Articles

Active AW projects in the southeast have been highlighted in a new video release by Mike McKay of Five2Nine Productions. Check out footage of Dillsboro Dam removal and interviews with key AW volunteers in the newest issue of Currents.   Currents is a river stewardship focused WebTV program (online video documentary) which uses white water kayaking as a means to educate a broader audience about the risks threatening the world’s rivers and to help highlight the intrinsic value of preserving

After consulting with American Whitewater, Chelan PUD has made the decision to cancel the planned whitewater boating opportunities on the Chelan Gorge this weekend (July 10 and 11). Providing this opportunity requires a balancing act between lake level, spill and whitewater boating and unfortunately, at this time the PUD is not able to accommodate all three. The reasons for canceling this weekend’s release are as follows: * The elevation of Lake Chelan is currently 1098.4 feet, approximately 5 inches above

The Obama Administration and the federal land management agencies are asking for your help as part of the new "America’s Great Outdoors" Initiative.  The basic goals of the AGO initiative is to help reconnect the American public with the outdoors, and effectively protect natural resources.  The President kicked off the initative with a summit in Washington, DC, which was attended by AW Executive Director, Mark Singleton.  Now, the Administration is hosting a series of listening sessions around the country.  American

If you live in the Northeast, chances are you’ve been to Deerfield Fest lots of times without even realizing how much work goes into putting it on. Every year we’re short on volunteers, we need your help to put on this critical AW fundraiser! Volunteers are asked for just two hours of their time, still allowing plenty of time for that river run or late night fun.   If you are interested in volunteering for the Deerfield River Festival, head

The Northeast’s most popular whitewater festival, Deerfield Fest, is happening this July 31st in the town of Charlemont, MA. It’s American Whitewater’s biggest event and fundraiser in the Northeast. Boater’s from all over the Northeast and beyond flock to Deerfield Fest to see the latest gear from vendors, paddle the Deerfield River and see friends old and new. Make sure your company doesn’t miss out on this major outreach opportunity! If you’re a vendor interested in being a part of Deerfield Fest head over to

American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 8th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this program is provided by Clif Bar. AW Affiliate 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 education on our nation’s rivers. Current American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs will receive a

The spread of invasive non-native mussels is a major concern for all of us that value rivers.  Increasingly states and managers are setting up fees, wash stations, and regulations to prevent recreationists from spreading mussels. While the most common threat is mussels "hitch-hiking" on the hulls and in bilge water of trailered boats, it is at least possible that they could be transported by whitewater craft that move from river to river. The adult mussels can attach to the bottom

The USFS announced today that they will further delay reaching a new decision on how to manage recreation on the Upper Chattooga River (NC/SC/GA).  A 2009 decision was withdrawn shortly after its release, and the agency stated a new decision would be released early in the spring of 2010.  The decision remains in limbo, the river remains banned to paddling, and the ban is currently being challenged in federal court. The USFS announcement reads as follows:    "In December 2009,

Are you interested in serving on the Board of American Whitewater? Nominations are being accepted through the month of June. 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

    A little something for Everyone at the Wenatchee River Festival 2010! www.wenatcheeriver.com   Between the current economic environment and a transition with key organizers, this year’s festival was in danger of being cancelled.   The initial announcement led to a wake-up call among the community where local volunteers joined together back in March to keep it alive for 2010.  The theme, not surprisingly is "Save the Wenatchee River Festival”.   One group, Riverbooty, had already begun to organize an

Wilderness Whitewater is the theme for our September/October issue of American Whitewater. If you have stories of adventures or reflections on wild, remote rivers, this is your chance to share them. Deadline is June 25th.   Don’t forget to use our new online submission form to upload your stories and photos.   Also, note that we are now accepting entries for our 2010 Story and Photo Contest. Deadline for all contest submissions is August 11th.

Mokelumne Releases for Spring 2012  2012 is a critically dry year so Tiger Creek section will get recreational release weekends but Devil's Nose will not see any releases.  PG&E is expecting the following recreational flows: Tiger Creek – at put-in (M59) minimum of 700 cfs on the following weekends: May 19 & 20 May 26, 27 & 28 June 2 & 3 June 9 & 10 Devil’s Nose – will not have recreational releases. Devil’s Nose does not get recreational

American Whitewater has scheduled a work party with Washington Trails Association for Saturday June 19 from 8:30-3:00 to work on the Sultan River trail into the gorge on the Upper Sultan. As part of the relicensing for the hydropower project on the Sultan River American Whitewater has worked to restore flows to the Sultan River for whitewater recreation and ecosystem processes. While the new agreement we have negotiated will not take effect until at least 2011, we have some important