Articles

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

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

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

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. 

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

  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

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

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!

(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

American Whitewater’s TOP Issues of 20031: Nationwide USGS funding for river gages is threatened2: Nationwide Boat Registration efforts are increasing 3: Nationwide Wild and Scenic River Act may be weakened4: Nationwide Federal Power Act revisions may weaken public’s voice5: Nationwide Conflicts among river groups reduce our effectiveness6: Nationwide Increased threats to rivers and need for paddlers to act 7: West Virginia Land sale in Cheat Canyon threatens the river and access8: Washington State Access opportunity on Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers9:

In a special Gauley Festival only offer the National Paddling Film Festival will be giving away a free whitewater DVD to the first 10 people who join or renew as American Whitewater members during the festival. The NPFF’s new 60 minute DVD “AW DVD 2003” is chocked full o’ whitewater action on the Tallulah, Gauley and NF Feather. The NPFF will also be offering this action packed DVD for $10/DVD to the general public with a special discounted price of

Buy Some of the Hottest Gear and Support AW at the Same Time!!The AW Gauley Festival is a great opportunity to purchase any gear that you may need for the upcoming paddling season.  It is also a great opportunity to support American Whitewater.   Want to try and get a deal on some new gear?  Why not try to purchase some equipment from the American Whitewater Silent Auction? The AW Silent Auction has a wide variety of gear including an AIRE

AW Gauley Fest“A River Festival with a Musical Flair” Never in the history of AW’s Gauley Fest has so much effort been put into the “scheduled” entertainment.  In 2003, three bands and the IR Big Gun Show will grace the Fest’s stage.  Music will start at 5:00 PM and continue until the wee hours of the morning. Each of the three bands playing the Fest has a direct connection to the whitewater world.   BROWN DOG BANDThis band includes three kayakers and while the

American Whitewater will be starting a brand new tradition at this year’s Gauley Fest.  AW is inviting whitewater river inspired artists to show their pieces at the first ever Whitewater Art Gallery on September 20th in Summersville, WV.  The showing will take place in a specific tent decorated to highlight the artist’s creativity and choice of mediums.  Artists that have been invited are donating one piece of their work to auction off as a fundraiser for AW’s conservation efforts. Six artists have been invited to

5th AW Ohiopyle Falls Event September 26-28thOhiopyle, PAFor more information and forms visit www.FallsRace.com This year we have expanded the number of classes. Even if you do not enter any of the events the Falls will be open for unlimited practice runs. Be sure to volunteer. We need over 75 volunteers for this event. All volunteers get a T-shirt and a reduced registration price. Deadline for registration is September 19, 2003. After this day, the fee increases. Once again many

TO:                 California Whitewater CommunityFrom:              American WhitewaterSUBJECT:     Upper South Fork American Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2101                         American Whitewater urges paddlers to attend the scoping meetings for the relicensing of Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) hydroelectric projects on the upper South Fork American River.  SMUD staff will record public comments regarding the scope of the environmental analysis to be conducted.  Attendance by the paddling community is critical to insure that instream flow issues for recreation are included in the relicense process.