The Tuck relicensing has the potential to radically improve recreational opportunities on the class II main Tuck, as well as to create a new whitewater resource on the Class IV West Fork Tuck.

From 2001 through 2003 American Whitewater participated in an innovative negotiation process to decide the future operations of the dams on the Tuckasegee River and its forks. AW staff attended full-day meetings at least once a month for 3 years, and spent countless hours analyzing and assisting with studies, pouring over property maps, and developing proposals. We focused our efforts on whitewater paddling mitigation, the design of a environmental enhancement fund, and the removal of Dillsboro Dam. We worked closely with other stakeholders including our volunteers, the Carolina Canoe Club, local outfitters, Duke Power, and state and federal agencies throughout the process. Among the major achievements of the negotiations was the development of a flow regime for the Tuckasegee that met the ecological needs of the river and the interests of Duke Power, anglers, and paddlers.

Based on three years of work and negotiations, AW signed a settlement agreement in 2003 calling for sweeping environmental and recreational enhancements. Several local stakeholders backed out of the agreement at the last minute and have since been challenging the agreement with the FERC. All signs thusfar indicate they will fail in their efforts to torpedo the agreement. The FERC’s final word is expected in 2007, and West Fork releases could begin in the spring of 08 if we can get the access areas constructed in time.