What is the River Stewarship Institute?

The River Stewardship Institute (RSI) is a training program designed to prepare individuals to become tomorrow’s whitewater river advocates.  This seven-day training will take place on the Klamath River in northern California during October 9^th -16^th.  Whitewater enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to apply.  The American Whitewater senior staff and national experts on river conservation will provide program instructors and trip leadership.

Why American Whitewater?

For fifty years, AW has been a focused voice for the protection of our nation’s rivers. Our fuel for success comes in the form of dedicated volunteers and grassroots efforts led by highly skilled AW Staff and Regional Coordinators.  However, the onslaught of new threats facing our rivers far outstrips the availability of trained river conservationists.  AW has a plan for 2004 that will increase our effectiveness by providing highly skilled volunteer river conservationists with the tools to expand our sphere of success.  AW’s RSI will train twenty new river conservationists with the necessary skills to protect America’s river from their constant threats.

The Klamath River (OR & CA)

The Klamath River is a beautiful river winding through and around several mountain ranges stretching from Southern Oregon to the California Coast.  Below are trip descriptions for the Upper and Lower Klamath from California Whitewater: A Guide to Rivers by Jim Cassady and Fryar Calhoun.  For additional information on the Klamath River the www.klamath-river.com website is an excellent source. 

Upper Klamath    Difficulty: Class IV+           Length: 11 miles

“The Upper Klamath flows through a rugged high desert canyon cut into volcanic rocks.  The river is on the Pacific Flyway, a migratory route for a great variety of birds.  Boaters may see blue and green herons, bald and golden eagles, falcons, ospreys, cormorants, Canadian geese, numerous species of river birds, and even pelicans.  Along the way they can stop to look at remains of old mines, ranches, and mills.  Even in the late summer and early fall, when most Sierra rivers are marginally runnable at best, the Upper Klamath’s dam-controlled flows provide more than enough water to swamp your boat. ”  (California Whitewater: A Guide to the Rivers)

Lower Klamath    Difficulty: Class III              Length: 100 miles

“Although boaters often overlook it, the Klamath offers a variety of excellent one-day and overnight trips on the longest Wild and Scenic segment in the state (California).  The rivers unique combination of moderate rapids, warm water (in summer), easy access, superb scenery, abundant wildlife, excellent camping, and fairly light use make it one of the state’s best floats.  Well known for its salmon and steelhead fishing, the Klamath is truly a year round river – though it should be avoided during the heavy winter rains, when it becomes a raging torrent. (California Whitewater: A Guide to the Rivers)

Access and Conservation Issues on the Klamath

In December 2000 PacifiCorp initiated the relicense process for the six dams and seven powerhouses that make up the Klamath Project, whose license expires February 28, 2006.  In anticipation of PacifiCorp’s application for a new license, American Whitewater has identified several de-watered river reaches affected by six dams on the Klamath.  In September 2002, American Whitewater completed flow studies on two of these reaches.   Along with other members of the CHRC, American Whitewater is working with tribes, NGO’s, and local alliances and coalitions on fish passage, recreation, biological flows, and other highly volatile water allocation issues in the Klamath Basin.

The Klamath River

Program Cost:

American Whitewater has been working hard to fund the program through grant and sponsorship opportunities and is proud to offer this seven-day training to its participants for $150 plus travel expenses to and from the event.  American Whitewater would like to thank the training sponsors that included Kokatat and The River Dancers.  The River Dancers, a Klamath based whitewater rafting outfitter will be providing valuable logistical support for the event.