AW in the MidWest
The Midwest is not particularly well known for its whitewater; however, there are hundreds of gems scattered around the region and every state boasts at least one whitewater prize.
Comment in Support of Whitewater Recreation on the Montreal River (WI/MI)
11/13/2024 - by Thomas O’Keefe
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has provided public notice that they will be reviewing license applications for the Gile Flowage, Saxon Falls, and Superior Falls hydroelectric projects. Their review will impact the future of whitewater opportunities on the West Branch Montreal and Montreal Canyon, including flow management, flow data, and public access. The good news is Northern States Power Company has filed license applications that include accommodations for whitewater recreation. Comments can play a crucial role in documenting the whitewater boating community’s interest in this river and in advocating for accommodations in a future license order. The most effective action our members can take is to provide a brief personal comment—just a paragraph or two—highlighting local support for the river. Click the Read More button below to file your personal comment. Thank You!
Relicensing of Montreal River Hydropower Projects Begins (WI)
05/30/2020 - by Thomas O'Keefe
In December 2019 Northern States Power submitted their Notice of Intent and Preliminary Application Document to relicense both the Saxon Falls and Superior Falls Hydroelectric Projects. These two projects regulate flows on the West Branch Montreal and Montreal Canyon. Both of these runs are enjoyed by paddlers from across the Midwest and offer opportunities that are unique to the region. American Whitewater will be filing formal comments and a study request within the next week requesting an evaluation of flow needs for whitewater boating and adequacy of accommodations for public access to the river. Paddlers in the region who know the river can help by filing personal comments.
Grandfather Falls Licensing About to Get Underway (WI)
12/06/2012 - by Thomas O'Keefe
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recently announced the commencement of relicensing proceedings for the Tomahawk and Grandfather Falls Hydroelectric Projects in Wisconsin. We are pleased to report that FERC has identified whitewater recreation as one of the issues requiring study and analysis and has proposed a whitewater flow study. Paddlers have the opportunity to attend next week's public meeting and file written comments.
Requirements to Provide Whitewater Recreation Upheld for Fox River (WI)
10/22/2011 - by Thomas O'Keefe
In an important affirmation of the value of whitewater recreation at federally-licensed hydropower projects, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruled that licensee's have a responsibility to provide recreational opportunities in accordance with area needs. The fact that risk may be involved in such activities as whitewater boating does not obviate a licensee’s responsibility to provide these opportunities.
Gresham Municipal Utilities Initiates Licensing Process for Red River Dams (WI)
08/16/2010 - by Thomas O'Keefe
Over the past few months Gresham Municipal Utilities has been gearing up to relicense their hydroelectric projects on the Red River. As paddlers know operation of the Weed Dam impacts flows on the Red River. American Whitewater can provide technical assistance on the project but we are seeking a local volunteer or group of volunteers willing to invest some time in this process over the next few years.
FERC pulls the plug on Cuyahoga (OH)
06/18/2007 - by Thomas O'Keefe
In a letter dated June 14th, 2007, FERC officially pulled the plug on the proposed hydropower project on an old outdated dam on the Cuyahoga River.
WW Releases begin on Chippewa River, WI
07/08/2004 - by John Gangemi
Xcel Energy starts releases on the Chippewa River in Wisconsin this weekend. Four releases are scheduled for this summer. Enjoy this whitewater opportunity. Boat safely and be sure to sign-in.
Associated Projects
Brooke Lynch
Eiusmod quia occaeca
Clean Water Act
American Whitewater's advocacy to protect water quality.
Cuyahoga Restoration (OH)
A new hydro license proposal would dewater a nice rapid and preclude opportunities for dam removal.
Fox River
American Whitewater has worked to provide flows and access to section of the Fox River impacted by hydropower.
Jim Falls (WI)
AW has advocated for restoration of recreational opportunities on the Chippewa River impacted by the Jim Falls Hydro Project.
Kinnickinnic River Restoration
American Whitewater supports opportunities to restore the Kinnickinnic River through hydropower licensing of the River Falls Hydroelectric Project
Red River (WI)
AW works for protection and restoration of the recreational and conservation values of this river corridor.
Associated News
Upcoming Events
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Kaukauna (WI) Releases (4 per year)
10:00 am -2:00 pm america/swift_current Releases occur as long as inflow is greater than 3000 cfs.6000-3000 cfs |
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Kaukauna (WI) Releases (4 per year)
10:00 am -2:00 pm america/swift_current Releases occur as long as inflow is greater than 3000 cfs.6000-3000 cfs |
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Events
| Jim Falls Releases |
Jim Falls,WI
runs 07/14/07 - 08/11/24 [+] favorites |
| Black River Release |
Jackson County,WI
runs 10/18/02 - 09/14/24 [+] favorites |
| Thomson Dam Whitewater Release |
Duluth,MN
runs 07/06/19 - 09/01/24 [+] favorites |
| National Paddling Film Festival |
Frankfort,KY
runs 02/17/17 - 02/18/17 [+] favorites |
| Kaukauna (WI) Releases (4 per year) |
Kaukauna,WI
runs 09/28/19 - 10/04/25, next 06/21/25 [+] favorites |
| Grandfather Falls |
Rock Falls,WI
runs 05/30/20 - 06/01/24 [+] favorites |
(iCal)