Articles - American Whitewater

Support Green River Access!

March 6, 2003

The current Green River (Upper Green, Class II-III+ and Green Narrows, Class IV-V+) parking lot is under new management for 2003. As you may know the parking situation at the put-in has been the result of the Ring family offering their field for everyone to park for a small daily fee. While this arrangement has been great for paddlers it has proven to be a nightmare for the Rings who have had to constantly supervise and enforce payment to help

Image for Savage River Release July 4th!

3rd Annual Spastic-Plastic Fun Run

March 5, 2003

Chattooga Headwaters – Draft EIS to be released soon

March 5, 2003

The draftEnvironmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the new forest plan that affects the ChattoogaRiver was scheduled to be mailed on February 28. According to Mike Crane,District Ranger of the Andrew Pickens District, the publishing of the DEIS hasbeen delayed in Washington. While information is unclear, itappears the delay shouldn’t be more than a week or so. Interested AW memberswho had their name added to the USFS mailing list for the Forest Plan should bereceiving the document in a week or

Image for Ausable River to Open June 18, 2010!

Tallulah Spring 2003 Release Information

March 4, 2003

Open Walk-On from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm First two weekends in April: 5-6, 12-13 Saturdays at 500 cfs and Sundays at 700 cfs That’s right, Tallulah season is almost here! Releases begin at 9:30 am and all boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake. You will need to sign a waiver at the top of the stairs to be permitted to paddle the river and veteran Tallulah boaters will

TOOL: Boater Registration Requirements

March 4, 2003

By Jason Robertson Access Director & John Gangemi Conservation DirectorStates with Registration RequirementsStates Proposing New Registration RequirementsReasons to Oppose Registration RequirementsWhat Should Be Included in a Registration LawHow To Fight a New Registration BillA Sample LetterYou can always tell a canoer or kayaker from Ohio, that’s because they have been required to register their craft, pay a fee, and place big numbers on the side of their baots ever since the Ohio legislature figured out a way to “cheat” on

Chattooga Headwaters – Draft EIS released

March 2, 2003

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the new forest plan that affects the Chattooga River was scheduled to be mailed on February 28. Interested AW members who had their name added to the USFS mailing list for the Forest Plan should be receiving the document any day now. Two of the alternatives evaluated in the DEIS include boating access on the Chattooga headwaters above the Highway 28 bridge. This is the first time the USFS has publicly evaluated the

Image for Sultan River (WA) Access Trail Work Party

Upper Ocoee Likely to Flow Thanks to AW, Outfitters, Congressman Wamp and TVA

February 27, 2003

American Whitewater 1424 Fenwick Lane Silver Spring, MD 20910 301.589.9453 Ph 301.565-6714 Fax www.americanwhitewater.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2003 CONTACT: Risa Shimoda (301) 589-9453 risa@amwhitewater.org Kevin Colburn (828) 252-6482 kevin@amwhitewater.org Upper Ocoee Likely to Flow Thanks to AW, Outfitters, Congressman Wamp and TVA DUCKTOWN, TN — The Tennessee Valley Authority has announced their offer to release water on the Upper Ocoee River for 20 days of recreation this year. Likely to be accepted by the Ocoee River Outfitters, it represents a

Important Meetings on Route 3 Wave (NY) Alteration This Weekend! (UPDATED)

February 26, 2003

UPDATE: These meetings are the first in a several month process to determine the values of the citizens and visitors of Watertown New York, and how the Black River can be managed to meet those interests. This is exactly what the paddling community has been advocating for and we are very excited at this opportunity. This round of public comment is designed to capture the full range of ideas on how to best manage the River Corridor, whereas meetings in

The Stonycreek Rendezvous April 25th

February 25, 2003

The Stonycreek Rendezvous will begin April 25th at the Greenhouse Park, the site of the proposed Whitewater course. Greenhouse Park is in Tire Hill approximately 5 miles from Johnstown, PA. Local boaters and American Whitewater are continuously working to increase the potential of the Stonycreek. Progress is being made! There is a possibility of scheduled whitewater releases on the Stonycreek by late 2004, and a whitewater park is currently in the permitting stages. We are optimistic that it will be

2003 Stony Creek Rendevous

February 25, 2003

The Stonycreek Rendezvous will begin April 25th at the Greenhouse Park, the site of the proposed Whitewater course. Local boaters and American Whitewater are continuously working to increase the potential of the Stonycreek. Progress is being made! There is a possibility of scheduled whitewater releases on the Stonycreek by late 2004, and a whitewater park is currently in the permitting stages. We are optimistic that it will be ready for construction by late summer 2003! However, it is important that

20th annual NPFF a tremendous success

February 24, 2003

February 22 marked the twentieth anniversary of the National Paddling Film Festival presented by the Bluegrass Wildwater Association. This year’s event was a roaring success for both the BWA and AW. There was a tremendous amount of interest in American Whitewater at the event, and AW staff signed up 27 new members. AW would like to thank all of our new members, including Bryon Engel and Jessie King who are our two newest “Ender Club” members. American Whitewater would like

35 Years of Georgia Canoe Association Racing

February 20, 2003

Georgia Canoeing Associations continues its tradition of suppporting whitewater racing with its 35th Annual Southeastern U.S. Slalom and Wild Water Championships. GCA has been a longtime supporter and one of AW’s oldest affiliate clubs. Last year, GCA demonstrated its belief in AW as an organization by giving a substantial financial gift. On behalf of AW, please thank GCA for this wonderful gift and support their time honored event.35th Annual Southeastern U.S. Slalom and Wild Water Championships The 35th Annual Southeastern

Image for 2010 Pit Releases Canceled? (CA)

Please report recent river-related staph infections to AW.

February 18, 2003

Infections are the leading cause of river related injury among paddlers. Oftentimes these are simply minor ear and sinus infections that are hard to trace to a specific river or source of pollution. Lately however, reports of dangerous Staphylococcus (Staph) infections have come in from paddlers in several parts of the country. These infections were likely linked to specific rivers. In an attempt to find and stop the sources of the pollution causing these serious helath problems, and to better

Update on CT Registration Attempt

February 18, 2003

Update on Connecticut Boat Registration Attempt Paddlers who use Connecticut Rivers, Three separate bills have been proposed in the Connecticut State Legislature that would require registration of ALL vessels over ten feet, another makes the minimum eight feet and the third would require all users to pass a state administrated safety course before using a vessel in Connecticut. Canoes and Kayaks would be included in the legislation as presently written. Additional information is available on the HACKS web site. The

Help Save the Clean Water Act (and Yourself)

February 14, 2003

Every day American Whitewater staff and volunteers use the Clean Water Act to protect the rivers we love and ourselves. There is currently a major political initiative to strip the Clean Water Act of its power. River Advocates across the country are taking action. We need your help to keep this incredibly powerful river conservation and public health protection tool in our toolbox. After 30 years of success in cleaning up our nation’s waters, federal officials are now putting corporate

E-mail to AW Staff

February 13, 2003

The American Whitewater network provider was down for the past 24 hours. If, during that time, you signed up, renewed or purchased products online, your order was not received. In addition, there is a possibility that if you emailed a staff member, it was not received. If you signed up or renewed online, please email Jessie Rice at jessie@amwhitewater.org. If you ordered product online, please email AJ McIntyre at aj@amwhitewater.org. Thank you for your patience and continued support of American

Oral Testimony on Montana Boat Registration Bill

February 11, 2003

Oral Statement of John Gangemi, Conservation Director American Whitewater Before the Montana Senate Fish and Game Committee Hearing on Senate Bill 287 Funding for Managing Water-based Recreation(Thursday, February 5, 2003, at 3:00 PM) Contact Information:782 Swan River RoadBigfork, MT 59911Phone: 406-837-3155Fax: 406-837-3156 301-589-6121 (fax)jgangemi@digisys.net Good afternoon. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, it is an honor and a privilege to speak on proposed Senate Bill 287, Funding for Managing Water-based Recreation. I am John Gangemi, Conservation Director for American

Oral Testimony on Montana Boat Registration Bill

February 11, 2003

Oral Statement of John Gangemi, Conservation Director American WhitewaterBefore the Montana Senate Fish and Game CommitteeHearing on Senate Bill 287 Funding for Managing Water-based Recreation(Thursday, February 5, 2003, at 3:00 PM) Contact Information:782 Swan River RoadBigfork, MT 59911Phone: 406-837-3155Fax: 406-837-3156 301-589-6121 (fax)jgangemi@digisys.net Good afternoon. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, it is an honor and a privilege to speak on proposed Senate Bill 287, Funding for Managing Water-based Recreation. I am John Gangemi, Conservation Director for American Whitewater. I

Alert: Next phase in Montana Boat Registration Fees

February 11, 2003

If you were not aware of this already, Republican State Senator MikeSprague from Billings has drafted a bill (LC0975) in the On Thursday, February 6, 2003, John Gangemi, AmericanWhitewater Conservation Director, traveled to Helena Montana to deliver oral testimonyto the Montana Senate Fish and Game Committee. The Committee held a public hearing for Senate Bill287. This legislation if passedwould require all canoes, kayaks and rafts to be registered at a cost of $8.50per boat. American Whitewater alertedthe paddling community to this

2003 Deerfield RiverFest “Better Than Ever”

February 11, 2003

DEERFIELD RIVERFEST PLANNING BEGINS American Whitewater Events Director, Mike Phelan traveled back to his home state of Massachusetts this past week to kick off this year’s planning session for the AW Deerfield RiverFest held August 2-3rd, in Charlemont, MA. This is the 10-Year Anniversary for the festival and in 2003 will be showcased as one of AW’s flagship events. Meeting with volunteer Mike Coleman, local festival manager & director, Bruce Lessels and Evie Locke from Zoar Outdoor, and Tom Christopher,

Montana Legislators Propose Registration Fees for Kayaks, Canoes and Rafts

February 4, 2003

Republican State Senator Mike Sprague from Billings has drafted a bill (LC0975) for the Montana Legislature requiring an $8.50 decal for vessels powered by paddle, oar or sail. The decal is required for any boat used on the waters of the state. If you own more than one boat, you need a separate decal for each boat. In addition to the decal fee, the state is going to charge a service fee to issue the decal. Only inflatables 7 feet

Thanks to Three Rivers Paddling Club

February 3, 2003

American Whitewater recognizes Three Rivers Paddling Club, one of our club affiliates, for outstanding involvement and support. TRPC has been involved in numerous ways over the past few months: they played a major role in the success of the 2002 Ohiopyle Falls Race, held a raffle at their January Holiday Party in which all proceeds were donated to American Whitewater, and contributed over $1000 to AW for the Quemahoning Dam Release Project, which will lead to eventual releases on the

February Volunteer of the Month honors to Sam Johnson

January 30, 2003

This month American Whitewater recognizes Sam Johnson of Bradford, PA for volunteering to promote paddling and American Whitewater at local events. Sam took up kayaking in 1996 and loves to share his enthusiasm for the sport with others. He has given up paddling weekends in order to demonstrate kayaking and represent American Whitewater at various outdoor shows including the upcoming Bradford Kinzua Outdoor & Travel Show where he will be doing three demonstrations on Friday, February 28 and four on

Last Chance to Help Stop Blackwater (WV) Logging

January 30, 2003

Last Chance To Comment!!! TO FOREST SERVICE ON BLACKWATER CANYON TRAIL LOGGING ROAD PROPOSAL! From Judy Rodd, Director, Friends of Blackwater Canyon Dear Friend: The United States Forest Service has extended until February 3, 2003 a public comment period on the proposal by the timber company Allegheny Wood Products, owned by John Crites, to turn the scenic Blackwater Canyon Trail, on Monongahela National Forest land, into a commercial logging road. Thank you if you’ve already sent in a scoping comment!

Last Chance to Help Stop Blackwater (WV) Logging

January 30, 2003