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AW in the NorthWest
American Whitewater has an active program in the Pacific Northwest. Our regional conservation program features a focus on dam relicensing and continued protection of key watersheds on public land. While we are lucky that many of our rivers flow through public land we are not without access issues. The Skykomish remains one of our top ten access issues.
Sunset Falls Project on SF Skykomish Cancelled (WA)
Take Action for Oregon's South Umpqua!
Time is running out for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) to consider the South Umpqua for designation as a State Scenic Waterway, but it’s not too late. Your voice can help support the agency in taking steps to protect this river in 2018. With its free-flowing waters and exceptional scenic, natural and recreational values, the South Umpqua meets the criteria for designation as a State Scenic Waterway.
AW Challenges FERC Decision on Enloe Dam (WA)
News Release: March 16, 2018 – River advocacy groups filed a petition in federal court today against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) challenging its recent decision to extend construction deadlines on the Enloe Hydroelectric Project on the Similkameen River in north central Washington. Through the petition the groups seek to ensure FERC complies with clear requirements of the Federal Power Act and allows for meaningful public participation when making its decisions.
Good News for Kalmiopsis Rivers! (OR/CA)
The Department of Agriculture recently announced that it will not review a 20-year prohibition on new mining development (i.e., a “mineral withdrawal) for over 101,000 acres of public lands in SW Oregon. The protection, which was implemented in late 2016, covers rivers cherished by the whitewater community including the Wild and Scenic North Fork Smith and Illinois Rivers and their headwaters.
Washington Legislature Considering Legislation That Would Limit Access
The Washington State legislature is considering a bill that could significantly impact river access in Washington State. Under current state law, a County is prohibited from vacating right-of-ways that abut a body of water. House Bill 2521 and Senate Bill 6152 would add new language to state law that would allow a county to vacate a public right-of-way abutting a waterway “for the protection of public safety.”
Take Action for Oregon's Nehalem, SF Umpqua and NF Santiam!
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking your input on a proposal to protect a 17-mile section of the Nehalem River under the State Scenic Waterway Program. A State Scenic Waterway designation protects the outstanding scenic, fish, wildlife, geological, botanical, historic, archaeologic, and outdoor recreation values of a river for current and future generations. The deadline to provide comment has been extended to November 1st, and we encourage you to weigh in!
Oregon Environmental Quality Commission Takes Action to Protect North Fork Smith
Earlier this month the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission unanimously voted to designate the waters of the North Fork Smith River in southwest Oregon as the first Outstanding Resource Waters in the Pacific Northwest.
Wild Olympics Act Reintroduced as Local Support Increases (WA)
The Wild Olympics Coalition, a locally-based coalition that includes American Whitewater, cheered the reintroduction of the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Derek Kilmer to permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries, a total of 464 river miles, as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
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North Fork Rogue Releases
10:00 am -4:00 pm pst 8/18 250 cfs, 8/19 up to 450 cfs, 9/2 250 cfs, 9/3 up to 450 cfs450-250 cfs |
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North Fork Rogue Releases
10:00 am -4:00 pm pst 8/18 250 cfs, 8/19 up to 450 cfs, 9/2 250 cfs, 9/3 up to 450 cfs450-250 cfs |
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Events
| Chelan Gorge release |
Chelan,WA
runs 07/11/09 - 09/16/18, next 09/15/18 [+] favorites |
| North Fork Rogue Releases |
Prospect,OR
runs 07/18/09 - 09/03/18, next 08/18/18 [+] favorites |
| Wenatchee River Festival |
Cashmere,WA
runs 06/09/12 - 07/09/16 [+] favorites |
| Green River Cleanup |
Black Diamond, WA,WA
runs 05/05/12 - 05/06/17 [+] favorites |
| Northwest Creeking Competition |
Yacolt,WA
runs 04/21/12 - 04/10/16 [+] favorites |
| SkyFest |
Index,WA
runs 07/04/13 - 05/08/16 [+] favorites |
| Sultan River Whitewater Release |
Sultan,WA
runs 04/25/15 - 05/19/18 [+] favorites |
| Cispus River Open Gate Days |
Morton,WA
runs 01/28/17 - 11/04/17 [+] favorites |
(iCal)
Associated Projects
- Canyon Creek (WA)
This spectacular creek has been threatened by a proposal for hydropower development.
- Celestial Falls (OR)
Conservation and enjoyment of the waterfall is important for AW
- Chelan (WA)
AW has worked to restore flows and provide public access to the Chelan Gorge
- Cispus River Access (WA)
AW has been working to enforce requirements for public access to the Cispus River.
- Clackamas Stewardship (OR)
AW has been a stakeholder in licensing of the hydroelectric projects on this river and protection of key tributaries through the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
- Clean Water Act
American Whitewater's advocacy to protect water quality.
- Conservation System
The National Landscape Conservation System represents the crown jewels of BLM lands and rivers.
- Elwha Restoration (WA)
The Elwha River will be restored by removing two dams that have blocked salmon and degraded recreational opportunities on one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular rivers.
- Green River (WA)
AW works with partners to protect flows and the scenic landscape of the Green River Gorge.
- Greenway Whitewater (WA)
The Mountains to Sound Greenway stretches over 100 miles along Interstate 90 from Seattle to Central Washington. AW is engaged in promoting stewardship and protection of the rivers in this corridor.
- Hood River Access
American Whitewater is committed to securing public access for the Hood River and its major tributaries.
- Kalmiopsis Rivers (OR/CA)
American Whitewater is working to protect the wild rivers of Southwestern Oregon and Northern California from the threats of nickel strip mines.
- Klamath Restoration (OR & CA)
AW supports restoration of the Klamath River for the benefit of salmon while providing appropriate opportunities for whitewater recreation.
- Middle Fork Snoqualmie (WA)
AW has been working on resource stewardship along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie in Washington and protecting this drainage for the incredible recreational opportunities it provides.
- Milner Whitewater (ID)
AW supports the efforts of local paddlers who have advocated for whitewater recreation on the Milner Mile.
- Nooksack Stewardship (WA)
Public access, hydropower development, and resource stewardship are all ongoing issues on this river system.
- North Fork Rogue (OR)
We worked to restore flows, provide public access, and made flow information available to provide boating opportunities on this river.
- North Fork Snoqualmie- WA
American Whitewater is committed to the conservation of the North Fork Snoqualmie.
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (WA)
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests are home to some great whitewater runs and AW has in interest in protecting the resource values of these rivers.
- Oregon Navigability
AW works to keep the rivers of Oregon open and accessible to the boating public.
- Owyhee Conservation
American Whitewater advocates for the protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands.
- Protecting the Ashlu (BC)
A hydropower project is now being constructed on this wonderful creek in Southwest British Columbia.
- Puyallup Watershed (WA)
Major rivers of the Puyallup watershed include the Carbon, Puyallup, and White which drain the western and northern slopes of Mt. Rainier which we are working to preserve and protect.
- Restoring the Rogue (OR)
One of the great Rivers of the West, preserving the the Wild Rogue and restoring upstream reaches impacted by dams are priorities for American Whitewater.
- Similkameen River (BC/WA)
American Whitewater supports conservation and restoration of the Similkameen River.
- Skagit Wild and Scenic (WA)
Public access, riparian protection, and effective resource stewardship are all important to management of the Skagit Wild and Scenic River.
- Skykomish Stewardship (WA)
AW is actively engaged in the conservation of the Skykomish River and its tributaries and advocacy for public access.
- Snake River Restoration (ID, OR, WA)
AW is working with a coalition of partners to restore the Snake and Salmon Rivers in Idaho for fish and paddlers.
- Sullivan Creek (WA)
Two dams in the Sullivan Creek watershed no longer generate power. One was removed in 2017 as the result of a 2010 Settlement Agreement.
- Sultan River (WA)
AW is working to improve flows and public access for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and paddlers as part of hydropower relicensing on this river.
- Sunset Falls Hydropower Development
Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River has been proposed for hydropower development.
- Susitna (AK)
A hydropower project on the Susitna would drown Devil's Canyon.
- Volcano Country (OR/WA)
The rivers of Volcano Country within and surrounding the Gifford Pinchot National Forest represent some of the nation's most spectacular whitewater resources.
- White Salmon Restoration (WA)
American Whitewater has been engaged in a long-term effort to protect and restore one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular year-around whitewater rivers.
- Wild Olympics (WA)
A campaign to protect the free-flowing rivers of the Olympic Peninsula.
Associated News
Foundation of the BC Rivers Alliance
August 24, 2007
AW Joins Effort to Protect Punch Bowl Falls (OR)
July 10, 2012
Down the River Clean Up - Clackamas - Sept. 9th!
September 4, 2012
AW Comments on NF Snoqualmie Hydro Project
December 12, 2012
Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven Wilderness on the John Day
December 22, 2012
Supporting Mining Clean Up In Opal Creek Headwaters (OR)
January 16, 2013
Interior Recommends Removing Klamath River Dams
April 8, 2013
AW Comments on Proposed Sunset Falls Hydro Project (WA)
July 19, 2013
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