Articles

Last fall the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) solicited input on the designation of a segment of the Molalla River that includes the Three Bears Run as a State Scenic Waterway. American Whitewater is actively supporting this designation. Based on the feedback received, ORPD has developed a draft management plan and they are soliciting public feedback through an upcoming meeting and opportunity to provide comment. We encourage whitewater paddlers to weigh in highlighting the recreation value of the river

Excellent news on the Upper Colorado River today. The Records of Decision from both the Forest Service and the BLM supporting, and approving our 8 year effort to create a Wild and Scenic Rivers Alternative stakeholder plan. Since 2007, the Upper Colorado Wild & Scenic Stakeholder Group has been working on a plan to protect and enhance paddling and fishing along nearly 80 remarkable miles of the Upper Colorado River’s mainstem between Kremmling and Glenwood Springs. It’s a truly important

The second draft of the Colorado state water plan was released yesterday, and it's already generating a lot of ink. We're digging deep into the plan, analysing it for what all paddlers need to know about how the State Plan impacts our rivers and recreation, and what issues we should make our voices heard on. Whether you are a resident of Colorado, or a visitor during the summer event circuit, your comments on the State's first Water Plan are needed

American Whitewater released our 2014 Annual Report, it can be downloaded by clicking here. A couple interesting points from that report. First, we are very fortunate to have a highly diversified revenue stream. What this means for a nonprofit is that if one stream were to dry up, other sources of revenue can carry the organization. This is critical for long-term organizational sustainability. Second, our lean administrative model means that .85 cents on every dollar passes through directly to support

American Whitewater recognizes Don Millard as our July 2015 Volunteer of the Month!    A vital aspect of river stewardship is maintaining good relationships with small towns that are used for river access. This is especially true when a river becomes popular.   With a population of 500, Friendsville, Maryland is the takeout for the popular Upper Yough. The town can see over 300 paddlers on a busy release weekend. American Whitewater has partnered with the town for many years,

The Yakama Nation is currently conducting a survey of recreational boating on the reach of the Methow River from the Lost River confluence down to the Weeman Bridge. While this reach sees more limited boating than sections downstream, we know that this reach that includes the community of Mazama is used for river-based recreation.  The Yakama Nation has a been a great partner on restoration projects throughout the Columbia Basin including Condit Dam removal and we appreciate their proactive approach

Recently, Congress has taken several important steps to protect cherished whitewater rivers and wild landscapes throughout Oregon. Last week, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced the 2015 Oregon Wildlands Act, proposing to protect Devil's Staircase near the Oregon Coast as Wilderness, the Molalla and Rogue Rivers as National Recreation Areas, and expand the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System at all three locations. Additionally, earlier this year Representatives Peter DeFazio (OR) and Jared Huffman (CA) joined Senators Wyden

Montana's awesome Class IV/V West Rosebud Creek will be running this weekend thanks to a recreational dam release.  These releases are relatively subtle increases in flow that bring the creek into prime paddling levels, and were negotiated by American Whitewater and Beartooth Paddlers.  If not for these releases, there would likely be no optimal paddling opportunities on West Rosebud Creek this year.   The releases will begin at the dam at 8:30am and the peak of the 500cfs flow should

American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this program is provided by the Clif Bar partnership with American Whitewater. Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants.    Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects that promote river stewardship, conservation, access and/or safety on rivers in the United States. All submissions must be received

Submit your best photos for American Whitewater's annual calendar! When The deadline is August 1st, 2015. How Via our online submission form. Images must be submitted as high-resolution files (suitable for printing up to 10") for inclusion in the calendar, without monetary compensation. Maximum 10 photo entries per person. Who Any and all photographers, from professionals to complete novices. Have you taken a photo before? Then you're ready. Why First, you'll get a free copy of the calendar if your

Bipartisan legislation was introduced this past week to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area. Senate legislation was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and House legislation was introduced by Congressmen Dave Reichert and Adam Smith.   The Mountains to Sound Greenway includes rivers in the Snoqualmie, Cedar, and Yakima River watersheds and some great close-to-home whitewater for whitewater paddlers living in the Puget Sound Region and along the I-90 corridor including the Middle-Middle,

Two Savage River recreational whitewater releases are sponsored by the Adventuresport Program at Garrett College in McHenry, MD this year: Sunday, July 5 and Saturday, September 26.    Paddlers are reminded to 1) sign a Garrett College waiver, and 2) use the Garrett College shuttle to minimize traffic on Savage River Road. The shuttle service over Memorial Day Weekend was very efficient, and took less time than driving your own car up and down the river. A donation of $10 is

This week AW staff had a great opportunity to spend some time with students at Colorado College, who are focusing the next 10 weeks on Western water issues. They’re digging into topics ranging from water savings and water banking, to tribal rights, to perceived conflicts between recreation and ecosystem needs, and even to water quality. Together, we explored the policy and regulatory options that allow us to keep water in our rivers – Wild & Scenic, Colorado's Instream Flow Program,

King County has some great whitewater on the South Fork Skykomish and tributaries like the Tye and Money Creek; forks of the Snoqualmie with great runs like Ernie's, Middle-Middle, and Fall in the Wall; Green River Gorge; Cedar River; and White River. As part of an ongoing effort to guide management of rivers, the King County Water and Land Resources Division is conducting a survey of resident attitudes and perspectives on rivers. The short survey explores these issues: How do

After a private boater was cited for misdemeanor criminal charges for camping, American Whitewater asked California State Department of Parks and Recreation to reconsider their camping policy on the Middle Fork American River (MFA).  This policy essentially banned private boating camping from July to October to reduce the risk of fire.  In a letter to Superintendent Mike Lynch, Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), Dave Steindorf acknowledged the importance of protecting the recreation area from fire risks but did not believe

Gauley Fest. . .bigger and better every year! Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted the flows on the Gauley River, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest river festival in the world. It's a showcase for American Whitewater and the top whitewater vendors in the boating community. Vendor registration is now open and we encourage you to reserve your space now! Registration for Basic and Non-Profit booth space purchases are available online