Articles - American Whitewater

Deadbeat Dam Argument in Appeals Court

December 3, 2024

American Whitewater’s challenge to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision allowing the abandonment of two deadbeat hydropower dams on the Salmon Falls River on the Maine/New Hampshire border was heard in the Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, on November 20th. The three judge panel considered whether FERC properly considered the dam removal alternative to the proposed abandonment and whether dam removal was in the public interest. The abandoned dams will continue to block fish passage, disrupt river connectivity, and

American Whitewater Sues Agencies for Allowing Mining in Nolichucky River

November 18, 2024

ERWIN, Tenn. — The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of American Rivers and American Whitewater, sued several federal agencies on Monday, saying the agencies violated federal law by allowing a rail company to mine the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee. Recently CSX Transportation, a major railroad company, began mining the Nolichucky’s riverbed for rock while repairing a rail line that was washed away during Hurricane Helene. Trucking in rock from upland quarries is standard practice and much less destructive.

Comment in Support of Whitewater Recreation on the Montreal River (WI/MI)

November 13, 2024

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has provided public notice that they will be reviewing license applications for the Gile Flowage, Saxon Falls, and Superior Falls hydroelectric projects. Their review will impact the future of whitewater opportunities on the West Branch Montreal and Montreal Canyon, including flow management, flow data, and public access. The good news is Northern States Power Company has filed license applications that include accommodations for whitewater recreation. If you are interested you can read the full

American Whitewater Ushers In New Stream Gage Service

November 12, 2024

American Whitewater is pleased to announce that we’ve replaced our popular stream gage service with a new service that will improve performance for river enthusiasts. American Whitewater’s National Whitewater Inventory (NWI) is the definitive online guide to whitewater rivers in the United States, and dates back to the 1990s. Along with crowdsourced descriptions and images of over 6,000 whitewater runs, the NWI associates most runs with an online flow gage and depicts whether the runs are low, medium, or high

Georgia Committee Meets Wednesday to Consider Paddling Rights

November 11, 2024

The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters will host a final meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. in Newnan Donald W. Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in Newnan, GA. The committee is charged with making recommendations to the full General Assembly about where Georgians should have the right to boat, fish and hunt on the state’s rivers and streams. If the committee adopts a narrow view of this right as they appear to

Don’t Let Railroad Rebuild Destroy the Nolichucky Gorge (Updated X2)

November 6, 2024

Second Update: The reckless mining of the Nolichucky River’s bed and banks continues, despite news yesterday that it would be halted. The Army Corps of Engineers called AW yesterday to let us know that there would be no more mining below the ordinary high water line, but it turns out they did not provide guidance on where that line is, and the riverbed excavation continues with no oversight or regulatory limits. It seems clear that none of the federal agencies

Canyon Creek Access Temporarily Closed (WA)

October 25, 2024

As the winter paddling season in the Pacific Northwest starts to get underway many eagerly await the opportunities to get out on Canyon Creek in the Lewis River drainage. Local volunteers worked to save this creek from hydropower development in the 1990s and many know it as one of the gems for creek boating in the greater Portland metro area. Unfortunately access to the take-out is currently closed due to vandalism this past summer. The standard run on Canyon Creek

Journal Moves to More Sustainable Production Model

October 15, 2024

FSC certification ensures that paper products come from sustainably managed forests. This means the wood used for paper is sourced from forests that are responsibly managed to preserve ecological balance and support local communities. FSC certification helps paper and printing companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and provides consumers with assurance that the paper products they purchase support responsible forest management. As an Ameren UE Pure Power Partner, Modern Litho supports the generation of 77,000 kWh of wind power

Journal Moves to More Sustainable Production Model

October 15, 2024

The new Sept/Oct American Whitewater Journal should be landing in your mailbox soon and you may notice it looks, feels, and maybe even smells a little different. You may also notice a couple of new logos inside this issue’s first few pages. The new look and feel, and these logos, represent our shift to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and to producing the Journal in a Pure Power certified facility that uses renewable energy sources. The team that

Celebration of Life for Chris Tulley Scheduled for Nov 2

October 10, 2024

American Whitewater Board of Directors member, Chris Tulley, of Folsom, CA, passed away on Friday, October 4th while paddling the South Fork of the Feather River, near La Porte, California. The entire American Whitewater family is deeply saddened by his passing and eternally grateful for his dedication to our organization and river stewardship. Chris was a longtime contributor to American Whitewater in numerous ways, including in his service as a Board member, as a volunteer working closely with our California

Reflections on Loss and Opportunity In Flood Ravaged Western North Carolina

October 9, 2024

I can still feel the lines in my body. I close my eyes and I run the Green Narrows in my mind, and my body feels every move. As I think about the rapids, certain muscles tense, like a dog chasing rabbits in its dreams. Following Hurricane Helene, these moves, these currents, these images are now just dreams of a river forever lost. And like a wonderful dream, I want to hold on to it, knowing it’s all that is

Forest Service Backs Elimination of Lochsa Area River Protections

October 9, 2024

The Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest recognized that 88 rivers on the National Forest lands they manage are eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. Normally this would mean the free-flowing nature and special values of these streams would be protected in a new forest management plan. Instead, the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest used a sketchy political process to release 76! of those rivers from protection. American Whitewater and several other groups appealed their decision. Tthis week our appeal was

Montana Walks Back Proposed Fish Creek Paddling Ban

October 9, 2024

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) released their final Fish Creek Recreation Strategy earlier this week, in which they no longer propose to ban paddling as they had in their draft plan. We would like to thank MTFWP for listening to the public and eliminating what would have been a major mis-step in the management of the State’s rivers. While we are relieved that the agency changed course, the final plan contains concerning language around paddling, and the public should

Hurricane Helene Update and Resources

October 3, 2024

Although we are devastated and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction of Hurricane Helene, we are inspired by the resourceful heroes in our communities that are digging-in and finding multitudes of ways to help—scores of folks, many of whom are boaters, are leading the charge in recovery efforts. Our network is uniquely equipped as helpers, and we are grateful. Many people have reached out to ask us how they can help and where to direct funds. There are a

New Public Safety Conditions for PG&E’s Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project (CA)

October 3, 2024

[Fresno,Calif., Oct. 3, 2024] – State and federal agencies have mandated new safety and environmental conditions for Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project on the San Joaquin River as part of the federal hydropower relicensing process overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The measures imposed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife are designed to improve public safety and

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on River Community Including American Whitewater

September 30, 2024

Massive flooding, landslides, and wind damage related to Hurricane Helene has put western North Carolina, southeast Tennessee and other parts of the region in crisis, and many in our river loving community, including members of the American Whitewater staff and board have been severely affected. Infrastructure including modes of communication and roads critical to deliveries of essential goods have been destroyed and it may be some time before anything resembling normal business returns to the area. This includes American Whitewater

Fall 2024 Update on California Whitewater Boating Releases

September 16, 2024

We have some exciting fall releases and boating information to share! Fall is the driest time of year in California and has the fewest boating opportunities, but American Whitewater has worked to secure releases to help keep you on the water. Plus, our annual Feather River Festival is also coming up with great boating and camaraderie and we could use some more volunteers to help make it a success! NF Feather – Poe + Bardees Bar (Class V, Class III/IV)

Georgia Committee Meeting on the Right to Paddle this Friday

September 16, 2024

A special state House study committee tasked with determining the public’s rights to paddle on Georgia’s streams will hear from the public for the first time in a meeting scheduled for Sept. 20 at Unicoi State Park. The meeting could result in recommendations to dramatically curtail the public’s right to paddle rivers in Georgia. Friday’s meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the lodge at Unicoi State Park, near Helen, GA. Following a presentation by the Department of Natural Resources,

American Whitewater Gives Voice to Recreation in Grand Canyon

September 12, 2024

Grand Canyon, Arizona In August, American Whitewater staff traveled to the south rim of the Grand Canyon to meet with agency leaders and nonprofit partners about the future of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. We advocated for: A more comprehensive approach to reservoir management that considers impacts to the entire basin For higher minimum flows in the grand canyon For river recreation to be fully and holistically considered as part of management, and considered when examining the impacts

We Want to Hear From YOU in our Community Survey

September 12, 2024

Calling All River Lovers! We want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re a member of American Whitewater or not, your voice matters. Take our quick survey and help shape the future of American Whitewater. Why Take the Survey?WIN an Immersion Research Drysuit of choice!Second & third place winners score some sweet American Whitewater gear and apparel.Help us serve you and our community better! Your input counts! This survey isn’t just for members. If you’re passionate about whitewater rivers, we want

Iron Gate Cofferdam Breached, Klamath River Freed

September 12, 2024

On August 28th, Tribal members gathered alongside government officials and nonprofit partners to cheer as the final cofferdam was breached at Iron Gate reservoir, freeing the Klamath River from Lake Ewauna to the Pacific Ocean. After over two decades of Tribal advocacy, an agreement was reached to remove four hydroelectric dams, Iron Gate, Copco 1 and 2, and JC Boyle, re-opening over 400 miles of the river and tributaries to the legendary salmon runs that have been stifled by these

National Park Service Shares 2024 Gauley Season Details (WV)

August 23, 2024

American Whitewater received the following open letter to boaters from the great rangers and staff of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, and contains some new information. This letter will keep you up to date on important management actions of the National Park Service on the Gauley River for the 2024 season. In addition, as part of our agreement with the land owner, there is no camping allowed on the Legg field that American Whitewater leases for overflow parking. As

Watauga River (NC) Reopened to Boating, at Least Temporarily

August 8, 2024

American Whitewater Granted Intervention in Contested Case; Watauga River (NC) Reopened to Boating, at least Temporarily. On July 12, American Whitewater was granted status as an intervenor in a contested case pending in North Carolina challenging the rights of the public to recreate on short sections of the Boone Fork and Watauga Rivers upstream of their confluence. In addition, on August 1, the existing temporary restraining order was modified to include the following language: “This Order is not intended to, and

North Fork Kern (CA) Kern River #3 Relicensing Comparative Flow Study

August 8, 2024

Southern California Edison is currently in the process of relicensing their Kern River #3 (KR3) hydroelectric project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In support of that effort they have been conducting a Whitewater Boating Study for the last two paddling seasons. We’re amplifying SCE’s request for participation in their Flow Comparison Study for flows on the North Fork Kern below Fairview Dam. This survey will have you rank your flow preferences for each section within the project-affected reach

Restoring Flows in Colorado

August 7, 2024

American Whitewater has been advocating for healthy rivers and flows for recreation as an integral pillar of Colorado’s Water Plan since it was directed by an Executive Order in 2013 by then Governor Hickenlooper. Our flow study approach was later included in the plan’s nonconsumptive needs toolbox and, as recently as last year, our collaboration with river based businesses and conservation organizations made significant changes to the updated water plan. We’ve long identified a need to fully grasp the quantification