New York State Electric and Gas has blocked access to the Ausable River downstream of their Rainbow Falls project for many years. AW worked through the dam relicensing process for at least 6 years to force the power company to allow public access. Every step has been a challenge. Even though fedreal law requires dam owners to allow public access and portage, the dam owner consistently refused to agree to public access.

When FERC initially analyzed the situation they agreed with us that access was possible, legal, and a benefit to the public - yet recommended against access. AW cried foul and convinced FERC to order access in their final order. The license required the previously thwarted flow study to be completed which it was in 2005.

Paddlers found a spectacular and truly unique class IV river set in a deep and narrow chasm. Portage and scouting at river level was easy, and most paddlers wanted to do laps. A wide range of flows were found to provide boating opportunities, including levels frequently and naturally present in the summer and fall.

As of late summer 2006, we are awaiting the LONG overdue flow study report, and will likely have to again advocate for access to the FERC in response to the study. We should have access in the spring of 2007 at the latest.

It has been a long road, but we are close to our destination on this one.

You can view a low water video(under 300cfs) to wet your appetite.