FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WHITEWATER GROUPS PROTECT LAND AND ACCESS ON THE CONTOOCOOK RIVER (NH)

American Whitewater and Merrimack Valley Paddlers have reached an agreement to purchase a 10-acre parcel fronting on Contoocook River in Henniker, NH. The land serves as an important launch point for whitewater paddlers enjoying the popular section of the river that runs from Hillsborough to Henniker. This section of the Contoocook River contains rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to Class IV.

The two groups are working with the Five Rivers Conservation Trust to establish a conservation easement that will permanently protect public river access and the ecological value of the land. Continued access to this section of the river will draw paddlers to the region, benefitting the local economy.

“We are very pleased to have been able to protect access to one of the most significant whitewater paddling opportunities in the region,” according to Bob Nasdor, American Whitewater Northeast Stewardship Director.

The project will also serve as a memorial to Cliff Eisner, a kayaker, as well as a local teacher at John Stark Regional High School, who died in a kayak accident on the Saco River in 2006. 

American Whitewater and Merrimack Valley Paddlers have secured in excess of $40,000 dollars in donations that will enable the groups to purchase and protect the property. The groups have received strong support from local paddlers, conservationists, public officials, and businesses from the Henniker area.

Additional funds are still needed to establish the easement and improve access on the property. Contributions may be sent to American Whitewater, c/o Took Access Project, P.O. Box 1540, Cullowhee, NC 28723

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American Whitewater is a national non-profit 501(c)3 river conservation and recreation organization founded in 1954. AW has over 5,500 members and 100 affiliate organizations, representing tens of thousands of whitewater paddlers across the nation. American Whitewater’s mission is to protect and restore our nation’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.

Merrimack Valley Paddlers is a non-profit corporation chartered under NH state law comprised of canoe, kayak and raft enthusiasts with special interest in paddling various whitewater rivers in New England, especially in south central New Hampshire.  

For more information, contact:

Bob Nasdor 617-584-4566

bob@americanwhitewater.org