Midwest

In the Midwest, American Whitewater has worked for decades to restore flows, improve access, and enhance recreational opportunities on rivers impacted by dams and other development. From early efforts on the Black, Chippewa, and Menominee Rivers in Wisconsin to more recent successes on the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, we have helped transform once-dewatered or erratically flowing reaches into reliable whitewater runs and paddling opportunities for local communities. These efforts often involve collaboration with paddlers, hydropower operators, and agencies such as the National Park Service hydropower program to negotiate flow schedules, establish put-ins and take-outs, and protect river corridors. Through strategic advocacy and coalition-building, American Whitewater has ensured that Midwest rivers not only support recreation but also maintain ecological function, scenic character, and public enjoyment—turning rivers that were once overlooked into thriving destinations for paddlers and communities alike.