The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has written a letter to FERC and the State Water Resources Control Board recommending that the releases on the Pit River, above the Pit 1 Powerhouse, should be canceled this summer. They cite concerns of potential impacts to Shasta Crayfish. American Whitewater was not consulted before making this recommendation and USFWS staff has stated that impacts to recreation was not a consideration. If you wish to boat the Pit this summer or in the future you need to write a letter now!

UPDATE AS OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Boating Study Releases Planned for Middle Yuba, South Fork Yuba and Canyon Creek

American Whitewater is partnering with Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to identify a preferred range of whitewater boating flows on numerous reaches in the Yuba and Bear watersheds. Information obtained from surveys completed by boaters will help us identify flow preferences for whitewater boating. Flow preferences determined from boater surveys will be used to evaluate possible effects on whitewater boating from Project operation and help define flow needs.

After three years of waiting a new flow schedule for the Cresta reach of the North Fork Feather River has been approved by FERC. This flow shecdule is a result of colaboration between American Whitewater, PG&E and the State and Federal resource agencies. New higher base flows will begin on May 1st.

Last week Senator Feingold (D-WI) reintroduced the Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA), S. 787. This legislation will maintain the basic protection for rivers that we all appreciate and likely take for granted through restoring the reach of the Clean Water Act to headwater streams. We would like to thank Senator Feingold for looking out for one of our most basic human needs - clean water. Please call your Senator in the next week and voice your support.

A new dam project is threatening the Mokelumne River. The project will have significant impacts to whitewater resources on the Mokelumne. Boaters need to act now to stop this project.

The DWR will present its first report regarding the research conducted for the proposed whitewater park. The meeting will take place on February 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the Oroville City Council Chambers. Local boaters and businesspeople are encouraged to attend to participate and be involved with the planning and final decision.

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.

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.

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 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.