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We were not surprised, but we were bummed out, to hear that a court put on hold the incredibly important clarification of the Clean Water Act known as the Waters of the United States rule. We've been supporting the new rule because its protections are critical for paddlers as well as for drinking water supplies around the country. Here are the gnarly details: The US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit granted a temporary stay against the new rule from

The Grand Canyon is a national treasure, and not just for us paddlers. From rafting and kayaking to hiking and just plain enjoying, the Canyon is where it’s at. But there’s a threat to the Canyon and the Colorado River that’s been polluting water in the area for decades: uranium mining. Today, we finally have a chance to fully protect the canyon with a new bill authored by Rep Raul Grijalva of Arizona. The bill would stop, once and for

On October 8, 2015, a significantly amended Yellowstone and Grand Teton Paddling Act passed the House Natural Resources Committee. The amended bill, HR 974, would require the Parks to allow at least some amount of paddling on 50 specific rivers in the parks following a 3-year analysis and public process. Yellowstone National Park banned river paddling to prevent overfishing in 1950.  Grand Teton National Park has allowed river paddling only on the Snake River since the 1960’s. While the Park Service generally encourages healthy

This past summer Senator Ron Wyden held a series of listening sessions across the state of Oregon where he heard how Oregon’s travel and tourism economy has grown to the point that it’s become a huge economic engine. Travel and tourism contribute about $10.3 billion to the state’s economy and provide 100,000 direct jobs. In a state with more Wild and Scenic Rivers than any other state in the nation, we know that wild rivers are at the heart of

This weekend, October 10-11, 2015, is the first of two weekend releases on the Pit 1 reach of the Pit River. We have been notified by the Shasta County Department of Transportation that the Pit River Bridge, just outside the town of Fall River Mills, will be closed indefinitely due to safety concerns.  This will impact access to the put-in for the release this weekend and in the future.  The recommended shuttle route, through the town of McArthur, will add

American Whitewater is deeply disappointed to see Congress fail to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund ahead of its expiration on September 30. Over its 50-year life, LWCF has proven indispensable for providing close-to-home opportunities for outdoor recreation, as well as for protecting our country's most iconic landscapes. Its expiration is an unfortunate loss for the outdoor recreation community, but we are greatly encouraged by the tremendous outpouring of support and energy from our community and the overwhelming majority

American Whitewater is proud to announce Michael Maloney as our October Volunteer of the Month! Michael generously contributed over 40 hours of his time at Gauley Fest this year, checking in and training over 100 volunteers as the Day-Of Volunteer Coordinator. In addition to his time, Michael shared his optimism and sense of humor, all while demonstrating incredible leadership skills with the team.  We appreciate Michael's contributions and membership, and can't wait to have him back at Gauley Fest next year!

Despite the many challenges paddlers face preserving our beautiful, wild rivers, there are incredible moments to celebrate. And today we mark one!   AW’s Colorado River Director Nathan Fey has been tapped to serve on the Governor's Advisory Council of Colorado’s newly created Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper appointed the very capable Luis Benitez as Director of the Office, a famed climber, Outward Boud Staffer, paddler, business leader, and Eagle, CO city councilman.   Benitez will lead

The last 2015 whitewater release on the Savage River in Western Maryland will be on Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM to 4 PM. This is a lively, continuous Class III-IV run in a beautiful valley. Because of landowner requirements at the takeout EVERYONE needs to sign the waiver and use the shuttle provided by Garrett College Adventuresports Institute. They did a great job with the shuttle on the other releases and the river is a hoot! Be ready to

Join with fellow river-loving friends for the Free the Snake Flotilla! When: Saturday, October 3rd, 2015, Meet at 8:00 a.m., group launch at 10 a.m. for a rally on the river. Where:  Wawawai County Park, on the lower Snake River near Pullman, WA. Camping available at the Park and nearby locations. Be sure to make your reservation. For further details, including camping options, complete schedule, and to RSVP go to: www.freethesnake.com “¨ What: Join fellow kayakers along with salmon advocates, tribal members, anglers, outfitters, orca

Colorado's Water Plan has been a multi-year effort to study, and plan for, the water demands of our cities, farms, and rivers for the next 50 years. The Plan has been out for public comment since July, and we are quickly approaching the last day to provide input before the Plan is finalized. The FINAL deadline to comment is September 17. Please click the email link to send your comments. Take Action TODAY! The current draft Water Plan contains many

September brings big booming flows to the Gauley River in WV. Gauley Fest provides the paddling community with an opportunity to gather at this amazing river and celebrate American Whitewater stewardship success. Over the last 30 years Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest river festival in the world. Gauley Fest is also the largest membership drive for American Whitewater and your support feeds our national river stewardship effort. Put September 17-20 in your calendar and join us in West Virginia.

Sullivan Creek is a beautiful advanced/expert level creek that tumbles out of the lush Selkirk Range in the remote northeastern corner of Washington State. American Whitewater worked with the dam owner and other local stakeholders to improve the fall drawdown water releases from Sullivan Lake for whitewater paddling, economic value, and ecological considerations. Drawdown releases began yesterday, and are anticipated to provide ideal paddling conditions starting today, and extending through much of the fall.     American Whitewater partnered with

Earlier this year the Virginia Marine Resources Commission confirmed that they consider Johns Creek and several other whitewater streams navigable and public.  This determination is based on their policy of assuming streams of sufficient size are navigable unless proven otherwise. This is a common sense approach that respects the rights of citizens that own property adjacent to rivers, as well those who wish to rightfully enjoy those public rivers and streams. Newspapers have reported that local law enforcement recognize that

Snohomish PUD will be releasing flows from Culmback Dam on the Upper Sultan River on Saturday, September 12th, providing an opportunity for whitewater recreation. The flows are required under the hydropower project’s license to benefit the overall health of the river and aid the upstream migration of adult salmon. These flows have been required in recent years, and beginning in 2015, began to be scheduled on a weekend with advance notice to allow whitewater paddlers to take advantage of the

American Whitewater recognizes Hattie Johnson as our August 2015 Volunteer of the Month!    As our motto says, Rivers need to be protected, restored and ENJOYED, and this is the key component of river stewardship that Hattie has helped address this past month. On July 13th, Hattie took over the feeding, caring, and planning of Colorado's Gore Fest, and by the kick-off on August 21st, it was clear she knocked it out of the park!   American Whitewater has a

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you undoubtedly love to paddle in Colorado. So how do we preserve the rivers that we know and love? When it comes to the future of recreation and river health, the Colorado Water Plan is the focus. This plan offers a strategic vision:  a productive economy that supports vibrant and sustainable cities, productive agriculture, a strong environment, and a robust recreation industry. This plan is being developed with your input and the

Maine kayactivists, donned in their PFDs, converged on a meeting in Westbrook this week to demand that plans to decommission a dam on the Presumpscot River include effective fish passage and high quality boating opportunities. The dam is being decommissioned by SAPPI Fine Paper who owns and operated a hydropower dam there. SAPPI, who has resisted efforts to provide effective passage for two decades until the U.S. Supreme Court ordered them to do so, will be removing the dam, installing