rgnews

It's now time to start thinking about multi-day trips for this spring and there are several great opportunities on Western Rivers. Many of these rivers require you to fill out a lottery application and deadlines are coming up. Check out our database of permits and start planning that trip.

Yosemite National Park is currently seeking your input as they develop alternatives for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan. Boating is currently banned throughout most of the Park, and we are pleased to see that it is being considered on additional stretches of the river. Your comments can help support opening the entire length of the Wild and Scenic Merced River within the Park to canoes, kayaks and rafts! Comments are due December 14th, 2011.  

Legislation that threatens the integrity of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System has moved out of Committee Hearings and will soon be put to a vote on the House Floor. HR 2578 proposes to roll back the designated boundary of California's Wild and Scenic Merced River. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is one of the strongest tools that we have to protect the free-flowing rivers we value for future generations, and HR 2578 is a slippery slope for Wild and Scenic Rivers throughout the country. Please contact your Representatives today!

Join AW Staff and Volunteers on the Pit River in Northern California this weekend!  Whitewater releases are scheduled for October 1st/2nd, and October 15th/16th and are expected to be about 850-950 cfs. Come on out Saturday night and join us at the Pit River Recreation Area to celebrate the releases and get caught up on our Stewardship work in California. We look forward to seeing you on the river!

The Feather River Festival will kick off this Friday, September 23rd with films from the National Paddling Film Festival, and the weekend will be filled with river events for all ages and skill levels.  We hope to see you there! 

On June 30, 2011, PG&E dropped the flow on the Poe Reach of the North Fork Feather River in California from ~2,000 cfs to a mere 114 cfs, leaving egg masses laid by the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog high and dry.  American Whitewater and partner California Sportfishing Protection Alliance called upon the State Water Resources Control Board, FERC and PG&E to prevent this from happening again.  An investigation has been initiated.  

Whitewater boating flows will be coming to the Pit River in Northern California each October. On June 14, 2011, FERC issued an order approving four days of whitewater boating flows annually in the Pit 1 Bypass reach. These flows implement the 2003 license issued to PG&E by FERC for its operation of the Pit 1 Hydroelectric Project (FERC # 2687), and attempt to mitigate the loss of whitewater recreation on the Pit River due to the project. Fall 2011 releases have been scheduled for the weekends of October 1st/2nd and 15th/16th.

Unhappy with a plan to protect 1 million acres of land along the Grand Canyon from new uranium mining,  congressmen recently introduced a rider to an appropriations bill that would prevent these protections. Tell Congress that opening the Grand Canyon to new uranium mining would be a huge mistake!

American Whitewater, Placer County Water Agency and other stakeholders are collecting information about optimal boating flows on the Rubicon River in California. If you've boated the Rubicon between Hell Hole Dam and Ralston Afterbay in 2011 and haven't already done so, please fill out a survery about your experience. Your opinion will help determine future boating flows on the river!

American Whitewater and the Plumas National Forest have developed alternative access points for the Bald Rock Canyon and Devil's Canyon runs on the Middle Fork Feather through the end of July. Read more for details on what you'll need and how to get there... (updated 7/5/2011)

The paddling community is rallying to support a proposed 20-year federal moratorium on new uranium mining claims around Grand Canyon National Park, citing unacceptable risk to the recreational, environmental, and aesthetic values.  Read more to learn how to submit a comment of your own. 

The Merced Irrigation District wants to raise the dam at Lake McClure, which will illegally inundate portions of the Wild and Scenic Merced River in California.  In an effort to move forward, the Irrigation District's answer is to have Congress change the Wild and Scenic boundary.  If HR869 passes, it will be the first time a Wild and Scenic River boundary has been changed to allow for increased capacity of an existing reservoir.  Find out how you can stop this attack on the Merced River and Wild and Scenic Rivers everywhere.

We now have an updated map of all the Nation's Wild and Scenic Rivers available as a Google Earth layer that complements the data from our National Whitewater River Inventory that is also available in Google Earth.

The Obama Administration issued a report on America's Great Outdoors earlier today that lists river recreation as among the top ten priorities of a new federal action plan for reconnecting people with nature through human-powered outdoor recreation. The report summarizes the results of listening sessions held around the country last summer and fall as the Obama administration sought public input on its action plan for America's Great Outdoors initiative. The report reflects the robust participation of the whitewater paddling community for heeding the call and standing up at the listening sessions to be the voice of rivers

American Whitewater is pleased to introduce our newest staff member.  Last week Megan Hooker, of Portland, Oregon accepted the new half-time Stewardship Assistant position with American Whitewater.  Megan will provide vital support on river conservation and restoration projects around the West, with a strong focus on projects in California. 

Follow Roy McPure as he walks you through his vision for damming whitewater rivers to generate a little electricity and make money. Support for small or "run-of-river" dams is seeing an increase as people explore new ways of making money with old ways of making electricity in an era of climate change related tax incentives.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce a new employment opportunity with our organization.  The AW Stewardship Assistant is a part-time position based in California.  Resumes will be accepted through January 7, 2011. 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will increase and vary water flows in the Pit River in October to test and calibrate newly installed flow gates on the Pit 4 and Pit 5 dams in eastern Shasta County.

The 20th annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held September 24, 25, and 26, 2010. The Festival will coincide with the Rock Creek/Tobin scheduled releases on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, 2010. The fund-raiser event for American Whitewater is hosted by local paddling club, the Chico Paddleheads. The benefit event will be held at "Indian Jim School" campground located two miles upstream from the small town of Tobin and one mile upstream from Tobin Vista. Free camping and ample parking is available. Bring the whole family to enjoy, celebrate, and support the work American Whitewater has done to ensure regular, recreational whitewater releases on this amazing, classic California river!!

The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) held a meeting to receive public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the McCloud/ Pit Hydroelectric project in Northern California. At this meeting paddlers showed up to tell FERC staff that the McCloud is an important river that should be open to all. Find out how you can help.

FERC has released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the McCloud /Pit Hydroelectric Project in Northern California. In this document FERC staff provides their “preferred alternative” which gives more weight to angling than to recreational boating.  Find out what you can do to change FERC’s mind.

In association with the National Public Lands Day the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Watershed Research and Training Center will be hosting the annual clean up of the Trinity River and State Highway 299. Are you interested in volunteering with our clean up effort? WE NEED AND WELCOME YOU!

Act today to secure historic funding for river and trail access!  This week congress will consider fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund through offshore drilling revenues.  This fund is the best resource available for purchasing new river access and conservation easements, and has been underfunded in the past.  Please Act Today.

The National Park Service is working on the Wild and Scenic River Management Plans for both the Merced and  Tuolumne rivers.  American Whitewater recently had the opportunity to meet with the Park service and provide input into this planning process. Many rivers in the Park have been closed for decades, this meeting represents a huge step towards a future  boating access in Yosemite National Park.

 

The Obama Administration and the federal land management agencies are asking for your help as part of the new "America's Great Outdoors" Initiative. As such, the Administration is hosting a series of listening sessions around the country.  American Whitewater, and our partner organizations in the Outdoor Alliance are encouraging outdoor recreationists to attend these sessions and share your experiences.

Mokelumne recreational releases, 2010.   High spring flows have been steadily dropping and the Tiger Creek Canal is starting to divert water from the river.  

PG&E is expecting the following recreational flows June 26th & 27th:

Devil’s Nose – at put-in (M11) 900 cfs at takeout (M38) approx 1200 cfs
Remember that Devil’s Nose does not get recreational flow in Dry & CD years due to frogs.   Flows in Above Normal & Wet years usually run well above this flow.   This is a rare opportunity to catch this reach at this flow range.

Tiger Creek – at put-in (M59) approx 1450 cfs
Previous Tiger Creek boater survey’s from 2007, 2008 & 2009 where the flows ranged from 500 to 1000 cfs indicated folks would like to see more water in this reach during our rec flow days - so here it is!

The releases on the Pit River could be canceled this summer.  The California State Water Resources Control Board  has issued a 21 day notice that they will respond to the US Fish and Wildlife Service  recommending that the releases on the Pit River should be canceled this summer due to concerns about Shasta Crayfish.  Paddlers need to act now if these releases are going to be saved.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the whitewater park feasibility study on the Feather River in Oroville California. Download the report and attend the meeting on February 4^th in Oroville.

Yosemite National Park is starting fresh with a new river planning process for the Wild and Scenic Merced River and tributaries. The public can tell the park what they want studied in the plan by submitting comments before February 4, 2010. Yosemite severely limits whitewater boating in the park, so this is your chance to ask the planners to increase whitewater boating opportunities.

On October 13, 2009 East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EMUD) Board Members voted to approve their Waste Supply Management Program (WSMP) 2040. Proposals to enlarge Pardee Reservoir, included in this plan, remain a threat to our whitewater interests on the Molkelumne River.

American Whitewater has been working for three years to get improved flows on the McCloud River, quite possibly the best class III/ IV wilderness run in California. In order for this to become a reality we need your support!  

Nevada Irrigation District (NID) will be releasing 350 cfs into California's Bear River below Rollins Reservoir on Saturday,  and Sunday, November 14 & 15.  Releases will also happen from Wednesday to Sunday, November 18 to 22, 2009.   A third release of 200 cfs will happen from November 25 to 29.   NID, with the cooperation of AW, will conduct an “opportunistic flow study” to take advantage of these flows.

Boaters are getting a surprise fall boating season on the NF Feather river in California, due to dam maintainence.  Poe Dam to Poe powerhouse section will have flows through November and probably into December.   At the same time, a new AW online gauge has just started reporting flows in that same reach. 

If you have the day off, can get the day off, have a furlough day or can even call in sick we need boaters at the October 13th EBMUD Board of Directors Meeting where they will vote to certify the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for their Water Supply Management Plan 2040.

Show your support of American Whitewater and your love of the Feather River by volunteering some time at the Festival!

A short note regarding summer flows on the Pit River.  Releases of about 850 cfs will be happening Saturday and Sunday, August 29 & 30.  

There will be a whitewater release on the Rock Creek Reach of the Feather river this weekend (8/22-23).

Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill (SB 670) placing a moratorium on suction dredge mining in California.  This is a huge victory for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who enjoys California's rivers. 

 The 19th annual Feather River Festival (CA) will be held during the scheduled releases on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2009. The fund-raiser event for American Whitewater is hosted by local paddling club, the Chico Paddleheads.

Last summer and fall, and then through the winter and spring, AW worked with Licensees NID and PG&E to conduct "opportunistic flow studies" on numerous reaches within the Yuba Bear Drum Spaulding Relicensing project area. Surveys filled out by boaters are an important part of the "Recreational Flow Study" that is being conducted as part of the Relicensing process (Photo of Canyon Creek by Daniel Brasuell).

The State Legislature has proposed amendments to Senate Bill SB 14 and AB 64 that would allow Hydropower to be imported from out-of-state sources (including Canada and Mexico), as well as change the mega-wattage RPS qualifications for existing Hydropower in both California and out-of-state sources from 30mw to 50mw.  AW needs paddlers to write comment letters a.s.a.p.

AW is asking you to make a special effort on a critically urgent matter. Certain members of the legislature and the administration are attempting to pass a combined water bill package through the legislature that will provide for a "water czar" and tens of billions of dollars in fees and bonds to construct a peripheral canal and more dams. We are very concerned as to the implications this may have on the delta.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has written a letter to FERC and the State Water Resources Control Board recommending that the releases on the Pit River, above the Pit 1 Powerhouse, should be canceled this summer.  They cite concerns of potential impacts to Shasta Crayfish.  American Whitewater was not consulted before making this recommendation and USFWS staff has stated that impacts to recreation was not a consideration.  If you wish to boat the Pit this summer or in the future you need to write a letter now!

UPDATE AS OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Boating Study Releases Planned for Middle Yuba, South Fork Yuba and Canyon Creek

American Whitewater is partnering with Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to identify a preferred range of whitewater boating flows on numerous reaches in the Yuba and Bear watersheds. Information obtained from surveys completed by boaters will help us identify flow preferences for whitewater boating. Flow preferences determined from boater surveys will be used to evaluate possible effects on whitewater boating from Project operation and help define flow needs.

After three years of waiting a new flow schedule for the Cresta reach of the North Fork Feather River has been approved by FERC.  This flow shecdule is a result of colaboration between American Whitewater, PG&E and the State and Federal resource agencies. New higher base flows will begin on May 1st. 
 

Last week Senator Feingold (D-WI) reintroduced the Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA), S. 787. This legislation will maintain the basic protection for rivers that we all appreciate and likely take for granted through restoring the reach of the Clean Water Act to headwater streams.  We would like to thank Senator Feingold for looking out for one of our most basic human needs - clean water.   Please call your Senator in the next week and voice your support. 

Today, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Bill into law.  This action officially designates 86 new Wild and Scenic Rivers and protects well over 350,000 acres of public lands. American Whitewater actively participated in the development of several of the individual Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River proposals that were part of the Omnibus Bill.  We also advocated for the passage of the Omnibus Bill. This is truly a great day for rivers and wild places.

A new dam project is threatening the Mokelumne River.  The project will have significant impacts to whitewater resources on the Mokelumne.  Boaters need to act now to stop this project.

The DWR will present its first report regarding the research conducted for the proposed whitewater park. The meeting will take place on February 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the Oroville City Council Chambers. Local boaters and businesspeople are encouraged to attend to participate and be involved with the planning and final decision.

Our nation's leaders are currently considering the passage of a large economic stimulus package designed to put people to work and stimulate the economy.  All current versions of the package include significant funding for construction and restoration projects on federal lands.  American Whitewater has joined forces with other members of the Outdoor Alliance to compile a list of infrastructure projects that are important to the active outdoor recreation community.  Please offer your suggestions through our easy online survey.

Yesterday the US Senate passed a bill that, if also passed by the House of Representatives, will protect millions of acres of public land and designate dozens of rivers as Wild and Scenic.  The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (S. 22) is a collection of bipartisan and locally developed land and river protection bills that have been in the works for years.  Swift passage in the House is expected, and President Obama may sign the bill into law as early as Tuesday.

This year’s Feather River Festival will occur at the September Feather Release.  Come on out and enjoy the festivities.

As part of the Yuba/Bear relicensing, Fordyce Creek and Canyon Creek will be flowing at the end of August and in September.  Come out and enjoy the flows and help us gather information on these runs.

Come out and support the American River Festival this weekend September 5th -7th.  Help raise awareness and for American Whitewater and other great local causes.  This event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.  Support for American Whitewater generated at this event will go to the Larry Berg California River Stewardship Fund.

Shuttle service is now available for the Big Bend run on the North Fork Feather River.  Lake Oroville is at its lowest level in years which is uncovering this run that is normally inundated by the Reservoir.  AW is looking for your feedback on this new shuttle service.

The health of the Tuolumne River is at risk from a San Francisco proposal to take significantly more water from the River. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is proposing to divert up to 25 million more gallons of water per day from the Tuolumne, enough to fill 1,000 swimming pools, every day.

The Rock Creek release on the Feather River has been postponed again one week because of the new fire in the Feather River Canyon.

 

Although this has shaped up to be a very dry year, there will be a number of paddling opportunities for boaters to take advantage of here in California.

The Bear River will see flows this weekend as part of the relicensing flow studies for the Yuba/ Bear River Project.  Come out and boat the release, fill out an online survey and let us know what you think of the run.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Hatcher for winning the June pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses. With generous support from Smith Optics and Small World Adventures, American Whitewater is hosting a fundraising and membership drive ending on October 1, 2008. Steven Mills from Spring, TX was the winner of the April drawing for a pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses and Susan and Robert Glanville from Boston, NY were the winners of the May drawing.

Help AW protect rivers here in the states and you could win a trip with Small World Adventures in Ecuador.  Join or donate to be entered in for the next pair of sunglasses and the trip in Ecuador with Small World Adventures.  Anyone who joins or renews their AW membership or donates at least $10 to support our river stewardship efforts will be entered in a raffle to a week long trip in Ecuador with Small World Adventures and monthly prizes from Smith Sport Optics.

The Pit 1 reach of the Pit River will have releases again this summer.   Many people got on this run for the first time two years ago and found it to be a great class III/ IV run.  This years releases will be for one weekend in June, July and August.  This year dates are June 21 - 22, July 19 - 20 and August 16 - 17.

Update!  The project is anticipated to spill starting Sunday the 16th. Flows are projected to be in the 2000 to 3000 cfs range through March 19th.  Look under the River Info menu at the top of this page for the most current release information. Increased Water Flows  in March will Help Maintain Pit River Channel and Create Additional Whitewater Boating Opportunity.
 

American Whitewater and Clif Bar are pleased to announce the 6th annual Clif Bar Flowing Rivers Campaign, pledging $2,500 to American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs for river stewardship work. Funding for this very effective program is provided by Clif Bar. American Whitewater Affiliate Clubs have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. Grants will be distributed to clubs for projects that promote river stewardship, conservation, access and/or safety education on our nation’s rivers.

Continuing American Whitewater's quest to restore the Feather River the signing of this agreement makes AW, and our local club affiliate the Chico Paddleheads, the only Non-Government Organization that has participated in all of the Project Relicensing on the Feather River. The signing of the Oroville Settlement represents the culmination of a five year effort for American Whitewater. This agreement will provide access to Bald Rock Canyon and the Big Bend Runs. It also provides for a Whitewater Park Feasibility Study. Read more about this historic agreement.