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Spokane River Kickoff 2010

From the organizers: Eastern Washington University’s Epic Adventures, Post Falls Parks and Recreation, NWA, and the local Clubs/Shops of Spokane are enthused to announce the Fourth Annual Spokane River Kickoff. This event received so much positive feed back in previous years, that a group of kayakers from the community just had to get together to make things happen again this year. We are looking forward to this year’s event, as the event and participation continue to grow. We are currently

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Image for Spokane River Kickoff 2010

Spokane River Kickoff 2010

Eastern Washington University’s Epic Adventures, Post Falls Parks and Recreation, NWA, and the local Clubs/Shops of Spokane are enthused to announce the Fourth Annual Spokane River Kickoff. This event received so much positive feed back in previous years, that a group of kayakers from the community just had to get together to make things happen again this year. We are looking forward to this year’s event, as the event and participation continue to grow. The Spokane River Kickoff will take

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Image for Announcing the 4th Annual South Platte River Clean-up! (CO)

Announcing the 4th Annual South Platte River Clean-up! (CO)

Over the last three events nearly 600 rafters, kayakers, cyclists and pedestrians have successfully removed over 6 TONS of garbage from Denver’s South Platte River and bike path. The event garnered local and regional media coverage as the lead story on several news channels, as well as appearing in the local papers. When: 4/25/10 Registration starts at 9 am Clean Up: 11 am – 3 pm After Party: 3 pm – 5 pm Raffle & Product Giveaways start at 4

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Image for White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors

White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors

Administration officials announced that they will host a White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors on Friday, April 16, and American Whitewater has received an invitation to attend. Conference organizers are still shaping the agenda, a press release issued late last month says “The discussion will center on the conservation opportunities in communities, the challenges facing them, and the innovative solutions they are crafting from the bottom up.” The conference seeks to "start a new dialogue about conservation in America

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Image for April Volunteer of the Month - Presented by Kokatat

April Volunteer of the Month – Presented by Kokatat

American Whitewater would like to recognize Brian Jacobson as our April Volunteer of the Month.   Brian Jacobson has been an integral part of the AW volunteer team working towards resolving the mismanagement of the Upper Chattooga River in the Southeast. Brian is an environmental engineer by profession and has brought an important technical skill-set to the team, assisting with complex data analysis and presentation as well as a rich understanding of the NEPA administrative process. Brian is also extremely

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Image for 2010 French Broad River Fest (NC)

2010 French Broad River Fest (NC)

This April, come check out the annual French Broad River Fest April 30th – May 2nd in Hot Springs, NC. All the proceeds from ticket sales for the event get donated to American Whitewater and the local Hot Springs Learning Center! In 2009 French Broad River Fest donated over $5,000 to American Whitewater alone! What’s more, you can do your part to help cleanup the nearby French Broad River by participating in a river cleanup the Friday of the festival

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Image for Sullivan Creek Dam Removal Agreement Reached! (WA)

Sullivan Creek Dam Removal Agreement Reached! (WA)

On Monday, March 29, 2010, American Whitewater joined a diverse group of stakeholders in signing and submitting two inter-related settlement agreements that call for the continued operation of Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River, enhanced operation of Sullivan Dam on the natural Sullivan Lake, and the removal of Mill Pond Dam on Sullivan Creek.  The agreements are the culmination of over three years of consistent efforts to resolve issues related to the surrender of the Sullivan Project, located in

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Image for Tallulah River (GA) Volunteers Needed

Tallulah River (GA) Volunteers Needed

Each year, past American Whitewater Volunteer of the Month Bob Focht rounds up volunteers to assist at the whitewater releases on the Tallulah River (GA). This year, he needs your help. Please considering signing up to help out! Spring releases are on the following dates: April 3-4 and 10-11. Approximately thirty volunteers are needed each weekend. Volunteers can also sign up online at http://sites.google.com/site/fallstallulah. You can also contact Bob Focht directly at 404-323-8181 or bobfocht@yahoo.com. If possible, please volunteer April

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Image for 2010 Story and Photo Contest

2010 Story and Photo Contest

American Whitewater is excited to announce the return of our Story and Photo Contest for 2010.   The premise is simple, submit your best story and/or photos to American Whitewater. We’ll print the top choices in the final Journal edition of 2010 (the November-December) version. The deadline for submissions to be considered is August 11, 2010.   To submit something, just head on over to our online Submissions Page and fill in the appropriate info and check the "Story and

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Dillsboro Dam (NC) Removal Video

After 10 years of negotiations and 1000’s of hours of effort, Dillsboro Dam has finally been removed! Check out the video for complete info:     Dillsboro Dam Removal from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

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Image for West River (VT) To Run This Weekend

West River (VT) To Run This Weekend

This just in from the Army Corps of Engineers: We have a high pool today (about 110 feet) at Ball Mountain Dam. We willbegin releasing water at 1500-1800 cfs beginning at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon (Friday, March 26, 2010) through Monday Morning. Please pass this information along to anyone who would like to take advantage of this recreation opportunity. With the stability of the dam in question they Army Corps is trying to keep Ball Mountain Reservoir low this spring and

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Image for Blackfoot River Management Plan Released (MT)

Blackfoot River Management Plan Released (MT)

On March 18, 2010 the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) released their new management plan for the Blackfoot River.  The Blackfoot is among the most visited and most cherished rivers in Montana, offering beginner and intermediate whitewater paddling, shore and boat based angling, and in the heat of the summer the river draws tubers, swimmers, and sunbathers from nearby Missoula.  FWP considered a range of possible management actions, including the creation of a permit system to limit

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Image for Support needed For Oregon Dam Removal

Support needed For Oregon Dam Removal

Gold Ray Dam on Oregon’s Rogue River has not generated power in almost 40 years, is a serious impediment to endangered salmon migration, blocks paddlers exploring the Rogue, and has become a financial burden for its owners.  The Rogue Valley Council of Governments recently completed an Environmental Assessment that considers and proposes removing Gold Ray Dam.    American Whitewater strongly supports Alternative 1 that proposes the complete removal of Gold Ray Dam. We agree with the environmental analysis that the

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Image for 2010 French Broad River (NC) Cleanup

2010 French Broad River (NC) Cleanup

American Whitewater is again partnering with Riverlink and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a river cleanup on the French Broad River. Each May lovers of rivers and music gather on the banks of the French Broad River to enjoy the French Broad River Festival. The festival gives back to the community by raising funds for the river stewardship work of American Whitewater and various local charities. This year, on Friday April 30th, 2010 (the first day of the festival)

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Image for Dillsboro Dam Removal (NC) Complete

Dillsboro Dam Removal (NC) Complete

Back in 2001, American Whitewater was part of a diverse group of local, regional, and national interests that began meeting with Duke Energy to collaborate on a new plan for operating their dams in the Tuckasegee and Nantahala watersheds. The outcome of those negotiations was a comprehensive settlement agreement that Duke submitted as their application for new operating licenses. The agreement called for the removal of Dillsboro Dam and subsequent watershed enhancements like enhanced flow releases, new public river access

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Image for Wild and Scenic for Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie (WA) Passes House

Wild and Scenic for Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie (WA) Passes House

ALPINE LAKES PROTECTION SOCIETY * AMERICAN RIVERS * AMERICAN WHITEWATER * CASCADE CHAPTER SIERRA CLUB * MIDDLE FORK COALITION * NORTH CASCADES CONSERVATION COUNCIL *THE MOUNTAINEERS * THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY * WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION * WASHINGTON WILDERNESS COALITION   Supporters of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 1769 / S. 721) celebrated as the legislation moved closer to final passage. The measure, which passed out of the House of Representatives

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Image for Help pass Colorado's "Right to Float" legislation

Help pass Colorado’s “Right to Float” legislation

Your help is critical to passing Colorado’s House Bill 1188 and protecting the general publics right to float. The last time the Colorado General Assembly considered a river access bill was 1996. The bill didn’t even make it to the House floor. Please make sure this precious opportunity to clarify and codify the right to float in Colorado is not squandered.   First, thank Representative Curry and Senator Hodges for sponsoring the bill. The opposition has really turned up the

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Image for Fox River (WI) Flow Survey

Fox River (WI) Flow Survey

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is in the process of completing their review for a new hydropower license for the hydropower project on the Fox River that will divert additional flow from the river and impact recreational boating opportunities. We are continuing efforts to collect additional information on users and flow preferences for this reach. If you visit the Fox River this spring you can help by filling out the flow survey after each run you do this spring. Please

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Image for Open Innovation in the Paddlesport Community - Survey

Open Innovation in the Paddlesport Community – Survey

A research program initiated by the MIT Sloan School of Management (USA) and Copenhagen Business School (Denmark) seeks to study open innovation in sport communities. They want to better understand how whitewater paddlers contribute to the development of the sport and to the development of the whole industry by their innovative ideas and contributions.  Please help by completing their ten minute survey. This survey is about your innovative activities and efforts within the field of whitewater paddling. Researchers want to

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Image for Call for AW Board Nominations

Call for AW Board Nominations

Interested in serving on the board of American Whitewater? Please read the call for nominations below: Date:  Spring 2010From:  Norwood Scott, Vice PresidentTo:  All interested and qualified AW members Dear AW Member, American Whitewater is seeking nominations of interested and qualified candidates to serve as a Director beginning next January 1, 2011. We have two open board seats to fill during this nomination cycle. A healthy, vibrant, participatory and functional board of Directors is critical to the long term stability

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Image for AW Testifies in Colorado Senate on Right to Float

AW Testifies in Colorado Senate on Right to Float

 On Monday, March 15, 2010, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1188. AW staff and Colorado Whitewater Board Members Dede de Percin, Mark Robbins, and Patrick Tooley testified in support of the bill.  CW President Leslie Tyson and Board Member Ted Dietrich also attended the hearing on behalf of CW and helped coordinate AW and CW’s efforts to support and improve House Bill 1188.  By a 4-3 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 1188.  Equally

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Image for AW Speaks Out on Utah Access Legislation

AW Speaks Out on Utah Access Legislation

Last week American Whitewater sent a letter to the Utah legislature opposing HB 141, a bad stream access bill that is currently under consideration by the Rules Committee.  We are hopeful that the Executive Appropriations Committee will chose not to fund this bill because it is a waste of money in economically tight times.  This action would stop the bill from passing this session.  Calls from paddlers to the Executive Appropriations Committee highlighting the potential impacts of this bill would

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Image for Spring Tallulah (GA) Reminders for 2010

Spring Tallulah (GA) Reminders for 2010

Release Dates for April: 3 & 4, 10 & 11     Scheduled releases occur the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs. Boaters are allowed on the water once the level stabilizes, which is about 9:30 am; the water is turned off at 4 pm. All boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake.

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Image for North Fork Flathead (MT) Gets New Protections

North Fork Flathead (MT) Gets New Protections

After several years of international diplomacy, last month the Governor of Montana and the Premier of British Columbia signed an agreement permanently halting proposed mining and petroleum extraction in the Canadian portion of the North Fork of the Flathead River’s watershed.   The North Fork flows south from British Columbia into Montana along the western border of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and is one of Montana’s four Wild and Scenic Rivers.  Montanans have been deeply concerned about likely impacts of

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Image for 2010 Calendars on Sale for 5

2010 Calendars on Sale for $15

Pick up your very own copy of our super popular 2010 calendar for just $15!   All the photos in this calendar were submitted by our members and fans and we sell the calendars each year to raise funds for our river stewardship projects. We hope you’ll pick one up today!   Swing on over to the calendar page in the AW Store to purchase. Thanks!

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