Fortunately for us paddlers some individuals step up to the advocacy plate and start challenging the threats to our rivers.  Kris Schmidt stepped into this role in California with advocacy work on the Kern River and Piru Creek.  Both of these rivers are dewatered by hydropower projects.  Kris has taken a lead role in the relicense proceedings filing comments and attending meetings.  In July and again in September Kris was the point person organizing boaters, communicating with utilities and consultants for Controlled Flow Whitewater Studies on the seven mile Class III Borel Reach on the Kern and the six mile Class II reach on Piru Creek.   Kris has been a tremendous volunteer in southern California.  He has a great understanding for the complexities of the hydro relicensing process and strategies for restoring whitewater opportunities impacted by the projects.  Thanks Kris for your tireless efforts restoring southern California rivers.