Journal Moves to More Sustainable Production Model

10/15/2024 - by Evan Stafford

The new Sept/Oct American Whitewater Journal should be landing in your mailbox soon and you may notice it looks, feels, and maybe even smells a little different. You may also notice a couple of new logos inside this issue’s first few pages. The new look and feel, and these logos, represent our shift to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and to producing the Journal in a Pure Power certified facility that uses renewable energy sources. The team that produces the Journal has been eager to move to a more sustainable production model and reduce the environmental impact of the printed Journal. We explored some options and we’re happy to announce we’re now working with Modern Litho, a Pure Power facility, to help us achieve this with FSC-certified paper and the use of BioRenewable vegetable-based inks in their energy-efficient printing facility.

Celebration of Life for Chris Tulley Scheduled for Nov 2

10/10/2024 - by Evan Stafford

American Whitewater Board of Directors member, Chris Tulley, of Folsom, CA, passed away on Friday, October 4th while paddling the South Fork of the Feather River, near La Porte, California. The entire American Whitewater family is deeply saddened by his passing and eternally grateful for his dedication to our organization and river stewardship. Chris was a  longtime contributor to American Whitewater in numerous ways, including in his service as a Board member, as a volunteer working closely with our California staff, and as a lifetime member. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and those closest to him, and also to the team he was paddling with, who made every effort to rescue him. 

Reflections on Loss and Opportunity In Flood Ravaged Western North Carolina

10/09/2024 - by Kevin Colburn

I can still feel the lines in my body.  I close my eyes and I run the Green Narrows in my mind, and my body feels every move. As I think about the rapids, certain muscles tense, like a dog chasing rabbits in its dreams. Following Hurricane Helene, these moves, these currents, these images are now just dreams of a river forever lost. And like a wonderful dream, I want to hold on to it, knowing it's all that is left of the Green Narrows I knew so well. When I multiply my grief by all the rivers in the path of the hurricane, and all the people who have come to know them so well, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the collective loss. 

Forest Service Backs Elimination of Lochsa Area River Protections

10/09/2024 - by Kevin Colburn

The Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest recognized that 88 rivers on the National Forest lands they manage are eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. Normally this would mean the free-flowing nature and special values of these streams would be protected in a new forest management plan. Instead, the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest used a sketchy political process to release 76! of those rivers from protection. American Whitewater and several other groups appealed their decision, and this week our appeal was essentially denied. The appeal decision requires the National Forest to address some logical and factual inconsistencies with how the agency released the rivers, but defends their ability to do so. 

Image: John Webster

Montana Walks Back Proposed Fish Creek Paddling Ban

10/09/2024 - by Kevin Colburn

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) released their final Fish Creek Recreation Strategy earlier this week, in which they no longer propose to ban paddling as they had in their draft plan. We would like to thank MTFWP for listening to the public and eliminating what would have been a major mis-step in the management of the State’s rivers. The final plan does however contain concerning language around paddling, and the public should remain vigilant as the agency implements the plan. Specifically, the final plan states that “FWP will assess recreational floating, user conflicts, and the alteration of [woody debris]” with the goal to “Provide a high-quality wade fishing experience and protect fish habitat,” and based on the principle that, “when feasible, recreation uses will be separated to prevent conflict.” While monitoring and protecting habitat is appreciated, this framework continues to wrongly cast paddling as a threat to other users and habitat. 

New Public Safety Conditions for PG&E’s Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project (CA)

10/03/2024 - by Dave Steindorf

Last week, state and federal agencies mandated new safety and environmental measures for PG&E’s Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project on the San Joaquin River (CA), following an advocacy effort by American Whitewater. The new conditions will reduce dangerous water surges and improve river health by requiring coordinated dam operations and natural flow releases. American Whitewater is calling on FERC to implement these safety measures immediately.

Hurricane Helene Update and Resources

10/03/2024 - by Bethany Overfield

Although we are devastated and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction of Hurricane Helene, we are inspired by the resourceful heroes in our communities that are digging-in and finding multitudes of ways to help—scores of folks, many of whom are boaters, are leading the charge in recovery efforts. Our network is uniquely equipped as helpers, and we are grateful. Many people have reached out to ask us how they can help and where to direct funds. There are many wonderful organizations doing deeply impactful work. We’re happy to list a few of the local organizations we know working to address immediate needs in affected communities. This list will change over time as needs shift. A continually updated list will live at the bottom of this article. 

Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc on River Community Including American Whitewater

09/30/2024 - by Evan Stafford

Massive flooding, landslides, and wind damage related to Hurricane Helene has put western North Carolina, southeast Tennessee and other parts of the region in crisis, and many in our river loving community, including members of the American Whitewater staff and board have been severely affected. Infrastructure including modes of communication and roads critical to deliveries of essential goods have been destroyed and it may be some time before anything resembling normal business returns to the area. This includes American Whitewater offices and some staff, so please forgive us in advance if we are slow to respond or we can not be reached. 

In the coming days we’ll be sharing ways our community from far and wide can help as those avenues become more clear, and in the meantime we’re sending all the love and healing vibes we can to our friends and family who are feeling the effects of the widespread damage to one of the true homes to American Whitewater, and to one of the longest standing and influential communities of river runners in the country. Our hearts are with you and we’ll be making ourselves available to help in any way that we can.

Fall 2024 Update on California Whitewater Boating Releases

09/16/2024 - by Scott Harding

American Whitewater is excited to announce several fall 2024 whitewater boating releases in California, including multiple releases on the North Fork Feather, South Fork Feather, and Pit River in September and October. Plus, Feather Fest is coming right up on September 27-29 and we have opportunities for volunteers to help make the event a success! Read on for full details.

American Whitewater Gives Voice to Recreation in Grand Canyon

09/12/2024 - by Kestrel Kunz

In August, American Whitewater staff traveled to the south rim of the Grand Canyon to meet with agency leaders and nonprofit partners to advocate for river recreation in talks about the future of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 established the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program and Work Group. Many of our partners sit on this working group, an advisory committee charged with making recommendations for reservoir management and allocating funding for monitoring and research in the Grand Canyon. We anticipate that the Bureau of Reclamation will release a draft operations plan in late 2024, or early 2025, determining water cuts and potentially only annual water delivery amounts. We have continually pushed to see more granularity in the analysis, so that the public can understand how river flows will be affected on a monthly and daily basis, but it is very likely that Reclamation will punt a more detailed analysis to a subsequent review process known as, the Long-Term Experimental Management Plan. Hit the read more button to learn more about what specifically we advocated for. 

Iron Gate Cofferdam Breached, Klamath River Freed

09/12/2024 - by Evan Stafford

On August 28th, Tribal members gathered alongside government officials and nonprofit partners to cheer as the final cofferdam was breached at Iron Gate reservoir, freeing the Klamath River from Lake Ewauna to the Pacific Ocean. After over two decades of Tribal advocacy, an agreement was reached to remove four hydroelectric dams, Iron Gate, Copco 1 and 2, and JC Boyle, re-opening over 400 miles of the river and tributaries to the legendary salmon runs that have been stifled by these impoundments for over a century. We expect river recreation opportunities to start sometime in 2025, however there are a number of access and other management issues we are working to address before boaters begin to descend the free-flowing river corridor. The Shasta Indian Nation is prepared to welcome people to their lands, but is also still in the process of developing  a management plan for visitor use and a mechanism for funding stewardship of project lands they are set to receive. It’s an honor to participate in the return of ownership to the Tribes of their most spiritual land, and we can not wait to see the reclaiming of the river through the Paddle Tribal Waters students first descent of a free-flowing Klamath!

We Want to Hear From YOU in our Community Survey

09/12/2024 - by Evan Stafford

Calling All River Lovers! We want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re a member of American Whitewater or not, your voice matters. Take our quick survey and help shape the future of American Whitewater.

Why Take the Survey?
WIN an Immersion Research Drysuit of choice!
Second & third place winners score some sweet American Whitewater gear and apparel.
Help us serve you and our community better!

Your input counts! This survey isn’t just for members. If you’re passionate about whitewater rivers, we want to know what you value most so we can better serve our entire river-loving community. Please share this post with your network!

Take the Survey Today!

National Park Service Shares 2024 Gauley Season Details (WV)

08/23/2024 - by Kevin Colburn

American Whitewater is happy to share an open letter to boaters from the great rangers and staff of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, which contains some new information this year. This letter will keep you up to date on important management actions of the National Park Service on the Gauley River for the 2024 season. In addition, as part of our agreement with the land owner, there is no camping allowed on the Legg field that American Whitewater leases for overflow parking. As always, respect this and other private property. Enjoy, be safe, and be ready to help others out there. 

North Fork Kern (CA) Kern River #3 Relicensing Comparative Flow Study

08/08/2024 - by Jeff Venturino

Southern California Edison is currently in the process of relicensing their Kern River #3 (KR3) hydroelectric project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In support of that effort they have been conducting a Whitewater Boating Study for the last two paddling seasons. We’re amplifying SCE’s request for participation in their Flow Comparison Study for flows on the North Fork Kern below Fairview Dam. Your participation can help to shape the future of flows on the North Fork Kern! More information about the KR3 relicensing is available at SCE’s relicensing website.

Watauga River (NC) Reopened to Boating, at Least Temporarily

08/08/2024 - by Kevin Colburn

On July 12, American Whitewater was granted status as an intervenor in a contested case pending in North Carolina challenging the rights of the public to recreate on short sections of the Boone Fork and Watauga Rivers upstream of their confluence. In addition, on August 1, the existing temporary restraining order was modified to include the following language: “This Order is not intended to, and does not, prohibit or limit navigation of the stream segments by individuals in kayaks or other recreational watercraft.”

Our ability to respond to this threat and others like it is an example of your member contributions at work. Without your support we would not have been unable to mount such a strong and swift challenge in this case. But we must remain vigilant. Please consider renewing your membership, or making an additional donation today to ensure we can continue to stay engaged, and be prepared to respond when new threats arise. 

You can join or renew your membership here, or make an additional contribution via our donation page.

Restoring Flows in Colorado

08/07/2024 - by Hattie Johnson

American Whitewater has been advocating for healthy rivers and flows for recreation as an integral pillar of Colorado’s Water Plan since it was directed by an Executive Order in 2013 by then Governor Hickenlooper. Our flow study approach was later included in the plan’s nonconsumptive needs toolbox and, as recently as last year, our collaboration with river based businesses and conservation organizations made significant changes to the updated water plan. We’ve long identified a need to fully grasp the quantification of water needs for recreation and risks to them under future drier conditions. Over the past year we have been working to do just that on a statewide scale.

American Whitewater Releases Decision Making Tool for Gunnison River (CO)

08/07/2024 - by Kestrel Kunz

This Spring, American Whitewater released an interactive web tool that analyzes how flows in the lower Gunnison River meet environmental and recreational flow needs. The goal of the tool is to create a better understanding of the relationship between recreational and environmental flow needs in the Gunnison River and to inform reservoir releases when there is flexibility in the system. With the tool complete, we aim to work with both river managers and the general public to ensure that the tool is used effectively to help educate river users and inform river management. If you are interested in learning more about the tool and how to use it or if you have feedback about the tool, please reach out to Kestrel Kunz at kestrel@americanwhitewater.org.

Thank you for completing our community survey!

08/02/2024 - by American Whitewater

Your voice is an essential contribution to our work, thank you for helping shape the path ahead. By completing this survey you have been entered into a prize drawing - winners will be drawn and announced this fall.

Join or renew your membership!
If you would like to become a member, or renew your membership, you can sign up at our online membership form. 

Give an additional gift to the rivers you love!
If you are already a member, please consider making an additional generous contribution in this 70th Anniversary year via our donation page. 

Thank you for being a part of the whitewater community and supporting American Whitewater. 

-The American Whitewater Team

Local Counties' Proposal Falls Short at Protecting the Dolores River (CO)

07/28/2024 - by Kestrel Kunz

American Whitewater responds to a proposal from Mesa and Montrose Counties in Colorado that does not adequately protect the Dolores River and it's broader landscape. The canyons, mountains, and tributaries that surround the Dolores River make up the most biodiverse and largest unprotected landscape in Colorado. Rivers and their surrounding landscapes are interconnected and in order to have a healthy watershed the management of the adjacent lands is very important. The two counties' proposal encompasses only 7.5% of the landscape proposed for protection by American Whitewater and our partners. It’s been over 50 years since people came together to try and protect this landscape. With the increasing threat of climate change, destructive development, and an exploding population, the Dolores River and its canyons can’t afford to wait another decade or even another 5 years before action is taken.

Keep Updated on Rivers Affected by Fires with the AW Wildfire Info Map

07/25/2024 - by Scott Harding

It's peak fire season in much of the country and active wildfires are currently burning along several whitewater rivers in the West. Be sure to check the American Whitewater Wildfire Information Map for the latest details on whether there's an active wildfire that could affect your time on the river. It's the only map that combines detailed information on whitewater runs with constantly updated fire locations, air quality info, and more.