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The legislative session is underway in Washington State and earlier this week we were shocked to learn of a bill that would severely limit access to the state's rivers and shorelines. Specifically the bill would prohibit water access on small parcels of public land unless the managing agency provides a formal river access site and parking lot. While we support the development of river access sites and designated parking at sites where use levels justify the investment, many of the

As many paddlers know, the future of the Colorado River is fraught with competing demands to pump and pipe water to faraway cities, against efforts to protect what little water is left in the river. It’s rare to see unvarnished assessments of both the scale of the problem, and the most promising solutions, that face all seven Colorado River basin states as the climate warms and dries, and populations grow. That’s why we are especially happy to see that a

Punch Bowl Falls is one of Oregon’s iconic scenic and recreational sites, and the Hood is the go-to river for boaters in the Columbia River Gorge. Above the Falls, the West Fork of the Hood flows through two beautiful gorges. It provides an opportunity for boaters to test and strengthen their Class IV skills with consistently fun rapids at a variety of flows. Below the falls, the West Fork joins the East Fork to form the Hood River, where boaters

This week marked the release of another major economic impacts report from Protect the Flows, this time focusing on the basin-wide implications of shortages on the Colorado River. Featured in a big Wall Street Journal spread today, the study’s authors point it out pretty succinctly: “We are getting to the crunch now,” said Timothy James, an Arizona State economics professor who led the study. “The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the entire region.” The study calculates the billions of

The Winter Issue of the AW Journal features "The Top Ten River Stewardship Issues of 2015". This issue also includes. . . * Suffering on the Upper Raven Fork * Remembering Kayaking Legend Bart Hauthaway * An Exploration of Dinosaur National Monument by Boat – in 1952 * Growing Up on the Gauley . . .and much more.   Current members – Read the issue now! Not a Current member – Join or Renew!  

A new study, Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, by Earth Economics demonstrates the importance of outdoor recreation for the Washington State economy. Washington State residents recreate an average of 56 days a year outside and spend money when they do it. Residents and visitors collectively spend $21.6 billion annually on trips and equipment purchases supporting nearly 200,000 jobs. This spending reaches all corners of the state as destinations for recreation include the coastlines, wild rivers, mountains, forests,

As an organization, American Whitewater is fortunate to have a committed group of volunteer Board of Directors that provides the organization with high-level oversight and strategic direction. To sustain this healthy and vibrant Board, an effective election process is in place to insure an appropriate transition of Directors over time. This transition process balances the need for fresh ideas with appropriate leadership continuity. Our recent elections concluded on December 15, 2014.   New Directors starting their terms in January 2015

Over the last 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund ("LWCF") has been one of the most effective ways to expand and improve opportunities across the country for the outdoor recreation community, including whitewater paddlers. Chances are good that some of your experiences out on the water have been possible because of the LWCF.     The LWCF was established in 1965 to meet a growing demand for preserving natural spaces, and it has funded thousand of river access

In June 2015, American Whitewater members will have an opportunity to join American Whitewater staff and board members for an exclusive trip on Oregon’s Rogue River. We invite you to come learn more about what we're up to while having a great time enjoying one of our nation’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers. The trip will give AW an opportunity to share what we are working on and, more importantly, to hear your thoughts about river issues and learn from

American Whitewater has received a 5th 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest and most utilized independent evaluator of charities.   Dec 29, 2014, Charity Navigator announced that American Whitewater has earned its fifth 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.    A letter from Charity Navigator

Silver Spring, NM – New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has only two weeks left to make a decision on the proposed Gila River Diversion.  This project will dam and drain the headwaters of the Gila River, threatening some of the most beautiful, biologically rich riparian habitat in the state, and some amazing paddling opportunities.  You can help by contacting the Governor TODAY, and signing the petition. Last month the Governor's Interstate Stream Commission APPROVED the Gila River Diversion, a water

Over the past year, American Whitewater, New England FLOW and Appalachian Mountain Club have been working with hydropower utilities in the northeast to complete flow studies as part of the relicensing of five hydropower porjects along the Connecticut River. This past summer, the flow studies at Sumners Falls/Hartland (VT/NH) and Turners Falls (MA) demonstrated that with appropriate flows, there are high quality boating opportunities available at both locations. Next year, we will assist with the completion of the final flow