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Image for AW is Hiring a Contract GIS + Web Programmer

AW is Hiring a Contract GIS + Web Programmer

American Whitewater is seeking to hire a contract-based professional web programmer with significant experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The project will include: The creation and modification of point and vector GIS data layers, Designing and programming a web-based platform for adding new point and vector data to an web-based database, Designing and programming the efficient display of GIS data on the American Whitewater website. Sharing / serving the data layers across other public platforms.     Please send inquiries and resumes

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Flow Survey Announced For Rio Grande And Conejos Rivers (CO)

Alamosa, Colorado – American Whitewater needs your help to define streamflows that support the full range of recreational boating opportunities on the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers in Southern Colorado. Information collected by this study will be used to assess river-dependent recreation as part of a joint stream management planning effort between American Whitewater and the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project.    Once completed, the Stream Management Plan for the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers will be used to inform

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Image for Flow Survey Announced For Rio Grande And Conejos Rivers (CO)

Flow Survey Announced for Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers (CO)

Alamosa, Colorado – American Whitewater needs your help to define streamflows that support the full range of recreational boating opportunities on the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers in Southern Colorado. Information collected by this study will be used to assess river-dependent recreation as part of a joint stream management planning effort between American Whitewater and the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project.  Once completed, the Stream Management Plan for the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers will be used to inform projects

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Image for Check Out the New Draft National Whitewater Inventory

Check Out the New Draft National Whitewater Inventory

Earlier this month we announced that American Whitewater is close to releasing the new design for our National Whitewater Inventory (NWI). We'll be going live with the final new design of the NWI in January, but we are stoked to share the draft beta version of the site now, so our members can get a taste of the look and feel for the new site. We hope you enjoy taking a peak at the site, and enjoy the new river pages, but

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Image for New Graphics Summarize 20 Years of Accident Data

New Graphics Summarize 20 Years of Accident Data

Charlie Duffy has created a series of graphs summarizing the contents of the Accident Database over the last 20 years. Along the way, he searched our files for any errors and duplicates and corrected them. Click through to scroll through these fascinating charts or to download them for your use. To Browse On Facebook click here.   To Download the PDF’s click here.

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Image for Long Time Coming: Whitewater Releases on the Poe Section of the NF Feather (CA)!

Long Time Coming: Whitewater Releases on the Poe Section of the NF Feather (CA)!

On December 17th 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a new license for the Poe hydroelectric project on the North Fork Feather River (CA).  This event has been long awaited by American Whitewater. AW first started working on this relicensing back in 2000. The license has been  stalled out at the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for the past decade. The SWRCB holds the keys to what is typically the last step in the FERC relicensing

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Image for AW Presents Lower Yough Survey Results To Managers (PA)

AW Presents Lower Yough Survey Results To Managers (PA)

Earlier this month American Whitewater conducted an online survey of the paddling community regarding the management of the Lower Youghiogheny River in Western Pennsylvania. The Lower Yough is a classic whitewater river with a long season, summer dam releases, and wonderful scenery protected by Ohiopyle State Park. American Whitewater has provided the full survey results to State Park river managers to help inform their decisions. Nearly 600 paddlers completed the survey.  Due to significant recreational demand for both commercial and

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Image for AW releases Saint Vrain and Lefthand Creek Recreational Flow Study - CO

AW releases Saint Vrain and Lefthand Creek Recreational Flow Study – CO

Longmont, Colorado – The St. Vrain Creek watershed on Colorado's northern Front Range, is critical to maintaining the health, biodiversity, character, and economy of communities within the region. The creek is a stronghold for native fishes, receives Colorado River transmountain water, hosts the Lyons Outdoor Games – one of the country’s largest outdoor industry events, and has its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and its confluence in the county with the largest agricultural economy in

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Image for Tennessee Wilderness Act Passes House and Senate

Tennessee Wilderness Act Passes House and Senate

Earlier this week the Tennessee Wilderness Act passed the US House and Senate as part of the Farm Bill, and now heads to the President's desk to become law. This bill has been promoted by local citizens and the Tennessee delegation for nearly a decade. These 20,000 acres of Wilderness designations will protect some places that are special to paddlers.  The TN Wilderness Act will designate additions to several Wilderness areas scattered near the North Carolina State line.  The Upper

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Image for Proposal Would Weaken Water Quality Protections

Proposal Would Weaken Water Quality Protections

This week the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army announced their intent to redefine the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) that are protected under the Clean Water Act.   We anticipated this action as the second step in a two-step process that EPA announced in response to a February 2017 Executive Order entitled “Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule.” Step 1 is to “repeal” the

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Image for Sneak Preview: New American Website Design Coming in 2019

Sneak Preview: New American Website Design Coming in 2019

The online National Whitewater Inventory (NWI) is one of American Whitewater’s most valuable assets, in terms of fulfilling our stewardship goals, and in encouraging the safe enjoyment of our nation’s rivers. We are constantly working to enhance the river beta our army of volunteers provides in the inventory, and the ways that beta is shared and received. Nearly two years ago, American Whitewater was awarded a grant from the United States Coast Guard to update our National Whitewater Inventory and

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Image for A Paddler's Gift That Makes A Difference! AW's Holiday Membership Deal

A Paddler’s Gift That Makes A Difference! AW’s Holiday Membership Deal

American Whitewater is pleased to announce our 2018 Holiday Membership Offer – a one year AW membership paired up with our 2019 AW calendar or AW Silipint Cup. . .and all for just $45! Giving a great gift and supporting your favorite non-profit at the same time. . . great river karma!  We’ve made ordering the Holiday Membership Offer quick and easy, choose one of the options below and we’ll take care of the rest. A gift for someone else – if they already

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Image for Welcome Bethany Overfield, our new Membership Director!

Welcome Bethany Overfield, our new Membership Director!

Please welcome our newest staff member, Bethany Overfield. Bethany is stepping into the large shoes being vacated with the retirement of Carla Miner. Both Bethany and Carla are working together through the month of December to ensure a smooth membership services transition. All of us at American Whitewater are going to miss Carla’s steady and consistent response to member questions and we wish her the best for her world travels in retirement. We are thrilled to have Bethany step into

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Image for 2019 AW Calendar Available Now – Makes A Great Paddler's Gift!

2019 AW Calendar Available Now – Makes A Great Paddler’s Gift!

The 2019 American Whitewater calendar is now available for purchase. Each year, we collect the best photos from our gracious paddling community and pick out our favorites for the annual AW calendar. The proceeds from calendar sales support our river stewardship work.   When this years calendar arrives, Celebrating Our Rivers & Our Opportunities to Enjoy Them, you'll get to see a new beautful image of a river that AW has made a difference on every month and find out

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Image for Throw Bag Legislation Sent to President's Desk

Throw Bag Legislation Sent to President’s Desk

Federal Coast Guard Law is set to change for the better, allowing throw ropes as a “type of life saving equipment,”  in lieu of throw cushions under rafting regulations on federally managed whitewater rivers across the country. On November 27, 2018, the "Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018" headed to the President's desk for his signature.    The following language is in the Act:   SEC. 827. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS; EXEMPTION FROM THROWABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES REQUIREMENT.   Not

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Image for We Need YOU! Support Our Stewardship Work in 2019

We Need YOU! Support Our Stewardship Work in 2019

American Whitewater is set to come out swinging in 2019, protecting rivers and access, restoring flows, and creating new ways to provide the beta you need to get out and paddle, but we can’t do it without your ongoing support to keep our work on track. American Whitewater is your true bipartisan river recreation and conservation organization working for your interests and creating opportunities for you to spend time on the river. We know that protecting and restoring rivers, and our

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Image for Share Your Opinions on Lower Yough Management (PA)

Share Your Opinions on Lower Yough Management (PA)

American Whitewater is working with local volunteers to inform management decisions relating to the Lower Youghiogheny River in southwestern Pennsylvania. If you paddle the Lower Yough, please take this survey. We'll share your feedback with State Park river managers. Thanks!  

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Image for Join American Whitewater On The Wild And Scenic Rogue River (OR) In 2019

Join American Whitewater On The Wild And Scenic Rogue River (OR) In 2019

Enjoy one of our country’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers with American Whitewater staff and similar likeminded river lovers. For the past few years, the staff of America Whitewater has joined with a number of our members to participate in a four-day float trip on the Rogue River in southern Oregon. This trip has been a great opportunity to connect with members in ways that build a lasting understanding of the role of recreation in fostering a stewardship ethic. As

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Image for AW Joins Recreation Groups In Support of Emery County Public Lands Act

AW Joins Recreation Groups In Support of Emery County Public Lands Act

American Whitewater joins the Outdoor Alliance, Access Fund, The Conservation Alliance, and Outdoor Industry Association in support of the proposed Emery County Public Land Management Act of 2018. Legislators actively engaged the recreation community and AW has been working for several years to make sure the Act does as much as it can to protect whitewater recreation and rivers in Utah, including designating a section of the Green River as Wild and Scenic. We are happy to report that the bill is moving forward

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Support Colorado River Access on Colorado Gives Day!

Colorado Gives Day is on December 4 this year and is fast approaching! Go here to schedule your online donation to support American Whitewater's Colorado River Access Program.  What is Colorado Gives?  "Each December Coloradans come together with the common goal to strengthen the community by helping to power nonprofits. Community First Foundation and FirstBank partner to make this day rewarding for givers, nonprofits and the community as a whole… Colorado Gives Day has grown to be the state's largest

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Image for Breaking News: PUD votes against Enloe electrification

Breaking News: PUD votes against Enloe electrification

At its November 19 meeting, the Okanogan PUD Commissioners voted unanimously on a staff recommendation to stop pursuing electrification of Enloe Dam.    The recommendation was shared by General Manager Steve Taylor after a staff presentation showed the total cost of energizing the 100-year-old facility at $87.4 million, nearly three times the PUD's original estimate. Enloe dam is located on the Similkameen River near Oroville.   The new costs for the dam project add significantly to a price tag that

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Image for Charity Navigator Awards American Whitewater Ninth Consecutive 4-Star Rating

Charity Navigator Awards American Whitewater Ninth Consecutive 4-Star Rating

November 2018, Charity Navigator, America's largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, announced that American Whitewater has earned its ninth consecutive 4-star rating. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that American Whitewater adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. The letter from Charity Navigator informing American Whitewater that it was awarded a ninth 4-star rating from Charity Navigator is

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Image for  2018 Board Of Directors Election - Current Members Vote Now!

2018 Board Of Directors Election – Current Members Vote Now!

Each year American Whitewater’s membership ratifies Board of Director members to serve three-year terms. These candidates volunteer to serve on the American Whitewater Board. Current American Whitewater members can cast their votes through Midnight Pacific Time, December 15th. Currently, American Whitewater has four Director Nominees to fill four open seats for election, you may vote for up to four candidates on the slate. The ballot for our Board of Directors election is placed online here.   You must be a

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Image for #OptOutside With American Whitewater This Holiday Season

#OptOutside With American Whitewater This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, certain locales whitewater seasons are heating up, while in other regions, the season may be cooling off and the temptation to cozy up inside and sip some warm cocoa might be starting to become a real threat. At American Whitewater we encourage you to sip that cocoa after you play outside. It just tastes so much better. That’s why day-in and day-out we’re working to provide more whitewater opportunities close to home, and why we

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Image for Support Sustainable Upper Yough (MD) Access Parking!

Support Sustainable Upper Yough (MD) Access Parking!

American Whitewater has worked closely with the State of Maryland and the Town of Friendsville to maintain and improve access to the Upper Youghiogheny River since we started maintaining the Sang Run Access in 2001. We raised $25,000 in 2012 as a down payment on the parking lot in Friendsville that paddlers use today. Buoyed by this gift, the Town successfully raised $160,000 more to complete the project. The result – hundreds of paddlers whose cars used to line the

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