Opportunity to Comment on Need for Improved Access to Row River (OR)
04/04/2025 - by Thomas O'Keefe
The Army Corps of Engineers is currently updating their Master Plan for Cottage Grove and Dorena Lakes in the Willamette River Basin, Lane County, Oregon, and American Whitewater is encouraging the local paddling community to provide comments on the need for parking for day use and a trail to the river that is accessible to the public for hand-carry craft during the winter paddling season. This Master Plan identifies Future Management Needs for Recreation and references a need to “improve Row River public access” at Schwarz Campground, but provides no details on who this would serve or how it might be implemented.
2025 Recreational Flows for Slab Creek & Ice House (CA)
03/11/2025 - by Theresa Lorejo-Simsiman
American Whitewater has negotiated 2025 recreational flow dates for the Upper American River Hydroelectric Project operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, including the Slab Creek and Ice House runs. Thus far, California’s snowpack and rainfall sets up excellent whitewater opportunities for the South Fork American River below Slab Creek Dam and South Fork Silver Creek below Ice House Dam. The forecasted water year for the watershed will give us six days of scheduled flows for Slab Creek and four days of flows on Ice House. Based on boater feedback, Slab Creek will have flow level days in the range of 850, 900, 1000, and 1100 cfs. Flows on Ice House will be 400 and 500 cfs.
Photo provided by Trevor Croft Rafting Magazine
Help Stop New Access Fee and Bridge Access Ban in NC
03/10/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is proposing an annual $30 license to use the river access sites they manage, and at the same time legislators are proposing legislation that would make it illegal to put in or take out almost anywhere else, namely at public bridges and right-of-ways. Together these proposals squeeze boaters onto relatively few rivers where they must pay a fee. Obviously this is a huge problem and we need our community in North Carolina to take action by contacting your legislator and the NCWRC to protect our river access in the state. Let your NC rep know how you feel about the access bill by finding your legislator here and let the agency know how you feel about their proposed “Conservation License” here.
NF American River's (CA) Yankee Jim's Bridge Closing on March 24th
03/05/2025 - by Jeff Venturino
Placer County Public Works is moving forward with the replacement of Yankee Jim’s Bridge and a hard closure of the board on both sides of the river is likely to begin March 24th, although that timeline could move back a week or two. The road will be closed for the duration of the 2025 paddling season, and on the Colfax side until the end of 2027. In February 2026 there will be partial springtime walk-in access from the Foresthill side only. American Whitewater has advocated for improved access outcomes and temporary access solutions on this necessary public works project since its inception. Replacing the bridge will improve parking, provide a more durable and accessible stairway to the river, and allow for emergency and fire vehicles to cross the North Fork American now and in the future. Additional updates to the project and timeline will be posted at yankeejimsbridge.com.
Stewarding Our Public Lands and Waters Requires a Workforce
02/24/2025 - by Evan Stafford
Public land agencies like the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been chronically underfunded, and as visitors to these lands have increased, our workforce stewarding them has not. These agencies manage thousands of miles of rivers critically important to our clean water supply and recreation economies. They are now being stripped disproportionately of their on-the-ground staff who play a direct role in managing rivers and the infrastructure we rely on to access them. American Whitewater works closely with agency staff, and while we don’t always agree on every issue, we deeply respect the work they do and it’s important we speak up and defend them from unwarranted firings, which leave our public lands and waters vulnerable. Our public lands and waters need you to raise your voice in support of their workforce and we’ve made it super simple to do right now by reaching out to Congress using our easy-action form.
Grant Funding Freeze Creates Uncertainty for River Projects
02/12/2025 - by Clinton Begley
Federal grants play an important role in amplifying the membership contributions and donations that sustain American Whitewater’s mission. These grants account for a significant portion of our budget, supporting important projects that protect and enhance river access and recreation opportunities across the country. An example of recent success is the creation of our revised river safety code, open source river signage toolbox, and river safety video series, all produced under grant funding from the United States Coast Guard. We have also had several partnership agreements with the Forest Service and National Park Service over the years allowing agencies to leverage our expertise and skills to improve river access. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued in January has created new uncertainty around federal funding destined for all kinds of causes you may care about. This includes over $400,000 in grant funding awarded to American Whitewater for work this year. Although a judge in Rhode Island has temporarily blocked the memo, the future of these projects remains uncertain, threatening to stall or cancel efforts that benefit our members and local communities.
Protect America’s Outdoor Heritage
02/12/2025 - by Evan Stafford
The American system for preserving public lands and supporting its citizens' access to them has been the envy of the world, but it’s currently under attack. Use our easy-action form to ask your lawmakers to support a new bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Zinke (MT-1) and Congressman Vasquez (NM-2) that helps keep public lands and waters in public hands by requiring congressional approval for the large-scale transfer or disposal of public lands and waters.
Support Colorado River Access with a Night of Films
02/10/2025 - by Hattie Johnson
Join American Whitewater and the Roaring Fork Kayak Club for a night of river films, including, River of Sorrows, on February 20th in Glenwood Springs at the Vaudeville Theater. Doors will open at 5:30 and films begin at 6. We are fundraising for incredibly important work to defend and expand legal access to rivers in Colorado. Access is foundational in our ability to enjoy, restore and protect our rivers. Rig to Flip is creating a new and exciting film to describe the confusing - and definitely not public friendly - state of river access. Get your tickets and enter to win awesome prizes here. You do not have to be present to win, so grab a $5 ticket and you could win a drysuit!
Comment Period Extended - Weigh in on Grand Canyon Fees and Management Today!
01/28/2025 - by Kestrel Kunz
American Whitewater is formally commenting on the drastic proposed fee increases for the Grand Canyon and you should too. At the start of the year, the National Park Service proposed a 244% increase for non-commercial permit fees for the Grand Canyon effective March 1, 2025. Non-commercial permit fees would increase from $90 to $310 per person. In addition, a new $55 fee is proposed for trips from Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry. Comment on the proposed fee increase now!
West Rosebud Creek Releases Now Scheduled and More Reliable (MT)
01/28/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
American Whitewater and our affiliate club, Beartooth Paddlers have worked with the power company and other stakeholders to simplify and schedule the summer recreational pulse flows on West Rosebud Creek, located southeast of Livingston, MT. For the past decade these dam releases have mitigated some of the hydropower project’s impacts on recreation, but their unpredictability caused challenges for visitors as well as dam operators. The new approach will remedy those issues, and now the public can plan their boating trips to West Rosebud Creek well in advance. Under the new approach, whitewater releases will be conducted the first weekend in July (Saturday and Sunday releases) and the second and third Saturdays (only) in July. These dates have been scheduled for the next ten years.
Speak Up for Strong Permits for Nolichucky River Work
01/16/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
State and federal agencies in both North Carolina and Tennessee are in the process of issuing permits that will allow CSX to continue rebuilding their railroad through the Nolichucky River Gorge. CSX has already mined massive amounts of rock from the riverbed of the Nolichucky in Tennessee to save money on the reconstruction of their rail line, and is working their way into the heart of the Gorge in North Carolina. Current approaches to issuing permits for the work appear unlikely to stop CSX from causing significant additional damage through rock removal. CSX needs approvals for their work from a number of managing entities and your voice asking for strong standards for the mining of any rock from the river gorge will go a long way towards protecting the Noli. Take action today!
Comment on Proposed Management Plan for Flathead River Forks (MT)
01/15/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
The Flathead National Forest is looking to create a new river management plan for the Wild and Scenic forks of the Flathead River. They’ve shared a “proposed action” that is a draft sketch of what they intend to include in the plan, and are seeking public comment by February 7, 2025. The forks of the Flathead River offer boaters the chance to fly, hike, ride a horse or drive into various sections to experience clear emerald water, excellent scenery, and the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, through trips that allow for a lot of freedom and flexibility. The Forest Service proposes to implement some good river protection measures, require a permit but not to limit the number of permits, and to track use and other metrics based in part of proposed user capacities. Boaters are encouraged to read the proposed action and share your thoughts with the Forest Service.
Forest Service Abandons Idaho River Protections
01/14/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
On January 10th, the U.S. Forest Service released the Final Record of Decision (ROD) for the updated Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest Management Plan. The decision protects only 12 rivers as potential Wild and Scenic Rivers, down from 29 rivers that had been protected for decades, and the 88 that the agency found eligible for protection under the new plan. The decision will allow the agency to carry out other management actions called for in the plan without safeguarding the unprotected streams’ recreational, scenic, and fisheries values. Many hundreds of people spoke up through public comments seeking and defending river protections throughout the decade-plus long forest planning process, to no avail. The new forest plan will govern the management of the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest for roughly the next 20 years, unless it is invalidated through litigation.
2025 Southeast Advanced Release Schedule
12/18/2024 - by Kevin Colburn
American Whitewater and our affiliate clubs have spent the past 25 years working to restore flows to incredible Southeastern rivers impacted by dams. A lot of our work has focused on releases and access on Class II and III rivers like the lower Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Hiwassee, and Catawba, but we also secured releases in some classic steeper reaches previously dewatered by hydroelectric diversions. Each year we meet with power companies and agencies to schedule future releases, review ongoing ecology studies, and discuss any issues with the release programs. We strive to create a schedule with minimal conflicts to maximize recreational value. Below are the 2023 dates for the Class IV/V Cheoah, Nantahala Cascades & Upper, West Fork Tuck, and Tallulah rivers. Also 2025 marks the third year of releases on the Great Falls of the Catawba! Thankfully, none of these rivers were significantly affected by Hurricane Helene.
2024 Board Of Directors Election - Current Members Please Vote Now!
12/17/2024 - by Evan Stafford
Each year American Whitewater's membership ratifies Board of Director members to serve three-year terms. These candidates volunteer to serve on the American Whitewater Board. Current American Whitewater members can cast their votes through Midnight Pacific Time, December 27th. American Whitewater has two Director Nominees to fill two open seats in this election, and you may vote for up to two candidates on the slate. The ballot for our Board of Directors election is placed online here. Reminder, you need to be an American Whitewater member to vote.
Help Determine the Future for a Free Flowing Lower Snake River
12/10/2024 - by Thomas O'Keefe
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is requesting public input on a survey to determine recreational interests and opportunities in and along the Lower Snake River, should it return to a free-flowing state. The survey, which takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete, is intended to capture insights on current and potential future recreation activities, preferences, and accessibility needs. The benefits of a restored lower Snake River will be enormous–including opportunities for people to experience a thriving ecosystem and healthy water, Tribal cultural sites restoration, protection, and education, and significantly expanded recreation/outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, rafting, kayaking, birding, hunting, and much more.
Georgia Right to Float Committee Wraps Up
12/10/2024 - by Kevin Colburn
A legislative committee that spent much of 2024 exploring Georgia’s stream access laws has wrapped up its work with a final report. The report discusses the various perspectives the committee heard during their outreach, and issued a list of recommendations that support keeping stream access laws as they are. River enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief that the committee recommended against legislating a list of rivers where the public has–and does not have–the right to paddle. American Whitewater would like to commend our many community members and partners who shared the incredible value of paddling Georgia’s rivers with the committee.
Take a Look at Our Goals to Expand and Improve River Access in 2025
12/10/2024 - by Evan Stafford
What does having safe river access mean to you and your family? For most of you reading this, we’d be willing to wager it’s incredibly important for your quality of life and something you cherish. Take a look at some of our ambitious goals to improve and expand river access across the country in our 2024 Winter Stewardship Update! You should know, we have big plans for 2025. From dam removals, new instream flows in dewatered rivers, and securing new Wild and Scenic designations, to new access sites, influencing National Forest Plans and sharing an updated American Whitewater River Safety Code, we’ll have our work cut out for us. If our past success is any indication, we’ll surely rise to the challenge, but we can't do it without your support to keep us on track.
2024 American Whitewater Calendar Now Available!
12/10/2024 - by Evan Stafford
Each year, we collect the best photos from our gracious (and incredibly talented) community and pick out our favorites for our annual calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales support our river stewardship work. It's an awesome fundraiser and a product that we know you'll love! Keep AW close all year long. Purchase a calendar from our webstore for $25. These make the perfect gift for all the whitewater enthusiasts in your life! Calendars for those of you who receive them as a membership perk, should land in mailboxes soon.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers directs CSX to stop mining Nolichucky River
12/10/2024 - by Kevin Colburn
Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a letter to CSX Transportation, ordering the rail company to stop mining the Nolichucky River for rock and fill. The letter comes after the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of American Rivers and American Whitewater, sued the Army Corps and two other federal agencies for approving CSX’s harmful mining practices in the Nolichucky River Gorge. Our community support in this effort to halt the illegal mining played a significant role in convincing the court that a stop work order was necessary–thank you Noli River lovers!