Seattle, WA - American Whitewater announced today that it has received a $2000 grant from Therm-a-Rest® and SealLine® to further develop a regional program in the Pacific Northwest focused on the whitewater rivers of the Pacific Coastal River systems, East and West slopes of the Cascades, and the Columbia Basin. Support from Therm-a-Rest and SealLine will assist the regional stewardship program and allow American Whitewater to provide additional focus on an emerging project on the Green River in Washington State, protecting it for future generations and enhancing public recreation opportunities.

The Green River is one of the most scenic river canyons in the country and accessible to a population of more than 3 (three) million people living in the Puget Sound region. Despite the proximity to the city, the canyon is in a remote setting providing a spectacular wilderness escape resource highly valued for the benefits it provides to recreation, scenery, wildlife, and fishery resources. Testifying to the international significance of this river as a paddling destination, the Green River is one of fifty North American Rivers profiled in the book Whitewater Classics.

"We are proud to partner with American Whitewater and support their work to protect and restore waterways that offer the public a meaningful connection with nature," said Tami Fairweather, PR and Events Manager for Therm-a-Rest and SealLine. "We felt especially compelled to help with this project, as it is in our own Pacific Northwest backyard."

In addition to receiving support from Therm-a-Rest® and SealLine®, American Whitewater river stewardship work is aided by membership, contributions, and outdoor industry support from Clif Bar, Dagger Kayaks, Jackson Kayak, Keen Footwear, Kokatat, Teva, Patagonia, and Wavesport.

About Therm-a-Rest® and SealLine®
For over thirty years, Seattle-based Cascade Designs®, makers of Therm-a-Rest and SealLine products, has led the outdoor industry in the design and manufacture of innovative gear and equipment, including the first self-inflating camping mattress and a wide range of dry bags for gear protection. Today, Cascade Designs' products are in use around the globe providing outdoor adventurers and explorers with gear they can rely on, even in the most challenging environments. For more information on Cascade Designs or links to our premium brands: MSR®; Therm-a-Rest®; SealLine®; Platypus®; Tracks® and VARILITE®, please visit www.cascadedesigns.com.

About American Whitewater
Founded in 1954, American Whitewater is a national organization with a mission "to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely." American Whitewater is a membership organization representing a broad diversity of individual whitewater enthusiasts, river conservationists, and more than 100 local paddling club affiliates across America. The organization is the primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater resources throughout the United States, and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve the goals within its mission. For more information on American Whitewater, please visit www.americanwhitewater.org.