Articles

The state of North Carolina recently filed their water quality permit for the dams controlling the Cheaoh River and the Little Tennessee rivers.  The permit closely mirrors the settlement agreement for the relicensing of those dams, however does not include controversial language from the settlement agreement that would require the public to pay the power company for recreational releases.   The permit (like the settlement agreement) requires the power company (Tapoco) to provide 15-18 annual boatable releases on a five year rotating

The U.S. Forest Service is currently revising the forest plans for the Wenatchee, Okanogan, and Colville National Forests in eastern Washington (Forest Plan Revision Website). These plans will determine how the forests are managed for the next 10-15 years. Comments are currently being collected, and are due on December 15th, 2004, for use in the development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that is scheduled for release in June 2005. While the Forest Service is accepting comments to be used

Kokatat is offering a limited edition Kokatat Meridian Dry Suit with the American Whitewater logo and Kokatat will donate 100% of each sale to AW.  This GORE-TEX suit incorporates an adjustable overskirt with neoprene waistband that keeps water out of your boat while river running, hole-playing, or during extended surf sessions.  The Meridian Dry Suit also features additions such as GORE-TEX socks and a relief zipper that make it comfortable to wear for an hour or all day long. Just in time

North Carolina Rivers & CreeksBy Leland DavisGraphic Arts by Colorado Rivers & Creeks Author Gordon BanksComing Spring 2005, NCRC will contain information on 101 runs and playspots from 9 regions, with OVER 200 COLOR PHOTOS! It will be an 8×10 inch sturdily bound book with a heavy duty cover and color glossy pages. Each region will have detailed scale maps, and each run will have:• Beta Block – easy to find info on class, length, gradient, drainage area, put in,

Asheville, NC — American Whitewater, the nations leading advocacy group for preservation and protection of whitewater river resources, announces a 50-year online archive of American Whitewater Journals available on their web site, www.americanwhitewater.org.The archive chronicles the history of whitewater paddlesport beginning with the first publication in 1954. From homemade boats to today’s hi-tech designs, from before Glen Canyon Dam was built to the first Tallulah releases, and from backyard rain gauges to river level emails. These archives document the development

On December 7th Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Staff will visit the Nantahala River, and on December 9th will visit the West Fork of the Tuckasegee and Dillsboro Dam.  The purpose of these visits will be to tour the Duke Power facilities and the areas effected by those facilities (ie the reservoirs and rivers), and to hold public scoping meetings.  In the scoping meetings the FERC staff will listen to the public’s concerns, ideas, and opinions about these projects and their past and future management.  Paddlers who

Leptospirosis is caused by water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The bacteria have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rats, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated by their urine. The infection usually begins with skin contact, especially via mucosal surfaces like as the eyes or nose, or through broken skin. The bacteria survive in fresh water for as many as 16 days and in soil for as many as

During a winter storm in 1999, there were two washouts on the 2160 road at MP 0.85 and MP 1.1. This road provides access to Upper and Middle Matheny Creek as it starts at the take-out for the middle section and parallels the entire run. Those who wanted to check out the run over the last couple years had to hike the shuttle (one energetic group even tried a motorbike shuttle, which although entertaining was not successful). While the Olympic

American Whitewater and the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) cooperated in a land-based reconnaissance whitewater boating study on the Upper McKenzie and Smith rivers, 70 miles east of Eugene Oregon. The Carmen – Smith Project is EWEB’s oldest hydropower endeavor. EWEB has initiated the relicense process for this hydro project (relicensing website). The project includes three dams and two reservoirs, partially dewaters a two and a half mile stretch of the McKenzie River and totally dewaters a two and

American Whitewater and the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) cooperated in a land-based reconnaissance whitewater boating study on the Upper McKenzie and Smith rivers, 70 miles east of Eugene Oregon. The Carmen – Smith Project is EWEB’s oldest hydropower endeavor. EWEB has initiated the relicense process for this hydro project (relicensing website). The project includes three dams and two reservoirs, partially dewaters a two and a half mile stretch of the McKenzie River and totally dewaters a two and

 American Whitewater, working as a member of the Hydropower Reform Coalition, filed comments opposing proposed rulemakings by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Interior.  Commerce and Interior are proposing in separate rulemakings to severely limit public participation in hydropower licensing proceedings.  Commerce and Interior are proposing to give dam operators special privileges to appeal agency license conditions while at the same time excluding the public from this appeals process.  Excluding the public from the appeals process on federally

By now you’ve heard that the Park Service has issued a plan for fixing the permit system on the Grand Canyon. Don’t miss your chance to comment and be heard.National Park Service Announces Public Meeting Locations To Discuss Colorado River Management Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement AlternativesWHAT: The National Park Service (NPS) will host a series of public meetings to provide an overview of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), allowing for public comment and a comprehensive review of the

Last month the Ashlu District Council voted to formally oppose the Ashlu Hydroelectric Project. While this was an important victory, the District Council does not have decision making authority and next week the project moves to the next stage as it comes before the regional decision-making body: the Squamish Lilloett Regional District (SLRD). The SLRD will meet on November 17th at 7 pm when a public hearing will be held. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. After this meeting,

For Immediate Release: 11/06/2004Contacts: John King, Regional Access Coordinator                 Phone: 276 328-8908                Email: virginiacreekin@hotmail.com Town of Big Stone Gap is underway with new dam construction for Big Cherry Resivoir. The town has proceeded with replacing the failing Big Cherry Dam with a new structure designed to increase the lake’s storage capacity from 400m gallons to 600m gallons.  On Thursday 11/4/2004 I spoke with Estes Brothers Construction job superintendent Greg Estes and informed him about the resource found in S. Fork Powell

For Immediate Release: 11/06/2004Contacts: John King, Regional Access Coordinator                 Phone: 276 328-8908                Email: virginiacreekin@hotmail.com Town of Big Stone Gap is underway with new dam construction for Big Cherry Resivoir. The town has proceeded with replacing the failing Big Cherry Dam with a new structure designed to increase the lake’s storage capacity from 400m gallons to 600m gallons.  On Thursday 11/4/2004 I spoke with Estes Brothers Construction job superintendent Greg Estes and informed him about the resource found in S. Fork Powell

Send a Strong Message for River Stewardship Today! Thanks to a massive letter writing campaign and public outcry, the Bush Administration extended its comment period on its proposal to repeal the landmark Roadles Area Conservation Rule – otherwise known as the Roadless Rule.  The Roadless Rule protects what is left of our public roadless lands from logging, mining, and other development, and keeps these lands suitable for future Wilderness designation.   Roadless lands support a vast number of rare, threatened, and endangered

AW is proud to award Stacey Johnson with the November volunteer of the month for her volunteer work at this year’s Gauley River Festival.  Stacey Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia is new to the boating community and recognized the importance of AW early.  Stacey unselfishly volunteered for four days during the Gauley Festival and worked close to 40 hours in total. Many of you might remember her as she most likely welcomed you to the festival with her bright smile before taking your

Jason Robertson, current Acting Executive Director and former National Policy Director, has been promoted to Managing Director of American Whitewater. As Managing Director, Robertson will occupy a new senior position within the organization dedicated to managing internal financial growth and program administration. “After a very successful term as Acting Executive Director, Jason is a perfect fit for this new position,” said incoming Executive Director Mark Singleton. “He brings a proven ability to represent AW’s river stewardship policies and build on

Mark Singleton has been selected as Executive Director for American Whitewater, the nation’s leading whitewater river conservation, access, and safety organization. Singleton will be responsible for leading American Whitewater’s staff and volunteers, and implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. “Mark brings to American Whitewater deep experience and knowledge of our sport and our membership constituency,” states Search Committee Chairman and incoming Board President Sutton Bacon. “He is extremely well-regarded as both an industry executive and thought-leader. We

Mark Singleton has been selected as Executive Director for American Whitewater, the nation’s leading whitewater river conservation, access, and safety organization. Singleton will be responsible for leading American Whitewater’s staff and volunteers, and implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. “Mark brings to American Whitewater deep experience and knowledge of our sport and our membership constituency,” states Search Committee Chairman and incoming Board President Sutton Bacon. “He is extremely well-regarded as both as an industry executive and thought-leader.

Access to the Puyallup River has long been of interest to recreational paddlers. Puget Sound Energy operates a powerhouse on the river that is located at a site well suited for access. This powerplant is exempted from FREC requirements so there is no formal opportunity to obtain access for recreation through a public process. After speaking with the Puget Sound Energy about the possibility of providing access at this site, however local volunteer Chris Wittenfeld drafted the following proposal (see