Articles

Mining companies are actively pursuing proposals to strip-mine in Southwest Oregon watersheds, including Rough & Ready Creek (tributary to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River), and Baldface Creek (tributary to the Wild and Scenic North Fork Smith River). These proposals threaten the pristine waters of these whitewater gems, which provide a stronghold for salmon and drinking water for downstream communities.    One of the surest ways to protect the wild rivers of Southwest Oregon is through a mineral withdrawal, which

Anticipation was running high for the first public dam releases on the newly constructed Holtwood Whitewater Park this fall, however the final round of testing in early October revealed more work was needed before opening the park.  Specifically, strong currents scoured rocks from the bottom of the river, changing the two surf waves in a way that impacted their performance and possibly their safety.  Testing and modifications are ongoing, and we'll announce a schedule of releases early next year.  The

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has released their draft management plan for the Green River Gamelands in North Carolina.  This plan addresses all uses and activities in the iconic Green River Narrows, as well as the Class III+ Upper Green and the Class II Lower Green. This place and this plan are important to many paddlers in the southeast and across the globe.  You can review the plan here, and send in a comment by January 16th, 2015.  New

American Whitewater is part of a coalition working to protect the headwaters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork Smith from mining proposals. Last summer, when the Oregon Water Resources Department was considering Red Flat Nickel Corp's application for a water right near Baldface Creek, members and supporters helped to send thousands of comments in support of protecting the area's pristine waters. The agency denied the application in September. Last month, Red Flat continued to pursue the mine and filed a

Originally built in 1867 and reconstructed on the existing foundations in 1939, Mosquito Road Bridge is often called the “Swinging Bridge” in reference to the physical nature of the original suspension cable bridge.  Today this historical single lane bridge serves as one of two routes to and from the community of Swansboro.  Car enthusiasts get a thrill driving their muscle cars on the winding switchbacks that lead to the bridge.  And of course many folks use the bridge as a

Salida, Colorado – SATURDAY, December 6, 2014, senior officials from the Obama Administration will join U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and senior state officials to hear from the public about what they want for the future of Browns Canyon and whether it merits designation as a national monument as the senators have proposed. Attendees will include U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Bureau of Land Management Deputy Director Steve Ellis. Members of the public are invited to

Today, Conservation Groups release an updated review of the economics of restoring hydropower at Enloe Dam on the Similkameen River.  The original economic review was completed in 2011, and the most recent review addresses how mandated and potentially increased minimum flows through the bypass reach would further impact the Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County’s (OPUD) 2008 projections.  This 2014 analysis, prepared by Rocky Mountain Econometrics of Boise, Idaho, concludes:  • Construction costs continue to increase.  RME estimates

The future of late summer flows in the Colorado River is at risk, and we need your help to show how important these flows are to paddlers. It'll be quick and easy…all you have to do is share your experiences on the river! Here's what's happening. American Whitewater is working with the City of Glenwood Springs to secure water rights for river recreation on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. These Recreational In-Channel Diversion rights ("RICD"), allowed by State Statute

Last week the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on the case over the Forest Service’s 2012 decision to implement restrictions on paddling the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River.   Conservation-oriented paddlers, Georgia Forest Watch, and the Rust Family had asked the court to overturn various portions of a lower court decision that favored the Forest Service.  These requests were denied, and the lower court ruling was upheld by the Fourth Circuit.  Both courts were limited to reviewing the basis

The Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is developing a Fish Habitat Conservation Approach focused on the long-term management of salmon and steelhead habitat along the lower six miles of the White Salmon River. The Enhancement Group has worked closely with American Whitewater, Yakama Nation, and resource agencies to develop a collective vision for the White Salmon River that realizes the full benefits of Condit Dam removal for fish and the community. It is important for the boating community to be a part