Monitoring Suggests That Whitewater Releases May Have Affected Frog Egg Masses
American Whitewater (AW) the nation’s leading whitewater conservation organization announced that the 2003 release schedule for the North Fork of the Feather River would be modified and the eagerly awaited first ever AW Feather River Festival would be cancelled. The landmark settlement agreement between American Whitewater, Pacific Gas and Electric, and other stakeholder groups includes a three year evaluation period designed to closely monitor biological and recreation effects on the river and surrounding area.
After the first year of monitoring, biologists expressed concerns about a decline in the number of frog egg masses found on the river after the first round of water releases. During a scheduled meeting of stakeholders on March 20th, the group decided to err on the side of caution and further protect the ecology of the river by starting the whitewater releases two weeks later than the original schedule. Even the first weekend of releases will be contingent on the absence of frog egg masses. Decisions regarding the first weekend of releases will be made 21 days before the release.
John Gangemi, the Conservation Director for AW has been quoted saying,“Of all the projects we’ve been working on the North Fork of the Feather has the greatest potential for meeting the needs of boaters…because of the location, dispersed camping, and the variety of whitewater opportunities this river offers.” The 2001 settlement creates a balance between generating power, recreational opportunities, and a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Michael Phelan the Events Director for AW said “the cancellation of the festival commemorating the rebirth of the river is a disappointment, but certainly understood within the context of saving rivers. The decision to cancel the festival flies in the face of anyone who has ever thought that AW was just about creating Disneyland Flows.” It is hoped that AW will reschedule the festival for one of the late fall releases. “A fall festival would be a great way of finishing up the boating season in California,” said Rick Stock a boater from Quincy, CA.
AW would like to thank all of its sponsors and volunteers who have provided and continue to provide the resources necessary to properly celebrate the rebirth of an incredible natural resource.
A special thanks goes out to Dagger, Clif Bar, and Kokatat for pledging their support.
NEW 2003 Release Schedule
June 28-29
July 26-27
Aug 23-24
Sep. 27-28
Oct. 25-26
More details on the rescheduling of the AW Feather River Festival will follow in the coming months.
AW is a membership based national non-profit that works all day everyday to protect your rivers and enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.