Articles

Search Articles:
Image for Clark Fork to Flow Free This Month

Clark Fork to Flow Free This Month

Montana’s Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers are scheduled to flow free later this month for the first time since 1908.  Milltown Dam has blocked fish and recreationists in the rivers for a century – but perhaps more critically has trapped sediment contaminated with toxic heavy metals from an upstream mine on the Clark Fork.  In the late 1990’s it was discovered that the aging dam was at high risk of failure – putting downstream areas at risk of being flooded

Read More

Cispus River Paddle

Local paddlers are planning trips on the Cispus River this spring and Lewis County PUD has agreed to open the gate to the take-out on selected dates that include 3/15, 4/19, and 5/10. The access is available on other weekends but requires a key to reach the take-out. You can contact the utility to apply for a key or if you park outside the gate it’s a hike of a couple hundred yards from the river (check the PUD website

Read More

4th Annual Nantahala Falls Open

Endless River Adventures and Wave Sport Host Fourth Annual Nantahala  Falls Open Endless River Adventures and Team Wave Sport, as well as a myriad of industry sponsors are pleased to announce the 4th annual Nantahala Open, to be held on the Nantahala River on Saturday, April 26th, 2008. The Nantahala Open has gained the reputation as a fun competition; open to all boaters no matter the experience or ability, consisting of categories for every skill level–and the prizes that go

Read More

Clark Fork to Flow Free This Month

Montana’s Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers are scheduled to flow free later this month for the first time since 1908.  Milltown Dam has blocked fish and recreationists in the rivers for a century – but perhaps more critically has trapped sediment contaminated with toxic heavy metals from an upstream mine on the Clark Fork.  In the late 1990’s it was discovered that the aging dam was at high risk of failure – putting downstream areas at risk of being flooded

Read More
Image for Lolo Creek (ID) Access and Gage Update

Lolo Creek (ID) Access and Gage Update

The bridge at the takeout for Idaho’s Lolo Creek has been replaced since the 2007 paddling season.  The construction eliminated historical parking areas adjacent to the bridge, and also removed the USGS staff gage used by paddlers to determine the flow.    American Whitewater has been in touch with the BLM regarding these two issues, and they have been very helpful.  In 2002, BLM wisely purchased a parcel of land for public access in case access was eliminated upstream.  The

Read More

Lolo Creek (ID) Access and Gage Update

The bridge at the takeout for Idaho’s Lolo Creek has been replaced since the 2007 paddling season.  The construction eliminated historical parking areas adjacent to the bridge, and also removed the USGS staff gage used by paddlers to determine the flow.    American Whitewater has been in touch with the BLM regarding these two issues, and they have been very helpful.  In 2002, BLM wisely purchased a parcel of land for public access in case access was eliminated upstream.  The

Read More
Image for 24th Annual Tuckasegee River Clean-Up on April 19, 2008

24th Annual Tuckasegee River Clean-Up on April 19, 2008

Base Camp Cullowhee at Western Carolina University is proud to present the 24th Annual Tuckasegee River Clean-Up on April 19, 2008.  Come show your support for the community and the environment while having fun on the river.  The Tuck Clean-Up is the largest single day river clean up project in the nation, in the past years over 600 concerned volunteers have come out to show their support for the Tuckasegee River.  Volunteers have the option of walking a section of

Read More

24th Annual Tuckasegee River Clean-Up on April 19, 2008

Base Camp Cullowhee at Western Carolina University is proud to present the 24th Annual Tuckasegee River Clean-Up on April 19, 2008.  Come show your support for the community and the environment while having fun on the river.  The Tuck Clean-Up is the largest single day river clean up project in the nation, in the past years over 600 concerned volunteers have come out to show their support for the Tuckasegee River.  Volunteers have the option of walking a section of

Read More
Image for 6th Annual Flowing Rivers Campaign with Clif Bar

6th Annual Flowing Rivers Campaign with Clif Bar

Clif Bar and American Whitewater have teamed up to promote river stewardship and safety efforts in paddling clubs. American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 6th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this very effective program is provided by Clif Bar. American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects

Read More

6th Annual Flowing Rivers Campaign with Clif Bar

Clif Bar and American Whitewater have teamed up to promote river stewardship and safety efforts in paddling clubs. American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 6th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this very effective program is provided by Clif Bar. American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects

Read More
Image for Surprise: More Chattooga Delays

Surprise: More Chattooga Delays

The Sumter National Forest (SNF) told AW today to expect even more delays in the release of their Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding recreational use in the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River corridor. The EA will include a user capacity analysis and proposed new management plan for the upper river, as ordered by the highest office of the US Forest Service. The pending release of the EA is already a year later than the final decision was required to be

Read More

Surprise: More Chattooga Delays

The Sumter National Forest (SNF) told AW today to expect even more delays in the release of their Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding recreational use in the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River corridor. The EA will include a user capacity analysis and proposed new management plan for the upper river, as ordered by the highest office of the US Forest Service. The pending release of the EA is already a year later than the final decision was required to be

Read More
Image for AW files comments on Fox River Hydro Project

American Whitewater files comments on Fox River Hydro Project (WI)

Wisconsin’s Fox River has a long cultural history dating back 1000’s of years when Native American cultures relied upon the river’s rich fisheries, waterfowl, and wild rice. With industrial development, the river became an economic engine for the region but it came at a cost with oil slicks, raw sewage, and wastes from the factories and paper mills. With passage of the Clean Water Act the river is considerably cleaner and now attractive for whitewater paddlers who come to enjoy

Read More

AW files comments on Fox River Hydro Project

Wisconsin’s Fox River has a long cultural history dating back 1000’s of years when Native American cultures relied upon the river’s rich fisheries, waterfowl, and wild rice. With industrial development, the river became an economic engine for the region but it came at a cost with oil slicks, raw sewage, and wastes from the factories and paper mills. With passage of the Clean Water Act the river is considerably cleaner and now attractive for whitewater paddlers who come to enjoy

Read More
Image for Groups Support USGS Gage Funding

Groups Support USGS Gage Funding

Paddlers love stream gages, and we are not alone.  Scientists, irrigators, anglers, floodplain managers, environmental groups, and others all use gages every day to learn about rivers.  This diverse group of folks has gotten together to ask congress for solid funding for the USGS (United States Geological Survey) stream gage program for 2009.   American Whitewater is proudly among the groups making this request in a letter sent to both the House and Senate appropriations committees.    Our past support has

Read More

Groups Support USGS Gage Funding

Paddlers love stream gages, and we are not alone.  Scientists, irrigators, anglers, floodplain managers, environmental groups, and others all use gages every day to learn about rivers.  This diverse group of folks has gotten together to ask congress for solid funding for the USGS (United States Geological Survey) stream gage program for 2009.   American Whitewater is proudly among the groups making this request in a letter sent to both the House and Senate appropriations committees.    Our past support has

Read More

Donate to support AW’s River Stewardship Efforts   American Whitewater is proud of the work we have accomplished in our stewardship program but we need your help to sustain our success. Your support through membership and donations enables our staff to be active and engaged in the process of river stewardship. Donations don’t have to be large; each person doing a small part makes a noticeable difference.   By giving a donation you are providing essential funding for Stewardship initiatives

Read More
Image for 2008 North Alabama Whitewater Festival

2008 North Alabama Whitewater Festival

The 4th Annual North Alabama Whitewater Festival, located on Locust Fork of the Warrior River in Blount County, will be held March 7-9, 2008.  The weekend will incorporate whitewater kayaking competitions, games, live music, raffles, arts and crafts, food, refreshments, camping, and good times.    Friday’s events including the Fluid Kayaks Huckfest and the Larabar Boater X are located at Short Creek Falls.  Saturday brings spectators the excitement of the Terrapin Beer Company Throwdown and Gaia Paddlesports Big Trick Contest

Read More

2008 North Alabama Whitewater Festival

The 4th Annual North Alabama Whitewater Festival, located on Locust Fork of the Warrior River in Blount County, will be held March 7-9, 2008.  The weekend will incorporate whitewater kayaking competitions, games, live music, raffles, arts and crafts, food, refreshments, camping, and good times.    Friday’s events including the Fluid Kayaks Huckfest and the Larabar Boater X are located at Short Creek Falls.  Saturday brings spectators the excitement of the Terrapin Beer Company Throwdown and Gaia Paddlesports Big Trick Contest

Read More
Image for Skagit River Clean-Up 2008

Skagit River Clean-Up 2008

The weekend of March 15th Blue Sky Outfitters will host the third annual Skagit River Clean-up. We are looking forward to this annual event that celebrates the beauty of the only designated Wild and Scenic River in Western Washington. Boaters will focus clean up efforts on the Goodell Creek to Copper Creek run and the Copper Creek to Rockport run. The day will end with a great party on the Skagit River including a dinner and a raffle with proceeds

Read More
Image for Toxic Mine Drainage Threatens Arkansas River

Toxic Mine Drainage Threatens Arkansas River

In Leadville, Colorado mine run-off laced with toxic levels of cadmium, zinc, and arsenic, is trapped in a blocked mine drainage tunnel, prompting the Regional Administrator of the US EPA to declare that an "uncontrolled, potentially catastrophic release of water to the Arkansas River is likely at some point."   The Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, built by the federal government and owned by the US Bureau of Reclamation, is believed to have collapsed, trapping over 1 billion gallons of water

Read More

Toxic Mine Drainage Threatens Arkansas River

In Leadville, Colorado mine run-off laced with toxic levels of cadmium, zinc, and arsenic, is trapped in a blocked mine drainage tunnel, prompting the Regional Administrator of the US EPA to declare that an "uncontrolled, potentially catastrophic release of water to the Arkansas River is likely at some point."   The Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, built by the federal government and owned by the US Bureau of Reclamation, is believed to have collapsed, trapping over 1 billion gallons of water

Read More

FERC Rejects Application for Hydro on McKenzie

Late yesterday FERC issued a letter rejecting the Preliminary Permit Application for the McKenzie River Hydro Project (FERC P-13099) by Principle Power Hydro. In the letter FERC stated that the application "patently fails to conform to the Commission’s regulations" and went on to cite several deficiencies with the application. We are pleased that FERC agrees with our assessment that this was an incredibly poorly thought out application and provided stakeholders with no meaningful information on what was being proposed. The

Read More
Image for FERC Rejects Application for Hydro on McKenzie

FERC Rejects Application for Hydro on McKenzie

Late yesterday FERC issued a letter rejecting the Preliminary Permit Application for the McKenzie River Hydro Project (FERC P-13099) by Principle Power Hydro (read letter). In the letter FERC stated that the application "patently fails to conform to the Commission’s regulations" and went on to cite several deficiencies with the application. We are pleased that FERC agrees with our assessment that this was an incredibly poorly thought out application and provided stakeholders with no meaningful information on what was being

Read More

FERC Rejects Application for Hydro on McKenzie

Late yesterday FERC issued a letter rejecting the Preliminary Permit Application for the McKenzie River Hydro Project (FERC P-13099) by Principle Power Hydro (read letter). In the letter FERC stated that the application "patently fails to conform to the Commission’s regulations" and went on to cite several deficiencies with the application. We are pleased that FERC agrees with our assessment that this was an incredibly poorly thought out application and provided stakeholders with no meaningful information on what was being

Read More