Articles - American Whitewater

The 99 BASIC: fatigue, fun, and friendship for Colorado Access

August 5, 2003

What would possibly lure you into paddling 99 miles in a single day on Colorado’s Arkansas River? The 99 Basic was not a race; but it was an event. Advance promotional materials emphasized “THIS IS NOT A RACE! The 99 basic is a one day paddle in kayaks down the class II-V Arkansas River to raise money for River Access in Colorado.” At daybreak on June 4, 2003 twenty paddlers gathered at the put-in for the Numbers section, two miles

Energy Bill Passes Senate

August 5, 2003

American Rivers reported today that the Senate, in a surprise move, passed a comprehensive energy bill by a vote of 84-14. According to American Rivers: In an agreement between the Republican and Democratic leadership, this year’s bill (S. 14) was replaced as a whole by unanimous consent with S. 517 from the 107th Senate. The next step for S.14 will be the House-Senate conference committee where the two bills will be merged and then returned for an up or down

Outfitter Bill Introduced in Senate (S. 1420)

August 4, 2003

On July 16, 2003 Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) introduced a bill (S 1420), which would give outfitters in the Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) the same privileges enjoyed by outfitters in the National Park System.American Whitewater has followed similar bills closely over the past 7 years and even provided oral testimony to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on this topic. As in the past, American Whitewater’s two primary interests in an Outfitter

Image for More Chattooga Delays - Another Season Lost

Only 3 Days left Until the AW Deerfield River Festival

July 30, 2003

Six Reasons Not To Miss the Fest1. Free drinks for AW membersOne free Red Hook Beer or Red Bull Energy Drink to each current AW member who visits the AW booth.2. Great music by the Hemlock Gorge Boys and the SymptomsThanks to Jeff Campbell and all of his band buddies who provide great music for the fest.3. Great children and family activities on Saturday afternoon4. Lots of new food options by the McCuskers Store of Shelburne FallsWord has it that

Image for FERC Grants Hydro License for Dam on West Rosebud Creek (MT)

Volunteers Needed for 50th Birthday Gala

July 28, 2003

In the summer of 2004, American Whitewater will honor the people who have shepherded whitewater paddling from its infancy as a fringe activity characterized by homemade equipment and backcountry accomplishments into the sport and industry it is today. The event is set to take place in the Rockies during the summer paddling season. A weekend of paddling, informal get togethers, and seminars will culminate with AW’s 50’s Anniversary Gala. During the evening, attendees will join their fellow river enthusiasts for

Wisconsin Navigability Rights Reduced

July 28, 2003

SUMMARY The purpose of this memorandum is to document the 2001 change to the navigability law in Wisconsin. In summary, the change to Wisconsin Statue §30.134should have no impact on a person’s right to portage. However, the right to scout a rapid has likely been reduced to the “keep your feet wet” approach. DISCUSSION In 2001, the governor of Wisconsin changed the text of Wisconsin Statue §30.134. However, this was not done through the normal legislative means. It was not

Please Call Oregon’s Governor TODAY to Secure Navigation Rights Tomorrow

July 28, 2003

Can you rally the White Water Community? This is critical. Please pass this message on to all of your paddling brethren in and out of Oregon.At 2:00 p.m. today Governor Kulongoski meets with a representative from Treasurer Edwards’ Navigability Workgroup to discuss his possible veto of Senate Bill 928. There is no guarantee the Governor will veto SB 928 in spite of what he said at the June 10 State Land Board Meeting.He may still sign the bill even if

Appeal Challenging Montana Navigability Is Denied

July 28, 2003

On May 28 the U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal by Mountain States Legal Foundation who, representing three landowners, filed a lawsuit in June 2001 alleging the Montana Stream Access Law established in 1985 violated their rights under the U.S. Constitution to regulate who floated over their land. The decision thus protects Montana’s Stream access law and public rights of navigation throughout the State.The case was first heard in District Court in Helena and dismissed. Anappeal was filed in the

Hearing on Fees in National Parks Bill (S.1107) on July 29, 2003

July 28, 2003

NOTE: This hearing was rescheduled for 9.9.2003. AW’s Jason Robertson attended the hearing in Washington, DC. Notably, Lynn Scarlett, the Park Service spokesperson, recommended extending permanent Fee collecting authority to all federal land management agencies.The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will be holding a hearing on Thomas’ National Park Fee bill on July 29, 2003. This bill, S. 1107, would make the Park Service portion of fee demo permanent; however the bill is silent on the other agencies including

Feather River Releases This Weekend!

July 25, 2003

Friday morning, Highway 70 was closed due to a large rockslide located between the Rock Creek Dam and the PG&E service center at Rogers Flat. The road will likely not re-open until sometime Sunday. What does this mean? If you’re driving from Nevada and heading down the canyon on 70… you will need to take a different route. The only way to access the river this weekend will be by traveling upstream from the Central Valley on 70. The releases

Image for Grand Canyon Court Case Decision Released

Buy Great Gear and Support AW

July 23, 2003

Is some of your gear the worse for the wear? Are you embarrassed by the stink that emanates from your friends gear? Then you need to check out the newest and hottest stuff at the Deerfield River Festival Silent Auction. You can preview many of the items that will be available at the silent auction just by Clicking Here Just a few of the auction items are a kayak from Dagger, life jackets from Astral Buoyancy, and casual clothing from

Buy New Gear and Support AW

July 23, 2003

Is some of your gear the worse for the wear? Are you embarrassed by the stink that emanates from your friends gear? Then you need to check out the newest and hottest stuff at the Deerfield River Festival Silent Auction. You can preview many of the items that will be available at the silent auction just by < a href='http://www.americanwhitewater.org/events/info/DAuction.phtml'>Clicking Here Just a few of the auction items are a kayak from Dagger, life jackets from Astral Buoyancy, and casual

Image for Lane Wyatt: AW's Volunteer of the Month

Time to Comment on TVA’s Reservoir Operation Study

July 17, 2003

For over a year now American Whitewater has been representing river recreationalists on the Public Review Group, whose task it was to help shape the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) massive Reservoir Operation Study (ROS) into a strong public study and final document. The ROS is attempting to determine the management of nearly 50 TVA dams in a study period of about 2 years. American Whitewater, and many of our members, filed scoping comments on the ROS process in October requesting,

AW Convinces Forest Service to Open Pecos to Boating

July 15, 2003

After submitting comments on the Pecos Wild and Scenic River Management Plan and Environmental Assesment,American Whitewater was able to convince the Forest Service of the navigabilty of the Pecos River by boats. District Ranger, Joseph Reddan, stated "We agree with your position that the Pecos River is a navigable river and thus open to boating and floating." Additionally, Mr. Redddan allowed that the comment time period aided in the increased awareness of public interest and "Therefore, we will be revising

Pit River (California) Upcoming Releases

July 13, 2003

July 19th & 20th and August 23rd & 24th, PG&E will be releasing from 1,000cfs to 1,200cfs into the Pit #1 bypass reach. Flows will begin at 3:00am Saturday and will continue until 3:00pm Sunday. One of the conditions of PG&E’s new hydropower license is this "flushing flow" to help improve water quality in the town of Fall River Mills and, as a side benefit, provide a recreational opportunity for the public. This section of the Pit River is rarely

Image for Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Upgrade Project (WA)

Green River Access Pendant

July 11, 2003

While working towards a future solution to access issues on the Green River remains a challenge (see related article), many volunteers have contributed and continue to donate their time, energy, and money towards this important issue. One of these volunteers, Tanya Talbert, has designed a beautiful custom Green River pendant to assist us in generating funds for access.The pendant is made of solid sterling silver and comes packaged in a green velveteen gift pouch. At this time, pendants are available

Image for Big Rigs Threaten Idaho's Lochsa River

AW meets with City about the Route 3 Wave (NY)

July 10, 2003

The Route 3 Wave in Watertown New York is a popular play wave that has recieved attention lately after plans surfaced to alter this wave to make it a feature suitable for high-level competitive events. In June, American Whitewater Eastern Conservation and Access Associate Kevin Colburn toured the Black River Corridor with AW Regional Coordinator Nancy Weal as well as regional paddlers Steve Kittleberger and Tom Vickory. The group looked carefully at the Route 3 Wave area as well as

Green River Access Update

July 9, 2003

While exploring a variety of permanent access solutions, American Whitewater and LiquidLogic have reaffirmed its relationship with the landowners of the current Gallimore Creek Road access area. The landowners’ generosity in providing this access point to all of us should continue as long as we are respectful of them and financially support our current agreement. To help preserve this access solution and to resolve any confusion, please read and abide by these requests. Your cooperation is absolutely essential in preserving

Image for Graham County NC Investing In the Cheoah River

A bright future for MF Snoqualmie (WA) access

July 9, 2003

The Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River is one of the more significant outdoor recreation areas, “close-to-home” for residents of the greater Seattle area. Less than an hour drive from downtown, the valley is easily accessible to a population of over three million people and a destination for visitors from around the country. Despite its proximity to a large metropolitan area, the river feels remote as it winds through a forested river valley largely held in public ownership and it

Image for Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Wild Pratt River Act Introduced

Upper Yough Race & Festival

July 8, 2003

Welcome to the 23rd Upper Yough Race, July 31. The oldest extreme race in the Country is presented by Team Friendsville. We scheduled the race this year around the pre existing local event, Friendsville Days. The Friendsville Volunteer Fire Dept. and local community welcome the boating community to mingle and enjoy our small town’s biggest shindig. Thursday 6 hour dam release, race and party. Friday’s 3 hour Upper Yough dam release and rescue squad free picnic. Saturday’s 3 hour Upper

Image for Idaho Boating Fees Still Under Consideration

Would Your Club Like To Win A Brand New Star Raft?

July 3, 2003

If your club has the most AW members at the AW Deerfield River Festival , the club will win a brand new whitewater raft, from Star Inflatables. Rafts can be a great way to expand your club’s membership by introducing neophytes to whitewater from the comfort and security of a raft. In order to be eligible, each paddler must be a current member of your club and AW. AW membership will be confirmed at the AW booth during the festival.

Image for AW Seeks Interim Protection for Wyoming Creeks

Chattooga Headwaters – AW Weighs In!

July 3, 2003

July 3, 2003 American Whitewater sincerelythanks the many hundreds of AW members and other whitewater enthusiasts that tookthe time to contact the Forest Service and let them know how important the Chattooga Riveris to them. Thank you very much! On July 3, after hundreds ofhours of volunteer and staff effort, AW submitted our official comments andweighed in on the proposed Sumter Forest plan and boating access on theChattooga Headwaters. Clickhere and download the full text of AW’s

Oregon’s Governor Provides Roadmap for Peace

July 2, 2003

American Whitewater has just received a transcript of Governor Kulongoski’s June 10, 2003 statement to the Oregon State Land Board in regard to Senate Bill 293-10, which is controversial because it significantly changes the state navigability law and rights of public access to Oregon’s waterways. American Whitewater reported on this meeting earlier. Note: the choppy nature of the text is due to the nature of the transcription.Governor Kulongoski noted (in part): …And this is not only a contentious issue, it’s

Clif Bar and AW Announce Recipients of First Flowing Rivers Campaign Grants

June 30, 2003

Clif Bar and American Whitewater are happy to announce Gold Country Paddlers and the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club as the first recipients of $500 grants for the “Flowing Rivers Campaign”. The “Flowing Rivers Campaign” is a joint initiative between American Whitewater and Clif Bar. Michael Phelan the Director of Outreach services said the “the intention of the Campaign is to put money in the hands of people who are protecting the rivers that are running through their backyards.” Gold

Image for Extension of Season for Opportunities on the Snake River Milner Mile (ID)

Clif Bar and AW Announce Recipients of First Flowing Rivers Campaign Grants

June 30, 2003

Clif Bar and American Whitewater are happy to announce Gold Country Paddlers and the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club as the first recipients of $500 grants for the Flowing Rivers Campaign. Gold Country Paddlers grant monies will go to support their work to improve the Greenwood Creek river access trail. The trail is located 4 miles Northwesst of the town of Coloma, CA between State Highway 49 and the South Fork of the American River near the confluence of Greenwood