The AW staff has focused their national policy work on two highly effective coalitions, and remain engaged in specific nationally precedent setting cases at the regional level.

Outdoor Alliance: The Outdoor Alliance is our new coalition of conservation oriented human-powered outdoor recreation groups. This coalition directly represents 1 million people and speaks for activities enjoyed by over 100 million Americans. The mission of OA is the same as AW’s, except that it encompasses a broader spectrum of recreational users and resources. OA allows us to have a vastly more powerful, proactive voice in Washington DC on the many important issues surrounding public land management. Through OA’s efforts we will build bridges with federal agencies and decision makers, and begin to treat the root causes of many river conservation and access issues. Our lobbying week in February was a significant breakthrough.

Hydropower Reform Coalition: AW has been a steering committee member of the HRC for many years. The Coalition is a significant source of expertise, work, political insight, political influence, and funding. Through coalition efforts we are able to shape the procedural and political arena that dam relicensing and management occurs in. As concern regarding climate change mounts, new damless hydro technology develops, and water shortages require increasing storage needs, the role of HRC will continue to evolve and be highly relevant to our mission and our members.

Precedent Setting Cases: AW is tackling several local and regional projects that will have direct ramifications on national policy. The access issue on the Chattooga will likely influence future management of Wilderness, Wild and Scenic, and Forest Service rivers across the country. The Statewide Water Supply Initiative in Colorado will set the standard for how to protect public recreational values while tapping rivers for water supply. The outcome of adaptive management on the North Fork Feather (CA) will influence FERC’s treatment of recreational releases across the country. The upcoming removals of dams on the Elwha (WA), White Salmon (WA), Clark Fork (MT), and possibly Klamath (OR/CA) will potentially usher in a new era of large dam removal. By working on these issues on the local and regional level, AW can shape a future that looks brighter for rivers across the nation.