Articles

Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill (SB 670) placing a moratorium on suction dredge mining in California.  This is a huge victory for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who enjoys California’s rivers.    In AW’s official letter to regarding this issue we mentioned multiple efforts being made by all who use the rivers, recreationally and commercially, to protect the plants and wildlife that call these rivers home.  These efforts seemed in vain, when miners weren’t subjected to the same environmental standards.

The following releases on the Bear River are planned: Drum Afterbay to Dutch Flat Afterbay, 4.5 mi, cl IV/V-, 200, 250, 300 cfs on SEP 5,6,7 respectively.Dutch Flat Afterbay to Chicago Park, 4.7 mi, cl IV/II, 200, 250, 300 cfs on SEP 5,6,7 respectively.These reaches are to the north of Dutch Flat, which is north of Highway 80, north-east of Auburn. Maps and detailed directions to put-in and take-out will be posted soon. These reaches have seldom been run; the

American Whitewater is proud to announce the two Affiliate Club recipients of the 2009 Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign: The Jackson Hole Kayak Club of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the Genesse Waterways Center of Rochester, NY! Each club will receive a $1,250 grant to go towards their respective projects. This year’s grant process saw some excellent entries, but these two stood above the rest. The Jackson Hole Kayak Club’s proposal was to install a set of stairs to access a

American Whitewater was featured prominently in a New York Times article about the benefits of dam removal to whitwater paddlers. The story is a great example of what’s good for a river is also good for recreation, habitat, fish and local communities.   Read the article at:   http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/travel/09explorer.html?hpw

Once again we will be running Ohiopyle Falls during this one day event on August 22, 2009. We need plenty of Help! Volunteers will get discounts and T-shirts. For additional information, registration and updates see: www.FallsRace.com You can sign up for the race and Freestyle event or just run the Falls. Activities Planned:Over the Falls Race and Freestyle EventPractice RunsThe Upstream World Championships held on the Lower Yough and sponsored by Wilderness VoyageursSilent AuctionTown Party with live band – WeedhawksFalls Under

As you probably already know, AW is holding a huge summer-long membership drive with monthly winners through September and two grand prizes being drawn in October.   The contest is simple and you can still be a part of it:   Only open to members of American Whitewater Members Joining or renewing your membership with AW gives you one chance to win Every $10 donation (by a current member) equals one chance to win (i.e. $100 = 10 chances)  

    American Whitewater recognizes Jason Bliler as our August Volunteer of the Month.   Jason was instrumental in helping coordinate American Whitewater’s activities at this years FIBArk Festival in Salida, Colorado.  FIBArk was again a great opportunity to learn more about AW’s work in Colorado and across the country, and we want to thank Jason for making it possible.  Jason volunteered five long days to helping AW grow it’s membership and support through movie premiers, fundraising events, and opportunities

Paddle rafters, catarafters, IKers, and inflatable paddlers of all kinds, now is the time to prepare your story for American Whitewater. Our issue celebrating inflatable paddlers–their unique approach to whitewater, their accomplishments, and their culture–is coming up soon. Deadline for submitting material for the Inflatible Issue is August 31. Please contact the editor directly to submit stories or photos; please contact him with any questions: editor@americanwhitewater.org   Photot of rafters flipping before a live audience (previous page) by Bryan Kelsen

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed new legislation to provide funding for programs aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Idaho. The new law requires boaters, both motorized vessels and non, to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF). Any boat that is registered in Idaho or another state, and any non-motorized vessel (canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, etc.) will be required to purchase and display IISF stickers in order to legally launch and operate in

There’s no better way to describe this event than RiverLink’s own words:   "Start making your "yacht" for this year’s Rockin’ RiverFest, a FREE day long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft competition, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more!  There’s something fun for everyone!"   Check out the full event details on

This is a reminder that the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Western North Carolina Alliance, the Forest Service, and others) will be controlling oriental bittersweet, privet, and multiflora rose on the Cheoah River this Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th.  These aggressive invasive plants are overtaking Virginia spiraea, a federally threatened plant.  If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP by Thursday, July 25th.  Carpooling from Asheville can be arranged.  All tools and equipment will be provided.    Who:    Volunteer work day