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The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) recently circulated updated information on dam releases that will affect regional whitewater runs, paddling opportunities and environmental flows on the Taylor River and on the Gunnison RIver in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge. This post contains information on these updates.

American Whitewater and Merrimack Valley Paddlers have reached an agreement to purchase a 10-acre parcel fronting on Contoocook River in Henniker, NH. The land serves as an important launch point for whitewater paddlers enjoying the popular section of the river that runs from Hillsborough to Henniker. This section of the Contoocook River contains rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to Class IV.

American Whitewater releases the 2012 Annual Report. Your membership support allows American Whitewater’s river stewardship staff to work on important projects in their respective regions. Our team consists of professional staff supported by board members and volunteers from communities across the country.

The Forest Service is updating their management plan for the Clearwater and Nez Perce national forests, and now is a great time for paddlers to advocate for river protection and enjoyment.  Check out AW's comments, and send some of your own before July 1, 2013.  

American Whitewater's Accident Database contains more than 1000 fatal accidents and near misses reported over the last  35 years. We sometimes give qualified water safety researchers access to this material. Our latest research partner is Ed Kern,  a Masters Degree candidate in civil engineering at Brigham Young University in Utah. Click through for more information and a link to his web site.

The company that has been seeking permits to build three new hydropower projects in Montana announced today that they are abandoning their proposals - for now.  This is a great relief for the many Montanans that care about the incredible paddling, fishing, and scenery of East Rosebud Creek, West Rosebud Creek, and the Madison River.  

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has scheduled a set of public meetings and a site visit on June 12th and 13th that are open to the public for those who wish to comment on the proposed hydropower development at Sunset Falls. Written comments on the proposal are being accepted through July 19th.

The Wenatchee River Festival will take place once again this weekend with the main festivities on Saturday June 8th. The festival will be at Riverside Park in Cashmere so come on down to enjoy the events or just take advantage of the shuttle to enjoy the river. We'll have the patio reserved for food and drink as well as evening entertainment.

American Whitewater is proud to announce our June 2013 Volunteers of the Month: Chris Donochod, Justyn Thompson, Mark Mickey, Matt Kern, and Sid Border! These five fine folks are the team behind French Broad River Fest a music event that celebrates the French Broad River in NC and raises an average of $5,000 for American Whitewater and other local NC non-profits each year. In recognition of all their hard work, the whole crew will be receiving a custom Kokatat WoolCore shirt! Thanks guys!

Only twice each year, American Whitewater appeals for financial support for our river stewardship work. To this end, we've put together the 2013 American Whitewater Summer Appeal (pdf). It details just how our supporter's money is spent and features a national listing of some of the major projects we're currently involved with. We sincerely hope you'll take the time to peruse this document and consider donating or joining/renewing with American Whitewater.

Green River, Utah - The Natural Resource Conservation Service is soliciting public comments on the proposed reconstruction of the Tusher Canyon Diversion Structure, an historic dam just downstream of Swasey's Rapid on the Green River. AW has asked that the NRCS prepare a full Environmental Impact Study for the project, which could include new boat passage at the dam site.  A 2nd comment period is now open, and comments are due by June 28th.

Earlier this month, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks released their draft plan for managing several new Wild and Scenic Rivers. They dismissed any consideration of allowing paddling on the rivers except where it is currently allowed.  If you would like to be able to take a canoe, kayak, or pack raft trip down these Wild and Scenic rivers, please consider attending one of two public meetings June 4 and 5, 2013, or submit written comments. 

On Tuesday, June 11th, California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) will hold two public meetings about whether to permanently cancel summer flushing/whitewater flows through Northern California's Pit River Canyon. The Pit 1 reach is a valued whitewater resource, and it's important that boaters weigh in on the process, either by turning out to a meeting or submitting written comments!

Earlier this month American Whitewater filed comments on the "assessment phase" of the forest planning process for the two National Forests in Western North Carolina.  We offered information on rivers that are regulated by hydropower dams, as well as advocating for protection of the region's remaining wild and free-flowing rivers.  

Come see American Whitewater at Deerfield Fest in Charlemont, MA on July 13th! Deerfield Fest is one of AW's largest fundraising events and the Northeast's biggest whitewater festival. Plus, for vendors, booths are only $50! You can purchase one right now via our vendor registration form. Prices increase to $100 on July 5th.

This May and June join Paddle to the Sea – the Tuolumne River Trust’s popular paddle-a-thon where hundreds of river lovers and boating enthusiasts raft, canoe and kayak from the Sierra to San Francisco Bay. There is adventurous whitewater and mellow flat-water; fun one-day trips, or going the distance. Boaters of all skills and ages are encouraged to join.

May 4th (CheatFest Weekend) is the first scheduled Saturday release on Maryland’s Upper Yough! If water levels cooperate this will be a busy day on the river. For Friendsville, MD (population 491) the influx of hundreds of whitewater paddlers can cause problems. Minimize your impact on the town by driving safely, being discrete while changing clothes, and by being careful when carrying boats along busy Maple Avenue. Remember that there is no parking along Water Street or Morris Avenue (the two riverside streets) unless you are patronizing local businesses. Those invited by local residents to take out on their property should park completely off the street. American Whitewater takes care of the put-in at Sang Run; our suggested donation, $2 per visit or $20 for the season, remains unchanged. For an update on the planned boater parking lot, click the link below.

Charity Navigator has recognized our diligence in adhering to strict financial accountability for the third straight year (something that only happens to the top 9% of non profits they rate). It is an honor to receive this top rating three years in a row for our philanthropic efforts in river conservation. At American Whitewater, we strive to maintain the high standards set forth by Charity Navigator and work hard to earn the trust and respect of our members.