Articles

The recent death of Chris Clark at Python Rapid on North Carolina’s Cheoah River is the third at this site in the last six years. In each case, the person who died was an expert paddler and their paddling partners did not see exactly what happened. Let’s take a close look at the Cheoah below Bear Creek Falls and develop strategies for future runs. The river here is very fast and continuous. After a fast lead-in (Chaos), the river drops over

We are taking the time to listen and learn. That is the statement American Whitewater made last month to reckon with the much-needed conversation about race taking place across the world. It was true to our desire to spend some real time assessing the intersection of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion within our river stewardship work. Since then, staff, with guidance from our board, has initiated some hard-internal conversations to discuss what we have learned and to figure out what

American Whitewater super-volunteer Don Millard has been taking care of the Sang Run and Friendsville Access Areas on Maryland’s Upper Youghioghenny River for the past several years. This bulds on a 2003 agreement between American Whitewater and Maryland State Parks, which owns the property. This year he rebuilt the change house and porta-pot shelter, set AW’s sign back up, filled in potholes, and mowed acres of grass. He not only did the work, he donated the materials and machine time!

Whitewater boaters from Maine to Pennsylvania gather each June in Charlemont, MA to celebrate whitewater boating and American Whitewater’s river advocacy to protect, restore, and enjoy our northeast rivers. While we can’t gather in-person this year, we’ll be having a virtual Deerfield Fest Membership Event this Friday, June 26th at 7 pm (EST) . Whether your favorite river is the Deerfield or the Deschutes, the Kennebec or the Klamath, the Moose or the Merced, join us on Friday for an

In October of 2019, we reported that Phoenix-based hydroelectric company, Pumped Hydro Storage, submitted applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for preliminary permits for two different hydroelectric projects in the Little Colorado River basin. At the end of May, both proposals received approval for their preliminary permits despite formal intervention from Native American tribes, American Whitewater, many of our members, and numerous environmental organizations. Thank you to those of you who provided your comments to FERC. These comments

The Great American Outdoors Act, a new bill that would permanently fund the LWCF and provide five years of funding for public lands and rivers is moving forward through Congress right now and we need your voice to make sure it becomes law. The Senate voted 80 to 17 on Monday to begin floor debate on the legislation. This means there’s still time to show your support for a visionary investment in the protection and enhancement of access to, and

American Whitewater has been pressing for an easing of restrictions on Clear Creek near Golden, Colorado for a number of weeks and we are happy announce, as of June 4, 2020, by order of Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick and Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader, restrictions regulating waterway activities on Clear Creek have been modified from a full closure to a partial use restriction within the City of Golden and unincorporated Jefferson County. Under the partial use restriction, single-chambered, air-inflated

As paddlers, we appreciate the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation. A beautiful day on the river with friends is often what makes us feel like ourselves again. Access and use of our public lands right now seems more precious than ever. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to watch river gages around that state rise and be unable to travel and visit these places we love due to state and local closures. We have a

As paddlers, we appreciate the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation. A beautiful day on the river with friends is often what makes us feel like ourselves again. Access and use of our public lands right now seems more precious than ever. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to watch river gages around that state rise and be unable to travel and visit these places we love due to state and local closures. We have a

As the impacts of COVID-19 ripple through the economy, Members of Congress are seeking ideas for what economic recovery looks like. Several Congressional offices have reached out to American Whitewater to solicit ideas for projects and initiatives that would benefit public lands and outdoor recreation while putting people to work. Over the past two weeks we have been working with our colleagues at Outdoor Alliance to develop some specific proposals. We are thrilled to report that Senator Wyden from Oregon

For many boaters, our lives have been built around an ability to visit rivers as frequently as possible. And if they’re not, we’re probably dreaming about being able to do so. Unfortunately, paddling responsibly during COVID-19 has made visiting rivers difficult for many of us. Responses to the pandemic vary regionally and in some areas paddling opportunities are beginning to open back up. Most of the places where restrictions are being loosened, local leaders have made clear that this is not

On May 5th, Senator Udall and Senator Heinrich of New Mexico conditionally filed a proposed Memorandum Brief as Amici Curiae, or “friend of the court”, in strong support of the case Adobe Whitewater Club brought against the Governor and Game Commission in the New Mexico Supreme Court. The Senator’s beautifully describe the value of preserving constitutionally defined public access to the state’s rivers and streams. Read the full brief here. The brief does a brilliant job of relating this case

The May/June Issue of the AW Journal is available in the “Library“. This issue includes a report on the introduction of the “Great American Outdoors Act’ as well as:   A report on proposed rule changes to the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act The second part of a packrafting adventure story A southwest stewardship update A couple of great wilderness whitewater features by AW Members And much more!          Current members – Read the issue now!           Not a current

Like you, I am feeling disappointed for lost river time on my favorite runs due to social distancing measures that attempt to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission. I write to you today to say that we will get through this, it will not be easy but thanks to strong support from our members we can weather the storm. During the financial crisis of 2008, American Whitewater’s lean administrative model had a huge impact on keeping our stewardship program intact.

One thing that unites boaters is our passion for rivers, and the sometimes overflowing passion with which we celebrate our whitewater rivers at spring and summer festivals across the country. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus we’ve had to make the tough decision to cancel American Whitewater’s first festival of the 2020 season, Deerfield Fest in Charlemont, Massachusetts, June 26-28.  This weekend of whitewater paddling, music, fun and games can’t be replaced, but we’re cooking up some informative and entertaining ways

In order to be the strongest advocate out there, you’re gonna need tools. Written tools, visual aids, citations, factoids, and anything else you can use at your disposal. We try and make things as seamless as possible for the river community, but occasionally, you need to go that extra mile. For those instances, we’ve created this page as an easy place that you can turn to. Resources, wisdom, and information can be found on issues taking place across the country