While exploring a variety of permanent access solutions, American Whitewater and LiquidLogic have reaffirmed its relationship with the landowners of the current Gallimore Creek Road access area. The landowners’ generosity in providing this access point to all of us should continue as long as we are respectful of them and financially support our current agreement.
To help preserve this access solution and to resolve any confusion, please read and abide by these requests. Your cooperation is absolutely essential in preserving access to the Green River, as this is the only access option available at this point.
1. Everyone who has donated money for permanent Green access this year will be issued two 2003 stickers: helmet and parking. If you gave to the fund but do not yet have your stickers, they will be mailed to you within two weeks. Paddlers that have already donated to keep this lot open, you should already have a sticker valid through 2003.
2. If you do not have a parking sticker, there are five ways to acquire a $20 annual pass for 2003:
— On-site: fill out your address on the deposit envelope and place your money in the mailbox
— Online: make a donation online at www.americanwhitewater.org/donate by checking “Green River Access Fund.”
— Mail: send your donation to Green River Access Fund, 765 Crest Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731
— LiquidLogic: stop by LiquidLogic in Hendersonville during business hours
— Pendant: by purchasing one of Tanya Talbert’s Green Access pendants
3. If you plan to use the parking lot without a sticker, please continue to donate $3 per half day and $5 per day for use of the parking area. This money goes directly to American Whitewater to help make monthly payments to the landowner. If you are able, please contribute a few extra dollars because every little bit helps.
4. Please treat this parking area with the utmost respect: it is absolutely the only access point for the Green. Be respectful of the land and landowners: pick up all trash, do not use the bathroom on the site, avoid nudity, stay within the boundaries of the lot, and please keep any profanity, loud music, and/or shouting to a minimum. Remember that the actions of one person can completely ruin access for everyone.
5. It is very important that you keep your speed down in the Green area, and especially on Gallimore Road. The number one complaint from locals and the landowner is our driving, so please slow down!
6. Lastly, be sure to thank everyone you see with a sticker for donating to the Green River Access Fund. Special thanks also to corporate sponsors LiquidLogic, Diamond Brand, and Pyranha. Without such generosity, the gate would be closed.
7. If a permanent solution cannot be established before the year’s end, 2004 will mark the beginning of a new lease agreement and we will need continued support from Green River paddlers in order to maintain this access site. 2004 stickers will be available for purchase starting in November.
If we can do all of these things consistently, access to the Green should remain open until American Whitewater can provide a permanent solution. For more information or questions, please contact Sutton Bacon at sutton@suttonbacon.com or at 404-323-3725, or Woody Callaway at woody@liquidlogickayaks.com or at 828-698-5778.