AW would like to congratulate Chris Iverson for being voted AW's Volunteer of the Month for August.  Chris is our newest Regional Coordinator, and works with us through the Conewago Canoe Club, based in Southcentral Pennsylvania.  Chris is just one of a motivated group of paddlers that have stepped up to work with the power company, agencies, and other stakeholders on a project that may lead to dam and channel modifications on the Susquehanna River at Holtwood Dam.  The changes are coming in the form of a license amendment proposed by the power company. 

 

AW was alerted to this issue by Chris and other local boaters, concerned that the proposed modifications would destroy the great playboating opportunities below Holtwood Dam.  It turns out they were right to be concerned.  AW worked with local boaters to file detailed comments and study requests, and then the paddlers gained a seat at the negotiations table.  Subsequently, Chris and the others have negotiated studies, the hiring of consultants, and potential ways of resolving the problems with the project. 

 

Chris was emphatic that we also recognize the rest of the Holtwood Crew that includes jeremy Laucks, Shirly Koty, Joe Stumpfel, and others.  We agree, everyone is doing a great job on this unique and challenging project.  We hope to have reached a settlement this fall that protects paddlers' interests while allowing more hydro-generation, and better fish passage at an existing dam. 

 

Congratulations Chris - and Thank You!