Articles

Dotsero, Colorado – The Bureau of Land Management announced it is reprogramming $76,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire a key public access point to the Colorado River. BLM Colorado and Eagle County Open Space have been partnering since 2011 to manage the Dotsero Landing Recreation Site on the Colorado River. Eagle County Open Space acquired the 8.25-acre parcel in 2011 to secure an important public access point for float-boating and fishing on the Upper Colorado River.

With so much news and change coming out of Washington DC over the past week, we put together a quick update of issues affecting whitewater rivers. We’ve seen a lot of interest in reaching out to Congress this week, so we created a web portal that allows you to easily email your 2 senators and one representative and speak up for rivers on any issue at any time (and say whatever you want). You can also call the Capitol Switchboard

We have a once in a generation opportunity to restore one of the greatest river systems of the world–the Columbia and the Snake­–by removing four outdated and expensive dams on the lower Snake River. Unlocking the lower Snake River is not only the single most effective thing that we can do to restore wild salmon runs, but it will also restore opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts on the mainstem Snake and enhance them in key upper tributaries like the Lochsa, Selway

Come see American Whitewater and the year's best photos and videos at the National Paddling Film Festival (NPFF)! This year's NPFF will be held on February 17-18 in Frankfort, KY at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. You can buy a ticket to the magic via this easy online order form. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door.   For 35 years the National Paddling Film Festival has been hosting a competition to determine the best in paddle sport videos

It's a New Year, which means it's time to start acting on some resolutions, some of which hopefully involve getting out on the river. If thinking about future whitewater adventures reminds you of any paddling stories from 2016, you should consider writing them down and sending them in to the AW Journal. We're always happy to hear from our members. So let last year's adventures make our 2017 Journal a great one!

Colorado’s rivers need your support in securing State funds for the development of watershed management plans – critical for maintaining and improving stream health throughout the State. In response to increasing droughts and a booming population, Colorado launched its first Statewide Water Plan in November, 2015. The Water Plan aims to sustain “a productive economy, vibrant and sustainable cities, productive agriculture, a strong environment, and a robust recreation industry”, now and in the future. The Plan mandates that Stream Management

The Winter issue of the AW Journal features "The Top Ten Stewardship Issues of 2017". This issue also includes. . . Talking Johns Creek Briars, Bare Feet, and Fish Family Fun on the Lower Salmon . . .and much more   Current members – Read the issue now! Not a current member – Join or Renew!

For the past few years, the staff of America Whitewater has joined with a number if 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 one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers in the country, the Rogue is an outstanding classroom for

This past week Washington Governor Jay Inslee released his state budget. While the Governor has highlighted his top priorities as addressing education and mental health, his budget recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation. As a kayaker and outdoor enthusiast himself, the Governor recognizes that investment in outdoor recreation is good for the state economy (a $22 billion industry that generates significant tax revenue for the state), promotes a healthy active lifestyle, and is a defining character of the quality of

A new proposal to allow the development of a 90- acre open pit mine in Eagle County at the gateway to the Colorado River has local river users asking questions. We encourage everyone to attend an Open House December 6 at 6 PM at the Gypsum Recreation Center, and to make your voices heard at the Town Council meeting where they will discuss the application on December 13 at 7 PM.   Elam Construction of Grand Junction, Colorado is seeking annexation into

For the past five years the Oregon State Marine Board has engaged with the non-motorized boating community to learn how the Marine Board can better meet the needs of the community. The initiative came out of the Marine Board's 2011-2016 Strategic Plan, which was released in 2010. Through this initiative, the Marine Board convened the Non-Motorized Boating Advisory Committee.   In 2015, the Marine Board issued a Non-Motorized Boating Program 2011-2015 Strategic Plan Final Report that addressed the following five

In a strong statement of bipartisan support for the value of the outdoor recreation economy, the Senate and House have now both unanimously passed legislation that will count outdoor recreation jobs as part of Gross Domestic Product. These jobs include those provided by gear manufacturers, service providers, and retailers that support outdoor recreation experiences including whitewater recreation.   The Outdoor REC Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) where it passed