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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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Image for Sept/Oct 2008 AW Journal Online

Sept/Oct 2008 AW Journal Online

  The Sept/Oct issue of the AW journal is now online for AW members to enjoy!    In this issue you’ll find a ton of interesting articles on everything from AW stewardship updates to river rescue to tales of first descents. Also, this edition of the journal is host to a very special "Single Blades" section that highlights stories about canoeing and rafting.   AW members can check out the journal online at:   http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal_index_issue_5_year_2008_   However, you must be

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Image for Happy Birthday, John Sweet!

Happy Birthday, John Sweet!

John R. Sweet, leader of the first party to run the Gauley River in modern hardshell whitewater craft, turns 70 on September 27th. Sweet was one of the strongest paddlers of his era, a man whose skills set a standard that others tried to emulate. A member of several U.S. Whitewater Teams, he was a fierce competitor in slalom and wildwater events. He was the unoficial leader of the small band of elite slalom racers at the Penn State Outing

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Image for 2008 Feather River Festival (CA)

2008 Feather River Festival (CA)

Come out for this year’s Feather River Festival September 27th and 28th.  The festivities will take place at Indian Jim campground/school, a mile upstream of Tobin on Hwy 70 at milepost 8.2.  This abandoned campground has plenty of spaces, and is FREE and right on the river – but there is no running water, so please bring your own. You can put in or take out or hang out and swim there, and be on site for Saturday’s festivities, including

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Illinois proposed “Exclusion Zones” threaten boating

The state of Illinois has proposed a new dam safety law.  The proposed law includes the establishment of a 300 ft upstream and 50 ft downstream exclusion zone around “dams” identified by the law as a threat to boaters.  Paddling in the exclusion zone would be a class A misdemeanor (similar to Assault, Battery, Theft).  Penalties are up to 364 days jail.   There are several concerns for the paddling community.  All of the existing portages around the listed structures

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Image for Illinois proposed "Exclusion Zones" threaten boating

Illinois proposed “Exclusion Zones” threaten boating

The state of Illinois has proposed a new dam safety law.  The proposed law includes the establishment of a 300 ft upstream and 50 ft downstream exclusion zone around “dams” identified by the law as a threat to boaters.  Paddling in the exclusion zone would be a class A misdemeanor (similar to Assault, Battery, Theft).  Penalties are up to 364 days jail.   There are several concerns for the paddling community.  All of the existing portages around the listed structures

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Gauley Festival this Weekend Sept 19-21 ~~~ Summersville, WV

No river in the country defines fall paddling quite as well as the Gauley. Located in the heart of wild and wonderful West Virginia, the Gauley is synonymous with fall boating. Thanks to the US Corps of Engineers drawdown of Summersville Lake, Gauley River flows are scheduled and predictable. The Gauley River and the community of Summersville are host to American Whitewater’s largest festival of the year – Gauley Fest. Mark this weekend, September 19-21, in your calendar for a

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Image for Gauley Festival this Weekend Sept 19-21 ~~~ Summersville, WV

Gauley Festival this Weekend Sept 19-21 ~~~ Summersville, WV

No river in the country defines fall paddling quite as well as the Gauley. Located in the heart of wild and wonderful West Virginia, the Gauley is synonymous with fall boating. Thanks to the US Corps of Engineers drawdown of Summersville Lake, Gauley River flows are scheduled and predictable. The Gauley River and the community of Summersville are host to American Whitewater’s largest festival of the year – Gauley Fest. Mark this weekend, September 19-21, in your calendar for a

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SC Attorney General Offers Opinion on River Access

  South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster has issued a legal opinion regarding the public’s rights to navigable rivers.  Amongst other responsibilities, the Attorney General “Issues official legal opinions upon request by constitutional officers, members of the General Assembly, and certain state and local officials” (Source:  www.scattorneygeneral.org).  These opinions are not a substitute for a definitive judicial ruling.  However, they do guide the officers and agents of the State in their law enforcement practices.  Special thanks to the Honorable Harry

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