After nearly a decade of negotiations and involvement by American Whitewater, Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River (NC) is finally being removed! February 4, 2010 saw the first steps of a multi-week process to remove the 100+ year old dam from blocking this great river from flowing freely.

Public hearings have been scheduled later this month regarding a new draft water quality permit for Blue Ridge Paper Products, which discharges tens of thousands of pounds of pollutants into the Pigeon River (NC/TN) each year. The debate over the effluents of the paper mill has been extremely controversial over the past few decades, and this new permitting process marks a significant opportunity for progress. Paddlers are encouraged to attend the hearings, learn more about the issue, and voice your concerns and opinions.

In this entry, LVM's John Grace sits down with AW's Kevin Colburn and Jeff Paine to talk about the status of paddling the headwaters of the Chattooga River - and why it's so important to paddlers even if they live nowhere near it. This was recorded in mid-December 2009 so doesn't touch on the most recent developments, but it gives a great, quick overview on the issue.

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Zoro J. Guice Jr. rejected all remaining legal challenges against Duke Energy's efforts to remove Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River. It is extremely likely that the ruling is the final decision on the fate of Dillsboro Dam, and that removal will begin within a month. This ruling marks a major milestone in the restoration of the Tuckasegee River.

The 27th annual National Paddling Film Festival (NPFF) will be held this year in Frankfort, Kentucky on February 26-27th. You can purchase tickets in advance via the American Whitewater Store for $20 (versus $25 at the door). Plus, AW will be there hosting a membership drive where you can renew your AW membership or join for the first time.

Yesterday the US Forest Service "voluntarily withdrew" their decisions and analysis regarding their illegal ban on paddling the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River. The decisions and analysis were under intense scrutiny in the administrative appeals process, and are currently being challenged in Federal Court. The step is just the most recent in 14 years of avoidance tactics employed by local decision-makers in the agency, and will create massive additional burdens for public participants in the process.

The state of South Carolina is considering funding the removal of the third of three dams on Twelvemile Creek. The other two dams are already slated for removal. Take an online survey to support the full restoration of Twelvemile Creek, and the potentially great whitewater currently lost under reservoirs.

After considerable delay, US Forest Service officials announced a final decision on managing recreation uses on the upper Chattooga River and released the Environmental Assessment.

Keep this number for assistance in the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park - (865) 436-1230. This number connects to the Park Dispatch Office and should be used in non-emergency situations. For boaters who regularly paddle in the Park it is advisable to program the number in your cell phone.

The 2009 French Broad River Cleanup was a huge success. Over 30 individuals participated in the cleanup on May 1st.

American Whitewater has joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their Green Power Partnership. AW has purchased enough renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Clean Currents, a leading supplier of wind energy credits, to offset energy usage in our national office.

Removal of the Dillsboro Dam is another step closer. Superior Court Judge Laura Bridges ordered Jackson county officials to "immediately process and issue" permits that Duke Energy needs to begin dredging sediment behind the Dillsboro dam in preparation for removal.