Volunteer of the Month: Andy Bridge

Whitewater rivers represent just 1% of our nation’s river miles and paddlers have long recognized the direct correspondence between rivers suitable for whitewater boating and rivers developed for hydropower. Because of this hydropower relicensing has become a major tool for our stewardship work where we use the opportunity relicensing provides to represent the public interest in restoring water to rivers and improving public access.

The fact that American Whitewater participates in more hydro relicensings than any other organization and has a long track record of success is a testament to the talents and contributions of our volunteers. Andy represents a member of our army of more than 100 dedicated volunteers who help represent American Whitewater in relicensing; he has spent the last 5 years helping us lay the groundwork for the relicensing of the Jackson Hydro Project on the Sultan River.

 Andy lives at the take-out for the Sultan River and for more than 5 years he has been able to keep a close eye on the water, inviting others to come join him for rare trips down the normally dewatered section where flows are diverted. Prior to relicensing which was formally initiated in December 2005, Andy worked with the utility to help educate them on paddler needs. This effort has led to improvements in public access following stricter security requirements and has also greatly improved communication between the utility and the paddling community regarding notification of opportunistic flow releases. Thanks to Andy’s efforts the utility notified paddlers of equipment testing they were doing that provided a rare release of water in the river. Despite the fact that it was a cold weekday in mid-December, 38 paddlers came out to enjoy the river.

 Andy also enjoys the strong support from his employer, Werner Paddles. Werner Paddles has supported American Whitewater for many years and over the past year they have supported our work through direct contributions and through in-kind contributions of Andy’s time. Andy has been able to take time out of his work day to attend meetings and educate resource agency staff as well as members of the local community of the opportunity relicensing provides.

 Like many of our volunteers, Andy enjoys the support of a great family. Those of us who have worked with Andy have certainly appreciated a warm drink and something fresh from the oven provided by his wife Liz as we arrive cold and hungry at the take-out..