American Whitewater, with the help of Merrimack Valley Paddlers and local boaters, has completed its effort to acquire, protect and donate property along the Contoocook River. AW has long been involved with the Contoocook and was active in the sucessful effort in 2004 that resulted in the removal of a dam that extended the whitewater section of the river near the takeout.  The recent acquisition of land at the put-in will assure that paddlers will continue to have access to the Class III/IV section of the river which is a popular run in southern New Hampsire for paddlers throughout New England. After acquiring the property in August, AW worked with a local conservation group, Five Rivers Conservation Trust, to create a conservation easement on the property that will protect the property from development and assure permanent access for boaters. The property was then donated to the town of Henniker who will hold title to the property and maintain it as conservation land. AW and MVP want to express our gratitude to the boating community, Five Rivers Conservation Trust, Henniker Board of Selectmen, Henniker Conservation Commission, and to the local businesses, paddling clubs and individuals who provided the financial support for this project. AW is accepting donations to complete a parking area, signage and a memorial in memory of Cliff Eisher, a local paddler from Henniker, for whom the property will be dedicated. Donations may be sent to American Whitewater c/o Took Access Fund, P.O. Box 1540, Cullowhee, NC 28723.