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American Whitewater congratulates Friends of the Cheat as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary at the annual Cheat River Festival on May 3^rd. The organization, founded by a group of whitewater paddlers and local residents, has been a driving force in the river’s rapidly improving water quality. The river, which was badly polluted when the group was founded, recently passed a significant milestone: the lower 26 miles of the Cheat River main were removed from the state’s list of acid-impaired waters in 2012! In addition, FOC maintains four paddling access areas on the Cheat and Big Sandy Rivers. American Whitewater worked closely with FOC in developing these sites. For more information on this year's CheatFest use this link: http://www.cheat.org/our-work/cheat-river-festival/.

 

Thanks to the tireless work of The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund over 3,800 acres of the Cheat River Canyon were recently protected. The acquisition covers a 7 mile stretch of the Cheat River between Albright and the high bridge at Jenkinsburg, the famous “Cheat Canyon” whitewater run.  Great news for the Cheat!

Earlier today the Department of Interior released a new strategy for planning development projects and conservation at a landscape scale.  The strategy relies heavily on GIS mapping of natural resource values to tease out hot spots for conservation and other spots where development can occur with relatively smaller impacts. It is a smart, promising, and long overdue approach.

Colorado River - As part of our ongoing Colorado River Basin Project, AW is asking paddlers to evaluate river flows across the seven-state Colorado River basin. We have launched a short survey so that you can provide input on flows along the mainstem of the Colorado River, through Ruby-Horsethief, Westwater, and Cataract Canyons.  Please take a minute to participate in the survey.  Your input will help us defend the Colorado River, and protect paddling opportunities for the future

A project that has been talked about for many years is finally getting underway. Western Federal Lands Highway Division awarded a construction contract to pave 9.7 miles of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road. Construction will begin later this spring and continue through August 2016. We have made recent strides in improving river access but additional work remains. Working as part of a coalition we have secured a grant through the National Forest Foundation but it requires matching funds.

Prescott, AZ - As part of our Colorado River Basin Project, AW has launched two new surveys of the effects of streamflows on recreation quality. If you have paddled the Verde River or the Bill Williams River, and are knowledgable about water levels - we need your input!

2014 marks the second year of restored paddling opportunities on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee.  The first of 7 releases this year will be on April 19 and 20, and we would like to share some important facts and lessons we’ve learned about the river to help paddlers know what to expect. First and foremost, be aware that this run requires Class IV/V skills and a commitment consistent with wilderness rivers given the remote nature of the gorge and private property.

Paddlers in California are invited to the 6th annual Paddle to the Sea–a six-week long paddle-a-thon from Yosemite, through the Central Valley, to San Francisco Bay. You're welcome to come for the whole trip or just a day paddle along the way. This year’s event will kick off on Friday, May 2nd and continue through the middle of June.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce our April Volunteer of the Month, Jess Whittemore. For his leadership in securing additional boater access at the Upper Yough (MD) takeout Jess will be receiving a custom Kokatat Woolcore Shirt!

Now that spring has finally arrived in the northeast, it's time to start planning our spring boating trips to the Adiondacks to enjoy the Beaver, Moose and Raquette Rivers. Here's the schedule for the 2014 season according to the General.

American Whitewater seeks to maintain a strong, balanced, strategic-thinking Board of Directors that accurately reflects the stewardship mission of the organization. We are currently accepting nominations for two upcoming openings in our Board of Directors. The nomination process is open until July 1. Interested candidates must submit an online nomination form and questionnaire.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corp of Engineers released a draft rule today that will clarify protections under the Clean Water Act for headwater streams and wetlands. American Whitewater supports protecting wetlands and headwater streams that connect to our traditionally navigable waters. The public will have 90 days to provide comment on the proposed rule once it has been published in the Federal Register.

American Whitewater is excited to attend the 17th Annual French Broad River Fest in Hot Springs, NC this May 2-4, 2014. Pick up your tickets today and come join us! AW will be there spreading the good word about our river stewardship programs and selling Memberships. We hope to see you there!

Earlier today, Yosemite National Park released their Merced Wild and Scenic Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The new plan places paddling on equal footing with other activities in the Park, and we're very pleased to announce that the Park Service has improved and enhanced opportunities to enjoy Yosemite via kayak, canoe and raft.