At a West Virginia Tourism Commission meeting on July 23, Betty Carver, Tourism Commissioner, announced that the State’s Tourism Division will provide gravel for Woods Ferry Road improvements. This assistance from the state helps to secure mid-river access for this Gauley season. American Whitewater requested that the Gauley access issue be placed on the Commission meeting agenda. The WV Tourism Division took a clear leadership role and engaged the Governor’s Office with a request for mid-river access assistance. These actions demonstrate the importance of adventure-based tourism experiences in the state’s mix of tourism products. AW will continue to work with the state and other entities to find additional short and long-term access solutions.
Mark your calendars now for Gauley Festival. On September 23 –25, come out and show your support of river stewardship and access by participating in AW’s largest fund raising event of the year, Gauley Festival. The on-going financial support of the whitewater paddling community is critical to the mission efforts of American Whitewater. What better way to support stewardship and access than a festival weekend on a true whitewater gem, the Gauley.