http://www.americanwhitewater.org/wiki/ 2009-11-21T14:15:44-05:00 http://www.americanwhitewater.org/wiki/ http://www.americanwhitewater.org/wiki/lib/images/favicon.ico text/html 2008-05-15T16:19:57-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:1?rev=1210882797&do=diff The Gauley River is considered by many to be the ultimate big water river in the eastern US. The river, largely protected by the National Park Service, flows through a beautiful forested canyon and among massive house-sized boulders. The Gauley has become the economic backbone of an otherwise rural West Virginia county, and attracts paddlers from around the world. Paddlers have fought for protection and wise management of the river since the first descent in 1968. text/html 2008-08-22T01:23:43-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:102?rev=1219382623&do=diff SUMMARY [:projects:sullivan_creek.jpg]A power company built 2 dams, power houses, diversion pipes, and transmission lines on NE Washington's Sullivan Creek almost a century ago. Ever since, the owners of the project have used water from the small creek to generate power. Then in 2007, they asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give up jurisdiction over the project because it had fallen into disrepair and they apparently had no plans to fix it. In other words, they wanted a… text/html 2008-03-13T13:58:08-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:103?rev=1205431088&do=diff [:stewardship:milltown_thumb.jpg ]For over 70 years, the Clark Fork River was used as the dumping ground for the waste from one of the largest mining ventures on earth. The companies operating the mines and smelters in Butte and Anaconda unloaded metals-laced tailings directly into the headwaters of the Clark Fork River. The tailings contain arsenic and heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, and zinc. These metals were carried downstream, distributed over the … text/html 2008-03-16T23:40:41-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:104?rev=1205725241&do=diff Devil's Canyon on the Susitna River, one of North America's most challenging and iconic whitewater runs, has been threatened with hydropower development and dreams of resurrecting this project persist. The Bureau of Reclamation originally looked at a project to dam the Susitna with a series of four dams: Devil's Canyon, Vee, Watana and Denali. The Army Corps of Engineers were the next to take a look at things and explored options for a two-dam project. Shortly after the Army Corps of Engineers s… text/html 2008-08-21T16:57:16-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:105?rev=1219352236&do=diff Yuba-Bear/Drum-Spaulding Projects Whitewater Boating Flow Survey Study Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are partnering with American Whitewater to identify a preferred range of whitewater boating flows on numerous reaches on the Middle Yuba, South Yuba, Bear River, Fordyce Creek, Canyon Creek and North Fork of the North Fork American rivers. NID operates the Yuba-Bear Project and PG&E operates the Drum-Spaulding Project in these watersheds. The proje… text/html 2008-08-03T18:10:38-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:108?rev=1217801438&do=diff To increase it's water supply, the City and County of Denver's Board of Water Commissioners (Denver Water) is applying to the US Army Corps of Engineers for Clean Water Act section 404 permit that will allow Denver Water to enlarge their Gross Reservoir project. In July 2008, the Corps began drafting an Environmental Impact Statement that analyzes alternatives associate with enlarging Gross Reservoir, located on South Boulder Creek - Boulder County, Colorado. As with all Denver Water's facilit… text/html 2008-09-03T15:41:02-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:110?rev=1220470862&do=diff The West River has a history of whitewater boating dating back at least 50 years. In 1958, the second eastern and third National Whitewater Slalom Championships were held on the West River in the proposed project area immediately below Ball Mountain Dam. Since that time, and likely since well before that time, the West River has been a whitewater boating staple for the New England paddling community. The river offers several miles of mild whitewater (class II/III) in a very aesthetic gorge w… text/html 2008-09-14T10:59:37-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:111?rev=1221404377&do=diff [:projects:snake_alpine.jpg]The goal of the Campaign for the Snake Headwaters is to permanently protect the most pristine rivers and streams in northwest Wyoming’s Snake River drainage by including them in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The campaign is comprised of anglers, hunters, guides, outfitters, landowners, business owners, and conservationists who share a common goal of leaving a legacy of healthy rivers and unsurpassed recreational opportunities for future generations to en… text/html 2008-12-01T18:41:35-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:112?rev=1228174895&do=diff [:projects:beaver.jpg] The Beaver River offers some of the most challenging and dramatic rapids in the state as well as some great intermediate whitewater. Before 1997, these rapids were dewatered by several dams and diversions on the river. American Whitewater's Pete Skinner began working on the relicensing of the dams on the Beaver in the late eighties, work that culminated in a 1997 agreement with the dam owner to provide 11 days of releases on three different reaches. Since that time the Bea… text/html 2008-12-02T18:16:43-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:113?rev=1228259803&do=diff [:projects:yampa.jpg]The Yampa is the last free-flowing tributary in the entire Colorado basin. It has been targeted as a source of “clean and reliable” water for Denver and a project has been proposed for a 300,000 acre foot reservoir above Dinosaur National Monument. Impacts to the recreational opportunities on one of the region's most outstanding multiday trips would be substantial as peak spring flows enjoyed by boaters would be stored and diverted. text/html 2008-12-10T17:35:39-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:114?rev=1228948539&do=diff In 1984, American Whitewater (Pete Skinner) joined Ron Smith of Adirondack River Outfitters and his attorney Ron Wilson in working to block the construction and licensing of two dams on the Black River near Watertown. When AW got involved the Glen Park Dam was already under construction, but together with ARO we convinced FERC to halt the construction. We shared with FERC that the dam they were building was twice as large as their license allowed and that thousands of paddlers would be impacte… text/html 2009-02-23T20:18:25-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:115?rev=1235438305&do=diff [:projects:dscn7965.jpg]American Whitewater and various stakeholders have formed a Working Group in Colorado's Lower Dolores River Valley to update the US Bureau of Land Management's 1990 Dolores River Management Plan. The Working Group, which is organized by the Dolores River Dialogue, launched a year-long process in December 2008, to develop and evaluate alternatives to Wild and Scenic River designation on the Dolores below McPhee Dam, that can protect existing water rights and contractual obl… text/html 2009-05-16T13:36:58-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:116?rev=1242495418&do=diff --op-- text/html 2009-08-27T17:09:08-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:120?rev=1251407348&do=diff [:projects:millionpipelineproject.jpg] The Green River in Southwestern Wyoming, the largest tributary to the Upper Colorado River, is being targeted as a source of new water supply for southeastern Wyoming and the Front Range of Colorado. The proposal to withdraw 250,000 acre-feet (AF) of water from the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir would help meet the projected water supply needs through 2030 and beyond. Referred to as the Regional Watershed Supply Project (RWSP), the proposal comes … text/html 2006-08-20T23:16:59-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:21?rev=1156130219&do=diff AW has been a supporting organization for the proposal to create a legacy for the wild rivers and wilderness lands in the shadow of Mt. Hood. We have worked closely with our friends from American Rivers to protect rivers that flow off Mt. Hood as Wild and Scenic and have specifically highlighted key rivers that are well recognized for the whitewater opportunities they provide. We seek to protect these rivers for their scenic qualities, natural resource values for fish and wildlife, and recreatio… text/html 2006-08-19T21:35:19-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:22?rev=1156037719&do=diff Celestial Falls is on the White River, a tributary of the Deschutes that comes in near Sherar's Falls. This falls was closed to kayaking. AW would like to see this falls reopened and seeks a local volunteer willing to lead this project. [:projects:celestial.jpg] text/html 2008-10-16T03:30:42-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:23?rev=1224142242&do=diff In 2002 AW signed a Settlement Agreement with project owner PacifiCorp and other parties (National Park Service, MFWP, Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce, Bigfork Whitewater Festival Organization, Bigfork Development Company, Flathead Lakers, and Flathead Whitewater Association) providing the public with new opportunties to enjoy the Swan River. Flows on the Wild Mile are affected by PacifiCorp's 6 MW Bigfork Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2652). Implementation and the first season of scheduled r… text/html 2007-11-02T20:10:33-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:24?rev=1194048633&do=diff To hear the real story of the Ashlu check out Bryan Smith's powerful documentary, 49 MW (Watch the Film) Threats to the Ashlu appear to be realized with construction underway for a massive 49 MW hydropower project on one of British Columbia's most beautiful rivers. American Whitewater has previously posted action alerts for this whitewater gem that represents an irreplaceable whitewater resource for paddlers from across North America and around the globe. The creek is a tributary of the Squamis… text/html 2007-02-06T13:37:31-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:25?rev=1170787051&do=diff [:stewardship:cheoah_1.jpg ] American Whitewater began investigating the whitewater potential of the Cheoah River in 1999, and advocated for a controlled whitewater flow study in 2000, which formed the basis of the next 4 years of negotiating for releases, access areas, land protection, etc. It took thousands of hours attending meetings and writing technical comments, but eventually our efforts were successful. On September 17th, 2005 we celebrated the first recreational release on the river. … text/html 2008-10-07T11:08:51-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:26?rev=1223392131&do=diff The Tuck relicensing has the potential to radically improve recreational opportunities on the class II main Tuck, as well as to create a new whitewater resource on the Class IV West Fork Tuck. [:stewardship:tuck_1.jpg ] From 2001 through 2003 American Whitewater participated in an innovative negotiation process to decide the future operations of the dams on the Tuckasegee River and its forks. AW staff attended full-day meetings at least once a month for 3 years, and spent countless hours anal… text/html 2007-02-06T13:26:45-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:27?rev=1170786405&do=diff [:The remaining section of the Great Falls of the Catawba are dewatered by this diversion dam. ]On August 11th, 2006, American Whitewater joined a group of 70 organizations, agencies, and individuals in signing a Settlement Agreement that will shape the management of the Catawba River for the next 30-50 years. The agreement, marks the culmination of 3 years of studies and negotiations among a diverse group of stakeholders. This effort included over 300 meetings – and the group logged nearly 58… text/html 2006-08-23T21:52:03-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:28?rev=1156384323&do=diff The Puyallup River drainages includes the White, Carbon, and Puyallup Rivers which originate off the slopes of Mt. Rainier, Washington's tallest mountain. All of these rivers offer whitewater boating opportunities that serve a range of skill levels form beginners to experts. text/html 2007-09-19T17:09:45-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:3?rev=1190236185&do=diff ArrayThe Chattooga River, which starts in the mountains around the Cashiers/Highlands area and flows south to form the border between Georgia and South Carolina, was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1974. Two years later the United States Forest Service made a decision to prevent boating on the upper reached of the river, specifically about the Highway 28 Bridge. American Whitewater has been working for over ten years to reverse this ban which violates the Wilderness Act and the Wild and … text/html 2007-07-16T03:33:54-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:31?rev=1184571234&do=diff [:projects:pit.jpg]Working with collaborative stake holders group on license conditions including annual schedule of whitewater flows, access improvements and real-time flow information for the Pit River text/html 2006-08-28T15:08:55-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:34?rev=1156792135&do=diff For over a decade American Whitewater has been working on the Feather River. Our goal has been ambitious but simple. Restore the Feather River as a premiere recreational resource. For us this means not only whitewater recreation but also angling, hiking, swimming. During the first part of the twentieth century people came from all over the world to the Feather River to participate in an array of recreational activities. The hydro projects that were built in the 1950’s and 60’s gathered up m… text/html 2007-02-06T13:55:37-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:35?rev=1170788137&do=diff [:stewardship:chasm_pinch.jpg ]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. text/html 2007-03-20T20:38:27-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:37?rev=1174437507&do=diff In 1986 FERC issued a license to Lewis County PUD to construct a new hydropower project at the site of Cowlitz Falls at the confluence where the Cispus River joins the Cowlitz River. The Cispus has a history of recreational use dating back to at least the early 1950's when members of the Washington Kayak Club explored this river. For several decades the river was a popular trip with summer outings typically including a day of boating and a day of picking huckleberries in the Gifford Pinchot Nati… text/html 2006-10-05T11:49:41-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:38?rev=1160063381&do=diff As of 2006, we have a new permitting system on the Grand Canyon. This system is the result of years of legal and administrative battles and in fact is still subject to these same challenges. Regardless few would argue that the new plan is not better than the old one - or that it is perfect. The 25 year wait-list has been replaced with a weighted lottery, which gives preference to people who were on the wait list and who have not recently paddled the canyon. To learn more, we recommend that i… text/html 2006-11-29T13:58:11-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:39?rev=1164826691&do=diff Rivers don't stop at international borders and conservation efforts should not either. Though American Whitewater currently does not have the resources in place to fully implement our mission across international boundaries, we have often supported Canadian based river conservation efforts. We have begun this web page as a resource for paddlers on both sides of the border interested in protecting and restoring the incredible whitewater rivers of Canada. text/html 2006-11-22T06:14:31-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:4?rev=1164194071&do=diff Snohomish PUD is relicensing the Jackson Hydroelctric Project on the Sultan River. American Whitewater has a direct interest in river and riparian conservation and resource protection, appropriate public access to the river that protects resource values, and instream flows for the benefit of fishery resources, river and riparian condition, and recreation. text/html 2006-10-16T00:37:26-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:40?rev=1160973446&do=diff The Elwha Project (FERC P-2683) and Glines Canyon Project (FERC P-588) have blocked salmon and degraded aquatic habitat on the Elwha River, 87% of the watershed of which is located in Olympic National Park. These hydroelectric projects were acquired by the federal government from James River Corporation in 2000 and are scheduled for removal in 2009. text/html 2006-10-16T11:49:17-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:41?rev=1161013757&do=diff Pro Bono Legal Assistance is one of the highest value contributions we receive. We are the leading organization in the country protecting the public interests of those who use our nation’s public waterways for recreation, but our work would not be possible without the significant pro bono support we receive, effective partnerships with other organizations, and enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. text/html 2008-12-31T12:29:59-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:42?rev=1230744599&do=diff For the past few years AW has been working with local volunteers to enhance boating opportunities on the North Fork Rogue. With a growing boating population in southern Oregon, the popularity of summer runs on this river is increasing. Emerging from Crater Lake National Park, the North Fork of the Rogue carves a rugged course through old lava tubes and incredible gorges. Consistent flows fed by springs provide boating through the summer when many of the other rivers in the region have dried to a… text/html 2008-04-20T13:15:31-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:43?rev=1208711731&do=diff [:projects:green_gorge.jpg]Boaters have a long history of working for protection of the Green River Gorge. Explored by Wolf Bauer and members of the Washington Kayak Club (one of AW's original founding clubs) in the mid-1960's boaters quickly realized the Green River Gorge was one of the most spectacular river canyons in the Puget Sound Region. Having come too late to protect the Cowlitz River Canyons that were dammed for hydropower production, Wolf turned his attention to protecting the Green. … text/html 2006-11-27T13:32:30-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:44?rev=1164652350&do=diff SWSI: Colorado's Statewide Water Supply Initiative. Water allocation has always been - and always will be - a major issue in the arid West. Colorado has long struggled with how to best use and share the wealth of water its mountains provide. Recent and ongoing efforts will chart the future of water diversions and could radically impact whitewater paddling as we know it in the state - unless whitewater paddlers step up and represent their interests. Perhaps the most crucial effort for padd… text/html 2006-12-09T08:27:59-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:45?rev=1165670879&do=diff A series of four dams on the Klamath River operated by PacifiCorp has devastated salmon populations on what was one of the nation's most productive salmon rivers. American Whitewater’s objectives are to improve river access, obtain publicly accessible real-time flow information via the internet and flow phone, to establish predictable flows to provide and improve whitewater opportunities in respective reaches compatible with the physical and biotic integrity and resource goals of those reaches,… text/html 2008-08-25T18:01:10-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:46?rev=1219701670&do=diff [:stewardship:nantahala_1.jpg ] The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the nation and the world. Forgiving class II/III rapids, fine water quality and scenery, reliable dam releases almost every day, the security of a nearby road, and a large number of rafting and kayaking outfitters all contribute to its attractiveness for beginner and intermediate paddlers. Just upstream however lies a Class IV/V reach known as the Cascades and a Class III/IV reach called the Upper Nan… text/html 2007-01-03T10:55:18-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:47?rev=1167839718&do=diff The Saranac is beautiful river, mostly in the Adirondack Park boundaries. High Falls Gorge is a spectacular series of 4-5 waterfalls in a tight vertical walled gorge lasting only about a mile. A flow study revealed that all the falls except for the final one were runnable, and that the river could be reached on foot between each drop. The lands surrounding the Gorge are all owned by the power company and are covered with mature mixed hardwood forest. The Gorge has been dewatered for decades… text/html 2007-01-04T10:22:16-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:48?rev=1167924136&do=diff The Lehigh River is a pretty dam-controlled river in eastern Pennsylvania. It offers paddlers several sections of good class III rapids in a forested river corridor. It also is the first (or only) taste of whitewater that many people in the Philadelphia area get to experience. The river is very important to the regional paddling and angling communities, to the outfitters and communities that benefit from recreation, and to the thousands of rafting participants that get to enjoy the river. text/html 2007-01-05T04:38:57-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:49?rev=1167989937&do=diff Townes Dam and Talbott Dam on the upper reaches of the Dan (a.k.a. Pinnacles of the Dan) river in Patrick county VA have severly impacted the Dan River for decades. These dams control flow on three stretches of river that range from class II-V and if the river reaches were restored would provide a significant new paddling resource for the southside VA and central NC communities. With different sections for every class paddler all close together is really is a place that could become a paddling … text/html 2006-10-19T17:14:16-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:5?rev=1161292456&do=diff Below Holtwood Dam on Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River is some of the best bigwater wave surfing to be found in the eastern US. When water spills over the dam each spring, roughly a dozen differnt waves are formed in this uge channel which attract paddlers from across the region. The rapids at Holtwood are all that is left of what was likely many miles of rapids now buried below reservoirs created by Conowingo and Holtwood dams. text/html 2007-07-24T11:30:53-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:51?rev=1185291053&do=diff The removal of Marmot Dam on the Sandy River is now underway. To view the progress of the dam removal occurring through summer 2007, visit the Marmot Dam Removal website. [{{:projects:sandy.jpg|:projects:sandy.jpg]The Sandy River gorge has the feel of a remote river canyon just half an hour from downtown Portland. The gorge walls reveal a textbook of the region's geologic history and ancient trees still line the river. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Western Rivers Conservancy hav… text/html 2007-07-12T07:36:31-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:52?rev=1184240191&do=diff [:projects:ice_harbor_dam.jpg]At American Whitewater we view our river conservation and restoration work as critical to preserving the full experience our members enjoy on rivers. Our members spend many days or weeks every year on our nation's rivers and all elements of clean healthy rivers are important including the biota that live there. We are now providing a voice for paddlers who value restoration of healthy salmon runs in the Snake and Salmon River systems home to some of the greatest whi… text/html 2008-06-27T11:17:19-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:53?rev=1214579839&do=diff In 2004 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a new 30 year License Order for the Bear River Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-20) in southeast Idaho. This license followed five years of negotiations to develop a new management plan for the river. The project occupies more than 500 acres of federal lands managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and are operated to meet irrigation demands, provide flood control, and generate power. [:projects… text/html 2007-03-13T16:14:21-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:54?rev=1173816861&do=diff An application for a new hydroelectric license has been filed with FERC (Docket No. P-12484) by Advanced Hydro Solutions for an electric generating project that includes the construction of a new powerhouse and penstock on MetroParks property. This licensing application is in direct opposition to the goals/efforts of Ohio EPA, MetroParks Serving Summit County, Friends of the Crooked River, local paddling groups and many others. The Cuyahoga River has been the butt of many jokes over the years (… text/html 2007-04-19T11:34:20-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:57?rev=1176996860&do=diff On Thursday April 12, 2007, California Stewardship Director Dave Steindorf and AW volunteer Paul Martzen, attended the signing ceremony for the Big Creek Settlement agreement on the Southern California Edison (SCE) projects of the San Joaquin River. Steindorf, who was asked to speak at the event, said “We applaud Southern California Edison’s willingness to combine these projects into a single relicensing process”. With over twenty reservoirs, forebays and diversions the four separate FERC licen… text/html 2007-04-19T11:40:32-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:58?rev=1176997232&do=diff On Thursday April 12, 2007, California Stewardship Director Dave Steindorf and AW volunteer Paul Martzen, attended the signing ceremony for the Big Creek Settlement agreement on the Southern California Edison (SCE) projects of the San Joaquin River. Steindorf, who was asked to speak at the event, said “We applaud Southern California Edison’s willingness to combine these projects into a single relicensing process”. With over twenty reservoirs, forebays and diversions the four separate FERC licen… text/html 2007-04-19T12:02:08-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:59?rev=1176998528&do=diff American Whitewater collaboratively manages the Upper Youghiogheny River put in with the state of Maryland. We collect on-site donations and use the funds to keep the grass mowed and the site in good shape. The funds go to support the hard costs of volunteers who donate their time and equipment for site upkeep. Through working collaboratively with the State, we have avoided a mandatory fee system and provided high quality public access for over half a decade. Special thanks go to all the vol… text/html 2008-09-13T11:56:00-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:6?rev=1221321360&do=diff [:projects:narrows.jpg]American Whitewater has been engaged in several projects on the White Salmon River. We are a signatory to the Settlement Agreement for removal of Condit Dam (FERC P-2342) which will restore one of the most spectacular rivers in the Columbia Gorge for fish and paddlers. We were successful in our efforts with partner organizations to expand Wild and Scenic Protection of the White Salmon. We have also worked on several key land acquisitions bringing critical access points int… text/html 2007-04-23T17:14:51-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:60?rev=1177362891&do=diff American Whitewater collaboratively manages the Upper Youghiogheny River put in with the state of Maryland. We collect on-site donations and use the funds to keep the grass mowed and the site in good shape. The funds go to support the hard costs of volunteers who donate their time and equipment for site upkeep. Through working collaboratively with the State, we have avoided a mandatory fee system and provided high quality public access for over half a decade. Special thanks go to all the vol… text/html 2007-04-24T12:06:07-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:61?rev=1177430767&do=diff American Whitewater collaboratively manages the Upper Youghiogheny River put in with the state of Maryland. We collect on-site donations and use the funds to keep the grass mowed and the site in good shape. The funds go to support the hard costs of volunteers who donate their time and equipment for site upkeep. Through working collaboratively with the State, we have avoided a mandatory fee system and provided high quality public access for over half a decade. Special thanks go to all the vol… text/html 2007-04-29T11:08:12-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:63?rev=1177859292&do=diff AW comanages the Upper Yough Access with the State of Maryland. text/html 2007-05-01T13:27:33-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:64?rev=1178040453&do=diff A new permit issued In April of 2007 by the Maryland Department of the Environment instituted a new schedule of releases from Deep Creek Reservoir into the Upper Youghiogheny River. The new release schedule offers significant improvements to whitewater boating opportunities on one of the nation's premiere class IV/V whitewater rivers, located in western Maryland. The releases are also expected to benefit fisheries, power generation, local businesses, and other recreationists. text/html 2007-05-01T13:57:45-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:65?rev=1178042265&do=diff On October 19th, 2001 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked a preliminary permit they had granted for the construction of a new dam and diversion project on Northern Idaho's Boundary Creek. Boundary Creek is a premiere creek run and also is critical habitat for bull trout, west slope cutthroat trout, redband rainbow trout, harlequin ducks, grizzley bears, wolves,and mountain caribou. American Whitewater fought the proposed project from its first introduction, and played a critical r… text/html 2007-05-02T11:54:48-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:66?rev=1178121288&do=diff New York's Moose River was first run in 1977 or 1978 and was shortly thereafter threatened by a dam and diversion project. Paddlers representing AW joined forces with environmental groups and worked for several years to reach an agreement with the power company in 1984 which provided 20 days of scheduled releases on the Bottom Moose, and various other aesthetic and environmental enhancements to their planned project. Once the agreement was signed, AW filed what may have been our first formal i… text/html 2007-05-03T11:28:21-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:68?rev=1178206101&do=diff On June 10 & 11, 2003, a flow study was conducted by American Whitewater with the cooperation of Reliant Energy. Participants included members of the American Whitewater and the Adirondack Mountain Club as well as open boat paddling legend Jim Michaud. The Sacandaga Outdoor Center provided shuttle transportation with their van and trailer. The study revealed two recreational resources: a Class V section containing two park-and-huck waterfalls, and a lower gorge containing good Class III playboa… text/html 2008-03-04T10:49:26-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:69?rev=1204645766&do=diff The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was approved in January 2001 following years of scientific study, more than 600 public hearings across the country, and 1.6 million official public comments. Ongoing legal battles continue to threaten the fate of the 2001 Roadless Rule and the lands it protects, which are critical to wildlife, backcountry recreation, and downstream water quality. American Whitewater has consistently supported the protection of roadless lands. Roadless Area conservation wi… text/html 2006-08-18T10:56:07-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:7?rev=1155912967&do=diff Access to Triple Falls on the Little River in NC was long forbidden by private corporate ownership. The land was bought by the state in the late 90's and Dupont State Forest was created. The State Forest managers initially prohibited paddling in the Forest, because of safety concerns. American Whitewater met with the Forest managers and the result of our conversation was a lifting of the prohibition in 2002. Since then, numerous safe and successful descents of several waterfalls in the Fores… text/html 2007-05-30T16:56:07-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:70?rev=1180558567&do=diff On Friday, July 21, 2000, American Whitewater along with other recreation groups, environmental organizations, state and federal resource agencies and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) signed a settlement agreement setting conditions on PG&E's operation of the Mokelumne River hydropower project for the next 30 years. The settlement is the byproduct of a year-long collaborative effort. The agreement balances restoration of whitewater opportunities and riverine ecological processes with continued hy… text/html 2007-06-03T03:40:41-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:71?rev=1180856441&do=diff American Whitewater's Goals * Access at the traditional Sunset Falls put-in owned by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) * A cooperative working relationship with WDFW to prevent future conflicts throughout the state. THE RIVER * The Washington State legislature designated the Skykomish the first river in Washington’s State Scenic Rivers System (RCW 79.72). This recognition protects and preserves rivers possessing outstanding natural, scenic, historic, ecological, and re… text/html 2007-06-14T00:48:50-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:72?rev=1181796530&do=diff [:projects:midfork.jpg]One of the most significant outdoor recreation areas close to metropolitan Seattle is the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Less than an hour drive from downtown, the valley is accessible to a population of over three million people and attracts visitors from across the country. Few places in the country can boast such an incredible resource that is so accessible. The river feels remote as it winds through a forested river valley largely in public ownership, and it has… text/html 2007-06-04T02:58:57-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:73?rev=1180940337&do=diff 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 sp… text/html 2007-09-06T00:40:24-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:77?rev=1189053624&do=diff [:projects:little_wenatchee.jpg]The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests encompass over 4 million acres and are managed as one forest with headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington. Two planning process are currently underway that are of interest to forest users. These are Forest Plan Revision and Recreation Facility Analysis. AW is participating in these process and we encourage members of the paddling community to get involved. The Forest Planning process represents the opportunity to review el… text/html 2007-07-11T23:24:42-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:78?rev=1184210682&do=diff The Mountains to Sound Greenway stretches over 100 miles along Interstate 90 from the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, over Snoqualmie Pass and into Central Washington. Much of the Greenway is public land and includes over 700,000 acres held by local, state and federal agencies in trust for the public good. The Greenway includes whitewater resources of national significance just outside the Seattle metropolitan area. AW is a partner with the Greenway in developing a longterm vision for the prot… text/html 2008-07-26T23:23:00-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:79?rev=1217128980&do=diff On May 8th, 1997 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new 40 year license for the Hatfield Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-10805) on the Black River in central Wisconsin. The license directed the utility to release minimum flows into the historic river channel for whitewater boating on the third Saturday of the month of April (2,350 cfs), May (1,595 cfs), June (895 cfs), July (1,070 cfs), and August (835 cfs). Whitewater boaters have been disappointed that the release schedule has no… text/html 2007-06-21T16:40:49-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:80?rev=1182458449&do=diff [:projects:chippewa.jpg]The Jim Falls Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-2491) provides whitewater releases during the summer months for recreation. While the original license that was issued on July 24, 1984 did not include these recreational flows, it was amended as part of the The Lower Chippewa River Settlement Agreement (LCRSA), filed with FERC on February 1, 2001 and approved on February 12, 2003. text/html 2007-06-20T15:16:37-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:81?rev=1182366997&do=diff AW advocates for opportunities to enjoy the unique and spectacular rivers of Yosemite National Park. text/html 2008-09-14T02:56:57-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:82?rev=1221375417&do=diff [:projects:rosebud.ian.jpg ] American Whitewater has been working with local volunteers Ian McIntosh and Rod Lodders, who also represent the Beartooth Paddlers Society, on the relicensing of two dams on West Rosebud Creek. The Mystic Lake Hydro Project (FERC P-2301) is the first hydro project in the Nation to go through the new Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)- making it an important test case. The ILP was created to encourage enhanced public participation and collaboration. On this project… text/html 2008-09-25T01:39:40-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:83?rev=1222321180&do=diff [:projects:skagit.jpg]Beginning high in the North Cascade Mountain Range, the Skagit Wild and Scenic River winds down steep slopes, through forested hillsides and wide, open valleys eventually reaching Puget Sound. The rivers of the Skagit System (Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade) flow through rugged wilderness, forestlands, rural communities, farmlands and cities of the lower Skagit Valley. text/html 2007-07-18T01:01:27-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:84?rev=1184734887&do=diff [:projects:op_forest_road_washout.jpg]Most people who enjoy national forests arrive by car and need a road to access public land. The current Forest Service road maintenance backlog threatens both our freedom to enjoy the national forest and the health of our forest and water. text/html 2007-10-08T01:38:58-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:85?rev=1191821938&do=diff [:projects:rogue_rainie.jpg]The Rogue River was one of the nation's first designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Recreational opportunities abound from the Lost Creek Reservoir to the Pacific Ocean. There are several fun day trips downstream of Lost Creek Reservoir along with 3 dams that are destined for removal: Gold Ray, Gold Hill, and Savage Rapids. Once these dams are gone fish passage will be enhanced while safety and navigation will be improved. Downstream of Grants Pass the river enters a rem… text/html 2007-10-08T20:15:03-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:86?rev=1191888903&do=diff [:projects:nf_nooksack.jpg]The Nooksack has its origins on the slopes of Mt. Baker traveling down to Puget Sound at Bellingham Bay. Over it's short distance the three forks including the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork all provide a diversity of paddling opportunities that can be enjoyed year around. Several hydropower projects have been proposed in the drainage over the years and one project is in operation on the North Fork Nooksack. Access issues continue to be a challenge along some … text/html 2008-10-19T17:07:23-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:87?rev=1224450443&do=diff AW has worked to restore flows and provide public access to the Chelan Gorge. text/html 2007-08-21T16:59:51-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:88?rev=1187729991&do=diff [:projects:clackamas.jpg]The Clackamas River is well known as one of the classic whitewater runs of the Pacific Northwest with plenty of great class III intermediate whitewater and tributaries with challenging class V. AW has been a stakeholder in the relicensing of Portland General Electric's (PGE) hydropower project on this river where we have been working with the local paddling community to advocate for river and fisheries restoration, improved public access to the river, enhanced and expand… text/html 2007-10-15T15:14:17-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:89?rev=1192475657&do=diff [:projects:johns_creek.jpg ]It will come as no surprise to Virginia paddlers that their state’s river access laws are among the least boater-friendly in the Nation. Along with Colorado and Georgia, Virginia’s laws are rare in that they allow private landowners to prevent paddlers from using many rivers and creeks throughout the state. Rivers like John’s Creek have been deadlocked in debate for years, and remain in legal limbo. Elsewhere in the state, paddlers have been escorted off rivers,… text/html 2007-10-05T18:21:41-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:91?rev=1191622901&do=diff [:projects:tallulah_big.jpg] The Tallulah Gorge was the honeymoon capitol of the south at the turn of the century. Large Hotels and thundering waterfalls attracted tourists from around the region. Shortly after the turn of the century however, the river was dammed and became the first totally controlled river in the nation. The water that once flowed through the Gorge was sent through a pipe, turning the waterfalls into dry cliffs. With the river, the tourism dried up. text/html 2007-10-18T18:17:54-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:92?rev=1192745874&do=diff [:stewardship:deerfield.jpg] On October 5th, 1994 American Whitewater signed a settlement agreement with the New England Power Company, anglers, conservationists, and government agencies regarding the management of the Deerfield River. The Deerfield, located in Western Mass, was and is a classic whitewater run. The Deerfield River Settlement Agreement was valued at 27-30 million dollars, with the whitewater mitigation alone estimated to cost 3.2 million. Based on careful analyses and negoti… text/html 2007-10-19T17:00:00-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:93?rev=1192827600&do=diff The Lower Salmon is a very special place, located downstream of the iconic whitewater town of Riggins, Idaho. Paddlers typically take 4 days to traverse the canyon, which is a prime example of the Canyon Grassland ecosystem. While most similar rivers are protected as Wilderness or Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Lower Salmon is honored with neither designation. It is under mixed ownership and is thus somewhat of a working landscape, and subject to some degree of risk. Idaho Rivers United has bee… text/html 2008-04-13T03:03:19-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:94?rev=1208070199&do=diff Canyon Creek is one of the most spectacular whitewater runs in southwest Washington attracting paddlers to an incredible diversity of rapids packed into the short run from Fly Creek to Merwin Reservoir. Paddlers living in Portland and Vancouver are lucky to have this backyard gem which can be enjoyed after work or even before work for a “breakfast run”. Consistent flows, easy access, the scenic beauty of the canyon, and high quality rapids make this creek a popular destination for locals as well… text/html 2008-01-08T21:35:53-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:95?rev=1199846153&do=diff [:projects:conservationsystemalliance.gif]The Conservation System is a 26 million acre collection of national monuments, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, trails, and historic sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Find out more about how to enjoy and protect these rugged crown jewels of the American West at a new web site launched by the Conservation System Alliance. Please post stories and photos of your adventures too. text/html 2009-08-13T03:01:47-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:96?rev=1250146907&do=diff [:projects:mt_st_helens.jpg]Washington's legendary volcanoes – Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams – are the source of wild, free-flowing rivers and streams that cascade over big drops and through deep basalt canyons on their way to the Columbia River. Rivers like the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz, Cispus, Green, Kalama, Klickitat, Lewis, Little White Salmon, Ohanepecosh, Toutle, White Salmon, and Wind are well-known for their outstanding resource values that attract visitors from aroun… text/html 2009-08-27T15:24:35-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:97?rev=1251401075&do=diff [:projects:gore.jpg] In 2007, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released it's report on the eligibility of rivers in the Upper Colorado River basin for Wild and Scenic River designation. In response to potential federal protection for Colorado's headwater rivers, and the impact Wild and Scenic River management might have on the ability of the State to develop new water projects, various state agencies, local governments, and water providers came together in a collaborative effort to propos… text/html 2008-02-19T19:15:15-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:98?rev=1203466515&do=diff Mining Law Reform We all use products of mining every day and responsible mining can help provide much-needed resources to our nation. However, the current law governing mining on public lands - The General Mining Law of 1872 - is badly out of date. American Whitewater has been working with our colleagues in the Outdoor Alliance believes to modernize this law. text/html 2006-08-25T13:13:54-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:ausable?rev=1156526034&do=diff 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. text/html 2005-10-13T18:55:39-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:bull_run_removal?rev=1129244139&do=diff Bull Run Decommissioning Status: MONITORING Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope On October 24th, 2002, American Whitewater signed an agreement to remove Marmot Dam, Little Sandy Dam and Portland General Electric's Bull Run power facility (P-477). The agreement was signed by PGE, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber who has supported the dam removal from the beginning, 8 federal and state agencies and 13 NGOs. The agreement will restore passage for threatened Chinook Salmon, Steelhead and Bull… text/html 2006-08-21T15:54:54-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:cheoah?rev=1156190094&do=diff On January 25th 2005, after 5 years of intense negotiations between AW and other stakeholders, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new 40 year license for the dam on North Carolina's Cheoah River and 3 dams on the Little Tennessee River. The new license protected and will restore the beautiful and diverse natural resources of the area, and provides world class paddling opportunities on the previously dry 9-mile long class IV Cheoah River. In short, WE WON. text/html 2005-10-11T19:35:27-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:clackamas_relicensing?rev=1129073727&do=diff Clackamas River Relicensing Status: ACTIVE Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope This project is a hydro project relicensing (FERC project 2195). AW participated in a whitewater feasibility study. PGE filed an Agreement in Principle on June 29th, 2005. The Recreation Resources Management Plan includes the following proposals: when flows are available optimize release for Bob's Hole Rodeo; fund USGS gauges to provide real-time flow information at Carter Bridge, above Harriet Lake, below Oa… text/html 2008-12-18T17:50:26-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:dolores_river_dialogue?rev=1229640626&do=diff [:projects:dscn8001.jpg] San Juan Citizens Alliance launched the Dolores River Dialogue in 2004, a process by which state and federal agencies, local water users, and conservationists are participating in a facilitated discussion to explore options for increasing water flows below McPhee Reservoir. text/html 2005-10-14T01:08:57-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:elwha_removal?rev=1129266537&do=diff Elwha River Dam Removals Status: MONITORING Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope Facing increasingly complex and contentious issues regarding jurisdiction over a hydropower project in a National Park (the case was before the Federal Ninth Circuit Court), President Bush signed the Elwha River Restoration Act (Public Law 102-495) in 1992 which halted the FERC relicensing process and set the course for river restoration. A subsequent EIS called for the removal of Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon… text/html 2007-02-17T11:11:17-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:green?rev=1171728677&do=diff SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF TACOMA, KING COUNTY AND FRIENDS OF GREEN RIVER Whereas, City of Tacoma Water Division (“Tacoma”) is proposing to build a water transmission pipeline that will divert water from the Green River, which project includes headworks modifications, raising the diversion dam, thirty-three mile long pipeline and related facilities, and is known as the Second Supply Project (“Project”), and Whereas, King County issued a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (“Permi… text/html 2005-10-13T17:58:02-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:mckenzie_relicensing?rev=1129240682&do=diff McKenzie River Carmen-Smith Relicensing Status: ACTIVE Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope This project is a hydro project relicensing, FERC Project No. 2242 (Project Website). AW participated in a whitewater feasibility study. A draft license application will be submitted in May 2006. text/html 2005-10-03T00:26:52-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:nf_rogue?rev=1128313612&do=diff North Fork Rogue Relicensing Status: ACTIVE Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope This project is a hydro project relicensing, FERC Project No. 2630-004. American Whitewater has proposed mitigation and enhancement measures that reduce impacts to whitewater opportunities and are within the scope of project economics. These measures include adopting an annual schedule of whitewater releases, improving access and providing real-time flow information. AW has recommended a boating feasibility … text/html 2005-10-14T01:07:19-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:spokane_relicensing?rev=1129266439&do=diff Spokane River Relicensing Status: ACTIVE Staff Lead: Primary Kevin Colburn, Secondary Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope This project is a hydro project relicensing. River Reaches Impacted * Spokane, 1. Dead Dog Park and Play * Spokane, 2. Harvard Park to Mirabeau Park (Upper) * Spokane, 3. T.J. Menach Bridge in Spokane to Plese Flats (Lower) text/html 2006-05-12T00:35:15-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:start?rev=1147408515&do=diff Small Hydro Threats to Creeks in the Sea to Sky Corridor, BC Bear River Relicensing, ID Bull Run Decommissioning, Sandy River, OR Clackamas River Relicensing, OR Green River Flows and Access, WA McKenzie River Carmen-Smith Relicensing, OR North Fork Rogue Relicensing, OR text/html 2006-01-24T16:18:09-05:00 /content/Wiki/projects:white_salmon_removal?rev=1138137489&do=diff Clackamas River Relicensing Status: ACTIVE Staff Lead: Thomas O'Keefe Project Scope On September 22, 1999 PacifiCorp signed an agreement to remove Condit Dam on the White Salmon River (FERC 2342-005). American Rivers provided leadership in representing the environmental community and in addition to American Whitewater the following organizations signed onto the agreement: Columbia Gorge Audubon Society, Columbia Gorge Coalition, Columbia River United, Federation of Fly Fishers, Friends of th…