familiar with Washington State's Sullivan Creek fill out a short online survey. American Whitewater is actively working on a process to remove, transfer, or operate two dams in the Sullivan Creek Watershed. We have also created a video of the Gorge to share this inaccessible place with other stakeholders - enjoy!
Due to the prolonged absence of southeastern rainfall, American Whitewater received the following letter from the Southern Company (Georgia Power) dated October 22, canceling fall releases on the Tallulah River. The Southern Company letter is posted on the "read more" link.
Despite overnight temperatures dipping into the 20’s this year’s Moosefest was a great time as always. Plus, unlike some years, there was no need to dig through snow to get to your gear in the morning as skies were clear and the sun shinning for most of the weekend.
On Thursday, October 16, 2008 the US Forest Service released the Idaho Roadless Rule, which provides management direction regarding road building and resource extraction across 9.3 million acres of public roadless lands in Idaho. The Rule replaces the more protective 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it applied to Idaho’s roadless areas.
Congratulations to Paul R Hummel, winner of the week long trip in
With generous support from Small World Adventures and Smith Sport Optics, American Whitewater hosted a fundraising and membership drive that ended on October 1st raising $163,791. Anyone who joined or renewed their AW membership or donated at least $10 to support our river stewardship efforts was entered in a raffle to win the week long trip in
This weekend (Oct. 18th), come renew or start your membership with American Whitewater in Old Forge, NY at the ever-popular Moosefest. Stop by the membership table and show your love and support for your favorite whitewater non-profit. Plus meet pro paddler and Team Dagger member Corey Volt and AW's Jeff Paine who will both be manning the table.
AW will be set up at Mountainman Outdoors Supply Company on Saturday, Oct. 18th, from 4-6PM. Later on that evening AW will be setting up at one of the local pubs, Slickers, from 10PM-12AM.
Recreational releases on the Upper Nantahala and West Fork of the Tuckasegee are currently being held up by a local County's opposition to removing Dillsboro Dam on the
The 2009 American Whitewater Calendar is available in our online store. This is the perfect calendar for your home or office; it’s full of spectacular imagery from rivers throughout the country. Order yours today so when you aren't on the river you can at least stare at one!
The Bureau of Reclamation has released the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Windy Gap Firming Project. The Project, proposed by the Municipal Subdistrict of Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District would move the Colorado River another step closer to being a "flat lined" river, with flows perpetually at low flow levels. The Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled two public meetings where citizens can offer written and oral comments: one in Loveland on October 7 and one in Granby on October 9.
Right now there is a proposed national rulemaking to decide the fate of Colorado's backcountry roadless areas. Rivers flowing through Roadless areas in Colorado include the Los Pinos, Piedra, Hermosa Creek, Mad Creek, Saint Vrain River, Conejos River, and Lime Creek. Many additional rivers are bordered by Roadless areas that define their superb scenery and water quality. These include most notably the Upper Animas River, Cache la Poudre, Elk River, and the Taylor River. The Animas, Poudre, and Taylor Rivers are commercially rafted by large numbers of citizens, supporting significant regional economies. Your comments to the Forest Service are needed by October 23rd.
On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Paddlers were and continue to be among the most passionate advocates for protecting our nation's free-flowing rivers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act remains one of our most important tools to protect our nation's free-flowing rivers and opportunities to enjoy them.
Thursday, October 9th, the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival comes to Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, Merrimon Ave. Films start at 7:00PM.
Last week at the Gauley River Festival, American Whitewater announced that Charlie Vincent was named the 2008 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. Charlie's decade of volunteer work on Idaho's Bear River successfully restored water to the river's Black Canyon this year.
North Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the Skagit River. As part of the planning effort the Park Service has considered a request by American Whitewater to conduct a study on the eligibility and suitability of the Skagit River for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the downstream section of the Skagit, which is popular for eagle floats, is designated as Wild and Scenic, what many paddlers do not know is that the well-known whitewater run upstream is not currently designated.
Wow, what a festival!
Not only was it the 25th anniversary of the Gauley Fest but ask almost anyone who was there and you’ll hear the same thing “It was the best Gauley Fest ever!” Not only was there beautiful weather with clear blue skies but throw in the industries biggest and best vendors with whitewater enthusiasts from all over and you’ve got a recipe for an outstanding event!
With the proceeds of the event being used to support the stewardship work of American Whitewater.
The Sept/Oct issue of the AW journal is now online for AW members to enjoy!
In this issue you'll find
AW members can check out the journal online . However, you must be logged into the AW website and be registered through the site as an AW member.
John R. Sweet, leader of the first party to run the Gauley River in modern hardshell whitewater craft, turns 70 on September 27th. Sweet was one of the strongest paddlers of his era, a man whose skills set a standard that others tried to emulate. A member of several U.S. Whitewater Teams, he was a fierce competitor in slalom and wildwater events. Forty years ago John was the first to run what later become known as Sweet's Falls on the Upper Gauley. He was a mentor to many paddlers still active in the area.
This year’s Feather River Festival will occur at the September Feather Release. Come on out and enjoy the festivities.
The state of Illinois has proposed a new dam safety law. The proposed law includes the establishment of a 300 ft upstream and 50 ft downstream exclusion zone around “dams” identified by the law as a threat to boaters. The law would prevent portage at many dams, effectively preventing public recreation. It would also senselessly end use at at least one popular whitewater feature.
Join the 25th Annual Gauley River Festival in Summersville, WV this weekend September 19-21.
A new SC state Attorney General's opinion suggests that public river access at bridges, and recreational activities like fishing and boating (including scouting and portaging) within the bounds of the high water mark are likely legal activities on navigable rivers in the state. This positive opinion is not a substitute for a definitive judicial ruling, however it will guide the officers and agents of the State in their law enforcement practices.
Right now the largest land and river protection bill in recent history is in the US Senate, awaiting action. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 (S. 3213) represents a legislative package that will protect several rivers and headwater streams that the paddling community enjoys. AW encourages you to contact your Senators.
Tributaries of the lower Rogue River and the rivers of Mt. Hood will be the subject of a hearing today in the U.S. House of Representatives. American Whitewater has participated in outreach efforts associated with both pieces of legislation that include rivers of interest to the whitewater paddling community.
The USGS announced today that a number of their streamgages are threatened by loss of funding. The gages, located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are scheduled to be turned off on the last day of September of this year unless cost-share funding can be found.
As part of the Yuba/Bear relicensing, Fordyce Creek and Canyon Creek will be flowing at the end of August and in September. Come out and enjoy the flows and help us gather information on these runs.
Congratulations to Dan Kelly for winning the August pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses. With generous support from Smith Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Gauley Fest. Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted whitewater flows on the Gauley River, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest river festival in the world, posting attendance numbers of over 5,000 people.
This year’s festival will feature live entertainment, a whitewater marketplace, lots of on river activities, and a silent auction where you can pick up some awesome outdoor gear. The Gauley River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater and is our largest fundraising event. Come out and enjoy the fun!
Come out and support the American River Festival this weekend September 5th -7th. Help raise awareness and for American Whitewater and other great local causes. This event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Support for American Whitewater generated at this event will go to the Larry Berg California River Stewardship Fund.
American Whitewater would like to recognize Anne Connolly as our Volunteer of the Month. Anne was the mastermind behind the first annual Boater Chick Festival held on the
A report released yesterday by American Whitewater finds that the flows mandated for the Saranac River's High Falls Gorge will likely fail to restore basic ecological functions to the river. The report critiques the mandated flows using an analytical tool developed by the Nature Conservancy that compares human caused changes in certain aspects of flows that are ecologically important.
US Forest Service funding for many programs vital to Americans’ enjoyment of our National Forests is about to disappear as the agency re-allocates funding for those programs to its fire fighting budget. The Chief of the US Forest Service announced Friday that the agency has depleted its $1.18 billion fire suppression budget for fiscal year 2008, and has initiated a recall of $400 MM from agency programs throughout the nation.
The Tonto and Coconino National Forests announced earlier this month that due to continuing demolition efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities, a temporary closure of Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek on the Tonto and Coconino national forests is in effect from Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 (unless teminated sooner.)
Whitewater paddlers in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia have often used the parking lot behind the Little Sandy Church of the Nazarine to access Little Sandy Creek. This past summer Pastor Chad Harvey told me that parents in his congregation had asked for a fence to keep their youngsters from falling into the river. The church board approved construction, but because they wanted to continue the church's tradition of hospitality towards paddlers they also planned to build a gate. This will allow easy access to the river. American Whitewater wishes to thank Pastor Harvey and his congregation for their continued hospitality.
Friends of the Cheat, with the help of whitewater paddlers throughout the region, constructed a new parking area along the Big Sandy Creek in Rockville, West Virginia. This will provide secure public access to this popular whitewater run. The location is on river left, just upstream of the Rockville Bridge. There's space for over 30 cars here, and we hope that this will relieve congestion on busy spring weekends. The road from the bridge to the lot was also widened and greatly improved. Future plans include trails to several different spots along the shore.
Ladies of the Lower G returns to Gauley Fest!
Spend a day paddling with Anna Levesque on the Lower Gauley and raise money for AW! What's not to love?
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 Gauely 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. This even includes "shuttles, a hot lunch catered by NARR, and after-paddling drinks..."
Volunteers are needed to Clean Up the Clackamas River at the 5th Annual "Down the River Clean Up" Sunday, September 7th 9:30 a.m at Barton Park.
North Carolina's Division of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey of paddlers to help them assess citizen's access needs and opinions on how river access initiatives should be funded and accomplished. The survey only takes a few minutes and if you paddle in NC, we encourage you to participate. Whitewater paddlers' participation in the study will help provide vital information about recreational needs on whitewater rivers.
We are happy to announce that Friends of the Cheat won second place in the Redwood Creek Wine Greater Outdoors Project, winning $10,000. The money will be used to secure land along the Big Sandy and place it in conservation easement. The land will protect public access to the river as well as the river itself. We would like to thank the many paddlers that voted online in support of the project, Friends of the Cheat for writing a great proposal and taking the initiative on this great project, and of course Redwood Creek Wines for making public enjoyment and protection of awesome places a funding priority.
An alternative to Wild and Scenic River Management is currently being developed for the Upper Colorado River, that would provide water for growing populations in Colorado, while permanently protecting the iconic river's threatened fish and wildlife habitat, riparian systems, and the world class whitewater from Gore Canyon to Glenwood Canyon. American Whitewater is working to ensure that environmental and recreational flow needs are protected under the new management alternative.
Like many paddlers, American Whitewater yesterday submitted comments on the Forest Service's environmental assessment (EA) of recreation on the Chattooga River. We would like to thank all the paddlers that filed comments in support of responsible management on the Chattooga. As a community we have daylighted a national treasure being mismanaged by a small group of people for a small group of people. AW remains committed to bringing responsible river management to the Chattooga on behalf of all backcountry recreationists.
Shuttle service is now available for the Big Bend run on the North Fork Feather River. Lake Oroville is at its lowest level in years which is uncovering this run that is normally inundated by the Reservoir. AW is looking for your feedback on this new shuttle service.
The health of the Tuolumne River is at risk from a San Francisco proposal to take significantly more water from the River. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is proposing to divert up to 25 million more gallons of water per day from the Tuolumne, enough to fill 1,000 swimming pools, every day.
The United States Forest Service (USFS) has recently issued a draft rule for Colorado’s National Forests that weakens and removes existing protections for backcountry roadless areas. Starting Monday, August 18th in Pueblo, the USFS is hosting a series of Open Houses to discuss the proposed Rule and to hear your comments. American Whitewater has been working with our colleagues in the Outdoor Alliance to analyze the rule and we believe that the draft rule inadequately protects those remote areas with rugged terrain that provide the highest quality opportunities for human-powered recreation.
Take a drive out to the Lock 32 Whitewater Park in Pittsford, NY this weekend for two days of clinics and competition.
The schedule of events at Lockapalooza will feature boatercross, rodeo, whitewater clinics, plus a plastic slalom race. Not to mention plenty of opportunities for spectators to enjoy the show too.
Most importantly, there will be American Whitewater signup forms for you to fill out to join your favorite whitewater-enthusiast-supporting non-profit.
Enjoy some food off the grill or try out the tamer side of kayaking in flatwater kayak demos from Eastern Mountain Sports. Plus, when dark descends they'll be getting out the kayaking videos for some fun viewing.
Check out the website for all the latest information and enjoy the show!
Ever since first raising the issue of boating on the Upper Chattooga with the Forest Service in 1995 AW has repeatedly sought to establish a reasoned dialogue with the other stakeholder groups and reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding boating on the upper Chattooga River.
This spring the Gauley River National Recreation Area acquired the Masons Branch and Woods Ferry access locations. Over the past few months American Whitewater has been working with the Gauley River National Recreation Area to insure that private boaters have continuing access at these critical take-out/put-in locations. Today the park issued an open letter to boaters outlining their plans to manage these access points.
Earlier this year in January, American Whitewater teamed up with Lunch Video Magazine and Teva to challenge AW's members to create a video that highlights their favorite American Whitewater project. Participants then took their final video and uploaded it to YouTube and sent a link to it to AW.
After the final submission deadline in June, AW's own staff voted on their favorite video and choose a submission by Eric Martin for his video on the Feather River.
American Whitewater is pleased to announce the winners of the 6th Annual Flowing Rivers Campaign with Clif Bar!
Congratulations to the AW Affiliate Clubs the Atlanta Whitewater Club and the Fairbanks Paddlers.
Back in March American Whitewater challenged all its Affiliate Clubs to submit proposals for two $1,250 grants for projects "that promote river stewardship, conservation, access and/or safety education on our nation’s rivers." Of the many responses we received, those of the Atlanta Whitewater Club and the Fairbanks Paddlers stood out.
On August 23, 2008 AW will be running Ohiopyle Falls during this one day event and festival.
Colorado- The communities of Gunnison and Crested Butte in the upper Gunnison River basin, will showcase hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and rugged recreation during the Gunnison River Festival and River Awareness Week. The schedule of events promises to deliver plenty of river fun and learning from August 14th-18th, 2008.
Congratulations to Ryan Kerrigan for winning the July pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses. With generous support from Smith Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008.
As paddlers and stewards of
Our regional river stewardship program, an integrated approach to the American Whitewater mission of conservation, access and safety, is performing at a very high level. Our stewardship team is racking up on-the-ground achievements while building internal capacity to more fully involve the paddling community. This Annual Report highlights the methods and achievements of our stewardship efforts.
Congratulations Steve Page! American Whitewater would like to recognize Steve as our August Volunteer of the Month. Steve is doing a summer internship at AW and has been involved with many different aspects of the organization. He has worked with the Stewardship team, festival coordinators, and basically everyone that sustains AW as the premiere whitewater advocacy organization.
Colorado- While the US Army Corps of Engineers is drafting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the enlargement of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County, Colorado, Denver Water is taking comments on their proposed changes to the reservoir's FERC license, including tree removal, relocating recreation facilities, and hydropower generation.
Comments on the FERC License amendment associated with Gross Reservoir Enlargement Project are due September 29th, 2008.
West Rosebud Creek will get a bump in flows this weekend (August 2nd and 3rd) that will bring the Class III-IV+ (V) creek into its optimal paddling range. These flows are designed to replace similar flows eliminated by the normal dam operations. American Whitewater has been working with the Beartooth Paddlers, the power company, and agencies for the past several years to negotiate and test this program.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced a 45-day extension of the comment period to the pending Section 404 Permit application and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). The new expiration date for the comment period is September 13, 2008.
The Rock Creek release on the Feather River has been postponed again one week because of the new fire in the Feather River Canyon.
Today the US Forest Service announced that they will grant the public another 2 weeks to submit comments on their "environmental assessment" of recreational use in the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River corridor. The new comment period ends August 18th.
The July/August issue of the AW journal is now online for AW members to enjoy. This issue includes AW’s 2007 Annual Report. The July/August issue of whitewater's longest running publication is also full of great updates on AW's river stewardship work – the Wild Sky Wilderness Act and Canyon Creek (WA), Susquehanna River Settlement Reached (PA), Mongaup River (NY), Bear River and Lolo Creek (ID), Tuckasegee River (NC), Colorado report, McCloud River and Yuba/Bear (CA), as well as, Andria Davis’ article on Yoga for Paddlers, and Matt Young’s article on High Intensity Training for Paddlers.
Removal of the Dillsboro Dam is one step closer. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued more approvals connected with Duke’s plans to remove the Dam on the Tuckaseegee River in western North Carolina.
This Saturday be sure to check out American Whitewater’s Deerfield River Festival in Charlemont, MA.
The Deerfield Fest has a ton of things to do and will feature vendors, food, boat raffles, a silent auction, plus – and most importantly – the chance to begin or renew an AW membership! Not to mention all the proceeds of the event go towards funding American Whitewater’s important mission.
Today through Sunday contractors will be on site to conduct blasting operations associated with the construction of a new bridge across the Whitechuck River. This bridge will replace the one washed out in the October 2003 floods and will provide access to the Whitechuck Launch on the Sauk Wild and Scenic River.
American Whitewater is looking for more story and photo contributions from canoeists, rafters, and C1ers. If you've always wished our magazine highlighted more folks who paddle like you do--with a single blade--this is your chance to make it happen.
AW has finished our initial review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding recreation on the
Great Falls, MD and VA - July 11-13th
This summer, beat the heat with a refreshing cocktail of whitewater paddling at the 18th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival. The spectacular race over Great Falls will make your heart rush as world-class paddlers venture down the rough waters of the mighty Potomac.
The Festival will also bring together paddlers of all skill levels through a number of events such as on-water clinics, the classic attainment (paddling upstream against the clock) and squirt boating events, the ever exciting boater-cross, the gravity- defying freestyle competition...
Congratulations to Jeffrey Hatcher for winning the June pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses. With generous support from Smith Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008.
American Whitewater recently submitted testimony to the Water and Power Subcommittee, Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives for their Oversight Hearing on Hydropower.
American Whitewater would like to recognize Sue and Dave Wester as our Volunteers of the Month. For many years Sue and Dave have been steadfast volunteers at both Sky Fest and Wenatchee Fest.
While many volunteers have made these successful events, Sue and Dave have played key roles on organizing the behind the scenes details for each of these events. They have organized the raffles and auctions that have been the primary fundraisers at these events raising over $60k for AW's stewardship efforts in the PNW. In fact these efforts have been instrumental in building AW's regional program.
A big thank you to both Sue (who turns away from the camera) and Dave! As Volunteers of the Month, they will each receive an Outer Core shirt from Kokatat.
On June 23rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the The Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act (H.R. 2452). We are now one step closer to getting the information we need when there’s a sewer spill that could affect public health, an issue of particular concern to whitewater paddlers who are in direct contact with the water every time we get on a river.
In efforts to further the access of great whitewater in
American Whitewater is studying instream flows that sustain the recreational opportunities of the Upper Colorado River. The survey of flow prefrences for commercial rafting opperations on the Upper Colorado River is intended to compliment the 2007 survey of private boater flow preferences for the Colorado River, reaching from Kremmling to Glenwood Springs. Please share the news of this survey with commercial rafters.
Today the United States Forest Service released their new proposal for management of the upper Chattooga River, and an environmental assessment of their alternatives. There will be a 30 day public comment period. The USFS proposes to essentially maintain their ban on boating while allowing other uses unlimited access - again without any basis whatsoever.
Earlier this month, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) sent a letter asking the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to prohibit boating on the
The photo submission deadline for the 2009 American Whitewater Calendar has been extended!
Now you have until July 18th to submit your photos to be featured in the 2009 calendar. The 2008 calendar was such a big hit we expect this year's to be even more popular. That means your very own photo could be hanging on the walls of AW members and fans all over the country!
The USFS has announced another 6-month delay in deciding on a new plan for managing recreation on the Wild and Scenic upper
American Whitewater is in Washington, DC today representing the paddling community as part of River Action Day. Several Wild and Scenic River bills are being considered that are of interest to the paddling community and we encourage you to take some time to speak up for your favorite rivers.
Friends of the Cheat wants to purchase an outstanding piece of riverfront along West Virginia’s Big Sandy, one of the state's most oustanding whitewater rivers. The Redwood Creek Wines “Greater Outdoors Project” is offering a $50,000 competitive grant. Friends of Cheat applied and finished in the top 5 out of 100. We need your help! On June 15th a description of the project and a photo will be posted on RedwoodCreek.com. You can vote every day through July 31st. Bookmark the site and go there daily when you check weather and river levels. Vote early and often for the Big Sandy Project. The direct link for voting is: http://www.redwoodcreek.com/greatoutdoors/voting.asp
Oregon's Department of State Land issued a final ruling and determined that the Rogue River from RM 68.5 to 157.5 (Grave Creek to Lost Creek Dam) is indeed navigable. The finding confirms that the state is the owner of the river bed, and the public has the right to use the river.
There's still snow in the mountains and flows have been great all spring as boaters from across Washington state gear up to host the Wenatchee River Festival on one of the region's premiere whitewater rivers. Boaters from across the Pacific Northwest will all converge on the town of Cashmere this weekend for a great weekend of fun and activities on the water.
The District Engineer from the US Army Corps of Engineers has scheduled an additional THIRD public hearing to be held in conjunction with the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Northern Integrated Supply Project.The public hearing will be held MONDAY, JUNE 16th in Fort Collins, Colorado at 425 West Prospect Road. The open house will start at 4:00 pm, hearing to begin at 6:00 pm.
American Whitewater recently received a grant which provides an opportunity to explore the reintroduction of rivercane to the Cheoah River. This grant was provided by Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources which is a Cherokee Preservation Foundation program ultimately funded by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian. Rivercane is on the decline in the southeast due to development and agriculture.
The paddling season is cranking up across the country, and AW would like to remind paddlers to respectfully share the road, the river, and public access areas. We have received several reports of overly enthusiastic driving threatening river access. Take it easy out there, and check out AW's recommendations for how to stay in the good graces of the folks living near the rivers we paddle.
Congratulations to Susan and Robert Glanville for winning the May pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses. With generous support from Smith Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008.
American Whitewater would like to recognize Michael Crane and the consulting firm Crane Associates of
Although this has shaped up to be a very dry year in California, there will be a number of paddling opportunities for boaters to take advantage of here in California this summer.
Although this has shaped up to be a very dry year, there will be a number of paddling opportunities for boaters to take advantage of here in California.
AW is celebrating the first release on the Black Canyon of the Bear River, after over a decade of hard work. We have created a short video of the release, and want to make sure paddlers are aware of other opportunities to paddle the Bear this summer.
The park system will turn 100 years in 2016 and Congress and the President are poised to take major steps to make the parks ready for their next century. Legislation is currently being considered in the House that will establish a margin of excellence at our parks consistent with the high quality of recreational and natural resources they were established to protect. Paddlers can take action today to move this bill to a floor vote.
The National Park Service is purchasing property from two West Virginia landowners to improve public access to the Gauley River. The sites, located at Woods Ferry and Mason Branch, are established put-in and take-out sites for boaters, kayakers, canoeists and rafters along the river between the public put-in at the Summersville Dam and the take-out at Swiss, almost 26 miles downstream.
Last week President Bush signed a bill making Wild Sky the first new wilderness area in Washington State in more than a quarter century. The new wilderness includes the headwaters of several whitewater runs including the North Fork Skykomish, Silver Creek, Rapid, and Beckler.
The Bear River will see flows this weekend as part of the relicensing flow studies for the Yuba/ Bear River Project. Come out and boat the release, fill out an online survey and let us know what you think of the run.
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