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American Whitewater recently joined a strong coalition of voices calling for adequate ongoing funding for stream gages throughout the country.  Deep cuts are proposed to many vital public programs as Congress works to pass a fiscal year 2012 budget, including continuing to underfund the already ailing USGS National Streamflow Information Program and Cooperative Water Program. These programs fund a nationwide network of stream gages that provide reliable data about our nation’s streamflows, groundwater, tidal surges, precipitation and water quality.  This

The Prineville Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has responsibility for managing the 147-mile John Day Wild and Scenic River from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls in north-central Oregon. The river was designated in 1988, under the Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The BLM manages the river in partnership with the John Day Interagency Planning Team comprised of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, local counties, and the State of Oregon. In 2001 the BLM completed the

ATTORNEY GENERAL SCHNEIDERMAN SUES TO PROTECT PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO TRAVEL ON ADIRONDACK WATERWAY   State Seeks to Stop Property Owners from Using Intimidation Tactics Preventing People from Navigating Waterway   Property Owners Used Steel Cables Across the Stream & Set Up Cameras to Intimidate Paddlers   ALBANY – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that the state has filed papers in Hamilton County Supreme Court to join in a lawsuit in order to defend the public’s right to travel on

American Whitewater received notice from GA Power that spring Tallulah releases are not likely to occur in the first two weekends of April. Here is part of the GA Power email:   "The estimate to complete the repairs is approximately 9 weeks out from now, which is roughly late April. Due to this timeframe, we discussed our options to address the whitewater events that are scheduled to occur on the first two weekends of April. In lieu of cancellation, the

As with many states across the West, Washington is facing a challenging budget situation. Despite representing only 1% of the total budget, natural resource agencies are bracing for potentially significant cuts. This could impact both recreational access to rivers and state programs that protect water quality. American Whitewater has spent time at the state legislature speaking up on the value of important programs for rivers. Recreational Access In Washington State three agencies manage access to rivers: Washington Department of Fish

Earlier today Congressman Kurt Schrader and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley re-introduced legislation to protect the Molalla as a Wild and Scenic River. The river is an outstanding recreational resource for the whitewater paddling community known locally as the the Three Bears Run for a series of rapids that include Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear. The Molalla River Alliance, that includes a diverse set of community stakeholders, has actively pursued a "wild and scenic" designation to preserve the

Cullowhee, NC – American Whitewater, the nation's leading voice for headwater rivers, applauded a report issued by the Obama Administration earlier today that lists river recreation as among the top ten priorities of a new federal action plan for reconnecting people with nature through human-powered outdoor recreation. The report summarizes the results of listening sessions held around the country last summer and fall as the Obama administration sought public input on its action plan for America's Great Outdoors initiative. The

CONSERVATIONISTS APPLAUD BIPARTISAN REINTRODUCTION OF WILDERNESS AND RIVERS LEGISLATION IN ALPINE LAKES Proponents to build on significant legislative progress during last Congressional session ALPINE LAKES PROTECTION SOCIETY * AMERICAN RIVERS * AMERICAN WHITEWATER * MIDDLE FORK COALITION * NORTH CASCADES CONSERVATION COUNCIL * THE MOUNTAINEERS * THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY * WASHINGTON CHAPTER SIERRA CLUB * WASHINGTONTRAILS ASSOCIATION * WASHINGTON WILDERNESS COALITION Seattle– Today Senator Murray and Congressman Reichert re-introduced joint legislation (“Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act", HR 608) that will

New York is among the states with modern and well-defined stream access laws that recognize recreational use as proof of navigability.  Essentially, if you can paddle a river then it is legal to do so.  This solid legal premise makes New York and other states with similar laws destinations for paddlers, anglers, and other recreationists.  It also makes them attractive and healthy places to live.  With this said, people still challenge the law – seeking exclusive rights to rivers.   Last

American Whitewater is pleased to introduce our newest staff member.  Last week Megan Hooker, of Portland, Oregon accepted the new half-time Stewardship Assistant position with American Whitewater.  Megan will provide vital support on river conservation and restoration projects around the West, with a strong focus on projects in California.  Megan brings a diverse range of experiences to American Whitewater.  She has a geology undergraduate degree, a master’s degree in environmental law, and experience working with environmental non-profit organizations.  She has

The 28th annual National Paddling Film Festival (NPFF) will be held this year in Frankfort, Kentucky on February 25-26th. You can purchase tickets in advance via the American Whitewater Store for $20 (versus $25 at the door). Plus, AW will be there hosting a membership drive where you can renew your AW membership or join for the first time. NPFF seeks to showcase the year’s best in paddling related videos and photographs from whitewater destinations all over the world. Plus,

Since 2009 Chelan PUD has been working to amend the State of Washington Recreational Use Statute (RCW 4.24.210) to specifically address whitewater recreation on the Chelan Gorge. American Whitewater has supported this effort as agreed to in our October 8, 2003 settlement agreement with Chelan PUD regarding opportunities for whitewater recreation in the Chelan Gorge. The recreational use statute provides that public or private landowners who offer or allow their land to be used for purposes of recreation without charging

American Whitewater is pleased to announce the availability of our 2011 Member Rewards. These are the items that we give as a thank you to our $100 and above members in recognition of their substantial support for AW. Also, all $100 – $2,500 memberships in 2011 will include a complimentary copy of the next year’s American Whitewater Calendar. Awesome! The full list of items is available on our member rewards page. Big thanks to KEEN, Kokatat and Immersion Research for

Follow Roy McPure as he walks you through his vision for damming whitewater rivers to generate a little electricity and make money. Support for small or "run-of-river" dams is seeing an increase as people explore new ways of making money with old ways of making electricity in an era of climate change related tax incentives. Roy reveals that "small" dams are not always small and that "run-of-river" dams often de-water long sections of rivers. He also shares that the cheap

The January/February issue of the AW Journal features the Top Ten Stewardship Issues of 2011 and includes: The Cleanest Line Love in the Mountains Raft Girl Meets Kayak Boy It Takes Two to Tandem . . .plus much more! If you want to download the Journal you need to be a current member. Problems downloading the Journal?  Current members – Read the Top Ten River Stewardship Issues of 2011 now! Not a current member? Renew or Join today!

American Whitewater is excited to announce the availability of membership installment plans! All memberships over $250 are eligible and you can choose from 4 or 12 payments per year. So, if you were looking to get that Lifetime membership, but didn’t have $750 all at once, you can sign up for 12 payments and it’s just $62.50 a month. Easy as $62 pie. To sign up, go to https://americanwhitewater.org/join, select a membership level of $250 or more and installment options