Kokatat Presents August's Volunteer of the Month–Hattie Johnson
Posted: 09/01/2015
By: Nathan Fey
American Whitewater recognizes Hattie Johnson as our August 2015 Volunteer of the Month!
As our motto says, Rivers need to be protected, restored and ENJOYED, and this is the key
component of river stewardship that Hattie has helped address this past month. On July 13th,
Hattie took over the feeding, caring, and planning of Colorado's Gore Fest, and by the
kick-off on August 21st, it was clear she knocked it out of the park!
American Whitewater has a long history on the Upper Colorado River and Gore Canyon - as former
organizers of the annual Gore Canyon races and more recently as leaders in the permanent
protection of Colorado River flows and the establishment of the Gore Canyon Whitewater park. AW
is front and center in the protection and enhancement of the Colorado River, and we are
thankful for volunteers like Hattie and the paddlers that have attended events that bring
paddlers together in celebration. Hattie Johnson stepped up for AW this year, and agreed to
help make the 2015 Gore Fest a highlight in the region. And it was a big success, thanks
to Hattie!
Fresh off of coordinating other events in the Colorado River basin, Hattie attended the opening
ceremony of the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park in Grand County as the landscape architect at
RiverRestoration inc. After discussing Gore Fest with AW and BLM staff, she agreed to take on
organizing race logistics, timing, shuttles, sponsors, and raffle items, with only one month
until the event. She worked with vendors in Grand County to ensure that the festival stays
home-grown- with local music, food vendors, and sponsorship from Kremmmling-based outfitters.
This is what river festivals are all about - community!
On behalf of everyone that attended the race as a participant or spectator, we want to thank
Hattie for making this years Gore Fest such a success. Hattie's enthusiasm and love for the
river and her fellow paddlers made it happen. You rock Hattie!!