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Image for November Volunteer of the Month Presented by Kokatat

November Volunteer of the Month Presented by Kokatat

American Whitewater would like to recognize John Cantrell as our November volunteer of the month. Stacey Johnson, Gauley Fest volunteer coordinator, had this to say about John: "John Cantrell has been volunteering at Gauley Fest for many years and has always been willing to help wherever we need him. Last year he showed up to Gauley Fest, saw that we needed additional support with directing cars, and offered to oversee parking for all of Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

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Image for Fall Appeal 2008

Fall Appeal 2008

Recently American Whitewater sent our Fall Appeal to our current members. This letter highlights some of the many stewardship projects American Whitewater is working on and some of the current threats that whitewater enthusiasts face.   As you review the Fall Appeal, please consider a couple of things. First, that membership in American Whitewater is more than a subscription to our Journal. Your membership fuels our stewardship work. For each dollar that you invest in membership, American Whitewater is able

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Sullivan Creek Survey and Video (WA)

The owners of two dams in the Sullivan Creek Watershed, in far northeastern Washington, are in the process of surrendering their hydropower license for the long defunct project.  Earlier this year, American Whitewater successfully appealed a decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that would have allowed the dam owners to abandon or inappropriately operate the dams, which are on US Forest Service property.  Also earlier this year, several alternatives were presented that include full removal of both dams, removal

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Image for Sullivan Creek Survey and Video (WA)

Sullivan Creek Survey and Video (WA)

The owners of two dams in the Sullivan Creek Watershed, in far northeastern Washington, are in the process of surrendering their hydropower license for the long defunct project.  Earlier this year, American Whitewater successfully appealed a decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that would have allowed the dam owners to abandon or inappropriately operate the dams, which are on US Forest Service property.  Also earlier this year, several alternatives were presented that include full removal of both dams, removal

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Image for Tallulah Fall Releases Cancelled Due to Drought

Tallulah Fall Releases Cancelled Due to Drought

October 22, 2008   North Georgia Hydro Project FERC Project No. 2354 Aesthetic and Whitewater Flow Releases Lake Burton Winter Drawdown  Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Mail Code PJ12.3 888 First Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20426  Dear Ms. Bose:  As required by the “Order Approving Plan to Minimize Reservoir Fluctuations,” dated June 23, 1997, we are writing to notify you of a temporary change in the water use allocations from that established in the aforementioned plan.    In

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Image for Moosefest Wrap-up

Moosefest Wrap-up

Despite overnight temperatures dipping into the 20’s this year’s Moosefest was a great time as always. Plus, unlike some years, there was no need to dig through snow to get to your gear in the morning as skies were clear and the sun shinning for most of the weekend. American Whitewater enjoyed the weekend connecting with members old and new over a great river and the cool town of Old Forge, NY. AW setup Saturday afternoon at the local paddle

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Protection for Idaho Roadless Areas Weakened

On Thursday, October 16, 2008 the US Forest Service released the Idaho Roadless Rule, which provides management direction regarding road building and resource extraction across 9.3 million acres of public roadless lands in Idaho.  The Rule replaces the more protective 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it applied to Idaho’s roadless areas.   In response to thoughful critique, the final version of the Idaho Roadless Rule was made more protective than the previous draft circulated for public review in a

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Image for Protection for Idaho Roadless Areas Weakened

Protection for Idaho Roadless Areas Weakened

On Thursday, October 16, 2008 the US Forest Service released the Idaho Roadless Rule, which provides management direction regarding road building and resource extraction across 9.3 million acres of public roadless lands in Idaho.  The Rule replaces the more protective 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it applied to Idaho’s roadless areas.   In response to thoughful critique, the final version of the Idaho Roadless Rule was made more protective than the previous draft circulated for public review in a

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Image for 2009 American Whitewater Calendar

2009 American Whitewater Calendar

  The 2009 American Whitewater Calendar features photos of famous and obscure whitewater rivers from throughout the country – and all this at a bargain price of $20, ($18 for current members – be sure to log into your website user account before you order so you ensure receiving the member’s discounted price of $18.)   Don’t Delay. . .Order today!    Not a current member, join today and take advantage of the member discount on all the items in

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Image for AW is going to Moosefest! (NY)

AW is going to Moosefest! (NY)

This weekend (Oct. 18th), come renew or start your membership with American Whitewater in Old Forge, NY at the ever-popular Moosefest. Stop by the membership table and show your love and support for your favorite whitewater non-profit. Plus meet pro paddler and Team Dagger member Corey Volt and AW’s Jeff Paine who will both be manning the table.   AW will be set up at Mountainman Outdoors Supply Company on Saturday, Oct. 18th, from 4-6PM. Later on that evening AW

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Image for A week in Ecuador ~~~ and the winner is ?

A week in Ecuador ~~~ and the winner is ?

  Congratulations to Paul R Hummel, winner of the week long trip in Ecuador provided by Small World Adventures! Paul has been a member and supporter of AW since 1999 – thank you Paul for your ongoing support of our mission.   With generous support from Small World Adventures and Smith Sport Optics, American Whitewater hosted a fundraising and membership drive that ended on October 1st raising $163,791.  Anyone who joined or renewed their AW membership or donated at least

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Tuckasegee River Update and Video (NC)

Recreational releases on the Upper Nantahala and West Fork of the Tuckasegee are currently being held up by a local County’s opposition to removing Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River.  Based on the dam relicensing settlement agreement that AW, Duke Power, and many local and regional groups signed, the removal of Dillsboro Dam must be certain before the releases and other mitigation will be initiated.  Releases should have begun in 2006.         Jackson County opposes removal of the 100

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Image for Tuckasegee  River Update and Video (NC)

Tuckasegee River Update and Video (NC)

Recreational releases on the Upper Nantahala and West Fork of the Tuckasegee are currently being held up by a local County’s opposition to removing Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River.  Based on the dam relicensing settlement agreement that AW, Duke Power, and many local and regional groups signed, the removal of Dillsboro Dam must be certain before the releases and other mitigation will be initiated.  Releases should have begun in 2006.         Jackson County opposes removal of the 100

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Upper Colorado River in danger of being Flat-Lined!

The Bureau of Reclamation has released the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Windy Gap Firming Project. If approved, the Project will increase transmountain diversions from the headwaters of the Colorado River for storage in Chimney Hollow – a new, 90,000 acre-foot reservoir to be built near Carter Lake. The Project, proposed by the Municipal Subdistrict of Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District would then supply water to northern Front Range cities including Longmont, Broomfield, Greeley and Lafayette. The

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Image for Upper Colorado River in danger of being Flat-Lined!

Upper Colorado River in danger of being Flat-Lined!

The Bureau of Reclamation has released the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Windy Gap Firming Project. If approved, the Project will increase transmountain diversions from the headwaters of the Colorado River for storage in Chimney Hollow – a new, 90,000 acre-foot reservoir to be built near Carter Lake. The Project, proposed by the Municipal Subdistrict of Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District would then supply water to northern Front Range cities including Longmont, Broomfield, Greeley and Lafayette. The

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Tell the Forest Service to Protect Colorado’s Backcountry Forests

Preserving National Forest Roadless Areas Will Protect Cherished Rivers Across Colorado And The West Your Comments to the US Forest Service Needed by October 23rd. (TAKE ACTION NOW) The headwaters of our nation’s most iconic southwestern rivers originate in Colorado’s Roadless areas and Wilderness, flowing from 14,000-foot peaks towards 13 states and Mexico. Rivers offer a unique way to experience the Colorado Plateau by water offering unique corridors of travel, few of which have eluded road building, railroad building, logging,

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Image for Tell the Forest Service to Protect Colorado's Backcountry Forests

Tell the Forest Service to Protect Colorado’s Backcountry Forests

Preserving National Forest Roadless Areas Will Protect Cherished Rivers Across Colorado And The West Your Comments to the US Forest Service Needed by October 23rd. (TAKE ACTION NOW) The headwaters of our nation’s most iconic southwestern rivers originate in Colorado’s Roadless areas and Wilderness, flowing from 14,000-foot peaks towards 13 states and Mexico. Rivers offer a unique way to experience the Colorado Plateau by water offering unique corridors of travel, few of which have eluded road building, railroad building, logging,

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Image for GREEN-O-WEEN benefit for American Whitewater Oct 30 at Asheville Pizza Company

GREEN-O-WEEN benefit for American Whitewater Oct 30 at Asheville Pizza Company

Rapid Transit’s first feature length film, soon available on DVD, will be premiered at Asheville Pizza Company in Asheville, North Carolina at 9pm on Thursday, Oct 30th, 2008. The event is two nights before the Green Race and of course one night before Halloween, so the celebration is called GREEN-O-WEEN. Rapid Transit will be giving away a Riot Thunder to the winner of the costume contest that night. "Come dressed as your favorite rapid on the Green. Best costume wins

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Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Turns 40

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Paddlers were and continue to be among the most passionate advocates for protecting our nation’s free-flowing rivers. Upon witnessing the loss of hundreds of miles of great rivers to water development projects and hydropower, paddlers were among the first activists who advocated for a Wild and Scenic Rivers system to protect our nation’s last free-flowing rivers. Articles in the AW journal by paddlers like Oz Hawksley documented

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Image for Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Turns 40

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Turns 40

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Paddlers were and continue to be among the most passionate advocates for protecting our nation’s free-flowing rivers. Upon witnessing the loss of hundreds of miles of great rivers to water development projects and hydropower, paddlers were among the first activists who advocated for a Wild and Scenic Rivers system to protect our nation’s last free-flowing rivers. Articles in the AW journal by paddlers like Oz Hawksley documented

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Charlie Vincent: AW River Steward of the Year

Last week at the Gauley River Festival, American Whitewater announced that Charlie Vincent was named the 2008 River Steward of the Year.  American Whitewater annually awards this honor to a single volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication to our river stewardship mission, and who has recently reached a major milestone in their efforts.    Charlie has been assisting AW and representing the paddling community on Idaho’s Bear River for a decade.  Beginning in 1998, Charlie actively participated in the extremely

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Image for Charlie Vincent: AW River Steward of the Year

Charlie Vincent: AW River Steward of the Year

Last week at the Gauley River Festival, American Whitewater announced that Charlie Vincent was named the 2008 River Steward of the Year.  American Whitewater annually awards this honor to a single volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication to our river stewardship mission, and who has recently reached a major milestone in their efforts.    Charlie has been assisting AW and representing the paddling community on Idaho’s Bear River for a decade.  Beginning in 1998, Charlie actively participated in the extremely

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Action Alert: Protect a Free-Flowing Skagit River

North Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the lands and rivers along Highway 20 in the North Cascades. As part of this planning effort American Whitewater formally requested a review of rivers that may be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. The Park Service has responded to our request and this month the Park Service formally announced their intention to conduct an eligibility and suitability study of the

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Image for Action Alert: Protect a Free-Flowing Skagit River

Action Alert: Protect a Free-Flowing Skagit River

North Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the lands and rivers along Highway 20 in the North Cascades. As part of this planning effort American Whitewater formally requested a review of rivers that may be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. The Park Service has responded to our request and this month the Park Service formally announced their intention to conduct an eligibility and suitability study of the

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