Articles - American Whitewater

AW Intern Wants Your Help Fighting Colorado’s Referendum A

October 23, 2003

“Vote No on A!It’s a $4 Billion Blank Check to Build Dams in Colorado” –www.VoteNoOnA.com Matt Bare, an AW member and former intern, has taken his passion for whitewater and is doing something to protect the rivers he loves. Now he wants Colorado residents to help him.Specifically, Matt is opposing Colorado’s Referendum A, which is a referendum that is being mailed across the state in November. This referendum proposes the construction of new dams. Pretty crazy concept huh? Just when the

Dylan King Volunteer of the Month

October 20, 2003

Every once in a while organization’s like AW find in there midst some of the most dedicated and unselfish people in the world. In 2002, AW found an individual that was willing to work for months with no pay, subside on Clif Bars for indeterminable amounts of time, and during events work 20 hour shifts with no break. Dylan King from Asheville, NC and originally from Montague, MA has been that person. He was instrumental in the success of the 2002

AW Tallulah Membership Extravaganza!

October 19, 2003

There’s no better time to renew your AW membership than at the Tallulah this fall (November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16).1. In 1997, AW restored releases in the Tallulah Gorge, which stood dewatered for over 75 years. Now, paddlers enjoy 10 release days per year in this spectacular place. 2. We then ended the permit system, restricting the Tallulah to only 120 paddlers per day. Now, the Tallulah is permit-free and everyone can enjoy paddling there. 3. And soon, because of AW’s

DC Party to Benefit AW!

October 17, 2003

Please join the DC paddling community and special guests, Congressional Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD, Potomac River), Zach Wamp (R-TN, Ocoee River), Mark Udall (D-CO, Clear Creek) Ralph Regula (R-OH, Sandy Creek) and John Sweeney (R-NY, Mohawk and Hudson Rivers) at a party to benefit American Whitewater, the only organization working to protect your right to paddle the whitewater rivers you love. What: Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a few door prizes When: Wednesday October 29, 6:30-9:00 PM Where: Frederick Douglass Museum 320

River Access and Conservation Newly Threatened in Wisconsin

October 16, 2003

Update 10/16/2003: Good news! Shortly after posting our alert AW learned that the bill has been tabled. Rob Smage, an AW member and StreamKeeper, reported that at a public hearing on the 15th, Mr.Gunderson (the author of the bill) cited a multitude of calls expressing opposition to the Bill and essentially ‘pulled’ it. Attendees were allowed to proceed with their ‘testimony’, but it was greatly unclear just what the future of this bill is. After talking with a staffer, Smage reported that any

Image for Eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers in Google Earth

“The Thing” at the Tallulah 2003!

October 15, 2003

That’s right, back by popular demand but with a brand new name — “The Thing” at the Tallulah 2003!On Saturday night, November 15, at the Tallulah boater camping area, friends of American Whitewater will be hosting a FREE BBQ and AMATEUR PADDLING FILM FEST. “The Thing” is thrown FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS in commemoration of the six-year anniversary of AW-secured releases on the Tallulah. Free burgers and dogs grilled to perfection. Free beverages. Movies projected on a big screen including fresh footage

Tallulah Volunteers: We Need YOU!

October 14, 2003

Tallulah Season is Here!And this year, we have never needed more commitment from volunteers. Georgia Power has agreed in principle to AW’s proposal to ramp up to an additional 14 days of releases (seven more weekends!) on the Tallulah over the next few years. In order for these extra releases to be possible, we must continue to demonstrate paddlers’ incredible stewardship of the river and state park and volunteer in droves! Volunteers help AW staff and board members with a

Image for Rogue River Draft Navigability Report Issued

The 2nd Annual Tallulah Festival

October 14, 2003

That’s right, back by popular demand — the 2nd Annual Tallulah Festival!On Saturday night, November 15, at the Tallulah boater camping area, friends of American Whitewater will be hosting a FREE COOKOUT and AMATEUR PADDLING VIDEO SHOW. This cookout is thrown for members by members in commemoration of the six-year anniversary of AW-secured releases on the Tallulah. Free burgers and dogs grilled to perfection. Free beverages*. Movies projected on a big screen including fresh footage taken at Oceana that day. AW

Gauley Festival Lost and Found

October 10, 2003

Did you leave Gauley Fest saying, “I could have sworn I brought that…with me?” Are you missing your favorite fleece, or keys, or pants? Chances are, we’ve found it. To claim your lost item, please contact AJ McIntyre at aj@amwhitewater.org or 866-BOAT-4AW. You will be required to give a description of your lost item.

Gauley Festival Lost and Found

October 10, 2003

Image for AW files comments on Fox River Hydro Project

Special Whitewater Release Canceled–Rhinelander Wisconsin

October 10, 2003

Due to insufficient water levels upstream in the Wisconsin River the Saturday, October 11 Rhinelander Whitewater Release has been canceled. The Paper Mill that manages the water levels on the Wisconsin River, has informed the utility that there is not enough flow in the headwaters of the Wisconsin River to support a whitewater release. On several occasions the paper mill has gone above and beyond their requirement to provide us water for recreational releases and they do not take it lightly

Help Protect the Little Tennessee River

October 9, 2003

A beautiful River in Western North Carolina needs your help. The Little Tennessee River is a class I-II River that flows North from Georgia into Western North Carolina. It is one of the most biologically diverse rivers anywhere and has been all but devistated by dams that form famous reservoirs like Fontana, Calderwood, Tellico, and the list goes on. Upstream of the large dams though the river snakes along through low hills and over wide shoals covered with rare endemic

Paying for Rescue (SAR) Costs

October 8, 2003

Search and Rescue: A Privilege for the Saved or Burden for Society?By Jason Robertson for American WhitewaterBased in part on a letter from Lloyd Athearn at the American Alpine Club to Mike Gauthier, Denali National Park 3.9.2001Photo by Jeff Redding of Successful Rescue at Initiation on the Gauley River “Stretch forth thy hand from above;Rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters”-Book of Psalms IntroductionFederal, State, and other government agencies have a moral and legal responsibility to conduct and bear the

AW and Ohiopyle Falls Access in News (PA)

October 7, 2003

American Whitewater’s on-going access efforts on the Lower Yough’s Ohiopyle Falls were in the news this week. The 9-28-2003 article, “Yough Rapids Stay Closed”, by Sam Kusic of the Greensboro Tribune Review, describes American Whitewater’s efforts to open the falls, and the Park Superintendent’s response. Notably, as the article describes, Superintendent Hoehn is intending to retire in the summer of 2004, which will provide the opportunity to work with a fresh face on opening the falls permanently. To read the entire

Image for Clark Fork to Flow Free This Month

Wynoochee River (WA) Access Update

October 6, 2003

Washington’s Wynoochee River is a scenic run that flows through the Olympic National Forest and Simpson Resource Company lands. This class I-III whitewater run is enjoyed by kayakers and canoeists and has been for many years. It is popular not only because of it’s scenic qualities but because the dam-regulated flows in mid-summer, make float trips possible here when water is insufficient elsewhere. Early this summer paddlers discovered that a popular access point on Simpson land was closed. We are

The Public’s Right to Navigate Waterways in California

October 2, 2003

The purpose of this summary is to inform the readers, especially boaters, riparian landowners, and government officials, about the public’s right to legally navigate, use, and enjoy the creeks and rivers of California, as is guaranteed by federal and state law. It is also the intent of this summary to prevent misunderstandings of the law and to reduce conflict, animosity, and expensive legal proceedings relating to the interrelated issues of riparian private property trespass, restrictive municipal regulation, and recreational small-craft

Paddlers Alert–Comments Needed on South Fork American, California

October 2, 2003

American Whitewater is working closely with Chris Shackleton of Dreamflows on Upper Sough Fork American relicense proceeding. Chris has posted a detailed alert complete with identification of key issues in this relicense proceeding. We encourage you to visit the Dreamflows alert to learn more about the SMUD relicense proceeding and potential mitigation for whitewater resources. By the Way, Thanks for taking the time to protect and restore your rivers.

Rendezvous With AW at The Russell Fork Rendezvous

September 29, 2003

American Whitewater members attending the Russell Fork Rendezvous (VA) Saturday, October 4th will be in for a tasty treat. American Whitewater will be hosting a hospitality tent for current AW members. The first hundred AW members will dine on a free cookout. Worried about missing out on this and the many other membership benefits then come on by, sign up that night, and we will throw a burger or dog on the grill for you too. Also stop by the

Green River Access Fund Update

September 29, 2003

Dear Green River Access Fund Donors,In our last communication, AW asked for a three-month extension with your donation in case an alternate access solution was found. Unfortunately during this time, we were unable to purchase an alternate site, and with continuing difficulties with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, we now would like offer you several options regarding your donation. The first option, always available, is a complete and prompt refund of your donation. The second option is for

Image for Trout on the Wind: a film about the removal of Hemlock Dam

Success on the Upper Ocoee is Official!

September 29, 2003

Success on the Upper Ocoee is Official! Friday, September 26th, 2003, a historic event was held on the Upper Ocoee to formalize a recent agreement that will bring 54 days of recreational releases each year for the next 15 years to the Upper Ocoee River in Southeastern Tennessee. Congressman Zach Wamp, TVA Director Bill Baxter, and other key stakeholders stood on the Ocoee Olympic Whitewater Center bridge and signed a document that promised the water would be delivered in the

Tallulah season is on its way!

September 29, 2003

That’s right, on November 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16, Georgia’s majestic Tallulah River will once again host boaters from around the world. Mark your calendars! Special details coming soon about the releases, volunteering, our new Oceana DVD and digital photo special, and of course, Tallulah Fest!

Corps completes Phase I mitigation projects on the Green River (WA)

September 26, 2003

The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) recently completed phase I construction of engineered log jams and gravel addition projects on the Green River Headworks section. Members of the paddling community–represented by Friends of the Green River, American Whitewater, Mountaineers, Washington Recreational River Runners, PaddleTrails Canoe Club, University Kayak Club, Washington Kayak Club, and League of Northwest Whitewater Racers–have been working with the ACOE over the past several months to make sure the interests of those who enjoy recreational opportunities on

Paddle the Upper Ocoee Tomorrow to Show Your Support!

September 25, 2003

(Calling all paddlers near the Ocoee; come paddle under the bridge FRIDAY between 10-11! If people are in the water about 10, that’s perfect, but initial meeting times are as early as 8:00. The actual signing is at 10:30. We have a lot to celebrate. See the release below.) MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Tennant, 828-749-3200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCOEE OLYMPIC SITE FLOWS FREE AFTER 7 YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS Non-profit, river conservation group, American Whitewater and key Ocoee VIPs to sign new

Buy a C-1 Skirt and Support AW

September 25, 2003

In need of a cheap C-1 skirt? We’ve got them just for you! AW was given a number of C-1 skirts as a donation, and we’re selling them for $25 each (plus shipping)! The only catch…the sizes are all odd.If you’re interested, please give AJ McIntyre a call at 866-BOAT-4AW (866-2628-429) or eamil her at aj@amwhitewater.org

Sunny in Summersville!

September 18, 2003