A generous land donation from a Friendsville resident has put a permanent, convenient takeout for the Upper Yough within paddlers’ reach. This facility will accomodate a growing number of paddlers while eliminating a situation that has been a sore point with local residents for decades. The Town of Friendsville, which stood up for paddlers many times over the last 18 months, is asking for help funding this project. American Whitewater is calling on all Upper Yough paddlers to give back to the town and the river by making donations, big or small, to help develop this access point. See the fundraising page for complete info.

After a second fatality on West Virginia's Upper Blackwater River in just over two years Blackwater Falls State Park is now making it mandatory to sign in at the state park lodge and will ticket any kayakers who do not sign in. First run in 1971 by Joe Monahan, Phil Allender, and Todd Martin, this stretch has become a classic "test piece" for today's high-end creek boaters. Tucker County, which responds to accidents in the drainage, is considering legislation to make anyone requiring help from Search and Rescue responsible for the costs. The State Park has also threatened "drastic actions" if faced with more fatal incidents in the future, possibly eliminating access to the Upper Blackwater from State Park land. AW strongly urges paddlers to cooperate with the park and to exercise extra caution when running the river.

On December 15th, 2011, the owner of Holtwood Dam on the Susquehanna River submitted a whitewater boating plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval. The plan calls for two new whitewater features to be built immediately downstream of Holtwood Dam along the York County side of the Susquehanna River at the base of a defunct fish ladder. It is anticipated that the construction of the features will occur in 2012, and will be fully operational in 2013.

Paddlers at the swinging footbridge put-in for Goshen Pass on Virginia’s Maury River were recently confronted with a new sign. Starting January 1, 2012, the VA State Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will require a permit to launch there. In fact, anyone accessing a Wildlife Management Area or public fishing lake must purchase an access permit; the cost is $4 daily, $23 annually for both residents and non-residents. Those possessing a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or have a current Virginia boat registration will not need to buy one.  It’s not yet clear which Virginia rivers are affected, and we need your help. Click ahead for more information.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District  announced it will begin drawing down the pool of the Francis E. Walter Dam to its winter level starting Oct. 17. The draw down follows the completion of the recreation season, which included
all 24 planned whitewater release events and numerous fisheries enhancement
releases

A strong response from the whitewater community has gone a long way towards protecting summer whitewater on the Upper Youghiogheny River. The story started when property owners on the back coves of Deep Creek Lake started pressuring politicians to raise the minimum summer lake leve . This could have eliminated many summer releases! A discussion between the Editor of the Garrett County Republican and Friendsville Town Councilman Jess Whittemore resulted in an editorial that drew an unprecedented 160 supportive letters from paddlers and local businessmen. This set the stage for the October 3 town council meeting in Friendsville, which drew state senators, representatives, and other important figures in Garrett County. Read on to get the latest update!

Maryland's Upper Youghiogheny River is one of the finest expert whitewater runs in the country and one of the few with a predictable summer release schedule. Hundreds of private and commercial paddlers assemble in Friendsville every summer weekend to run the river. Recently a handful of property owners on the back coves of Deep Creek Lake have been pressuring politicians to raise the “lower rule band”, the minimum level for the lake at a given time. This could eliminate 70% of summer releases! Read on to find out how you can stand up for summer whitewater on the Upper Yough.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans a higher than normal whitewater release for the World Kayak Canyon Doors Freestyle Festival on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Summersville Dam will release to 4700 cfs from 5:30 - 11:00 am; afterwards, the release will gradually drop to 700 cfs over the next 8 hours. This is significantly more water than the regular weekend Gauley releases of 2800 cfs. This added water makes all sections, especially the Upper Gauley, more challenging. Paddlers utilizing this special release should exercise caution to avoid unpleasant surprises. Signs advising of this flow increase will be posted by the National Park Service at all major access areas.

The National Park Service shares an open letter to boaters regarding what to expect this season on the Gauley River (WV) including the recent acquisition of a parcel of land at upper Swiss that provides a public take-out on the lower Gauley.

John L. Berry, a true whitewater pioneer, died on Aug. 11th. He was 86. Berry was an outstanding whitewater competitor during the 50's and 60's. He was National C-1 and C-2 Champion and a member of the first US Whitewater Team in 1961. In 1957 he and his long-time C-2 partner Bob Harrigan lead the first descent of West Virginia's Cheat Canyon (Shown in the photo) and the New River Gorge from Thurmond to Fayette Station. In the mid-sixities he led several trips down a pre-dam Gauley River. He was also a remarkable boat designer. In 1960 he built one of the first American closed-deck C-1's; in the '70's he created several legendary open canoes. Anyone who paddles whitewater today owes much to his work.

 

This Saturday, August 6th, the annual Friendsville Days Parade will block the usual Maple Avenue access until 1:00 pm. The town park is also closed to paddlers. Boaters wishing to drop a shuttle car in town have two choices. First, from the Friendsville Exit, go south on Route 42 towards Sang Run. Turn left after crossing the high bridge onto 1st Avenue and enter the town south of Maple Street. Park on First Street or major side streets like Chestnut Street or Oak Street. After running the river, walk to your car and drive it to the Maple Street takeout. Please do not park on Morris or Water Streets unless invited by a property owner. Or enjoy the parade, then meet after 1:00 pm on Maple Street and run your shuttle as usual. There will be all-day festivities at the town park including food, music, crafts, a car show, and fireworks. Drop by after running the river! 

River enthusiasts in Virginia, including American Whitewater, are circulating the below petition to raise support for legislation clarifying that paddling is fully supported by the State of Virginia. Join us by signing this petition!

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!

The 31st Annual Upper Yough Race, sponsored by Wilderness Voyageurs, will be held on Saturday July 23rd.  Race profits are donated to American Whitewater, so come on out and paddle hard! A long race release from 11 am to 5 pm allows plenty of time to run the river before the race or stop part way down and watch. Remember: this is a very busy day in town! Show your appreciation for the residents by behaving respectfully when parking and changing clothes.Please avoid residential areas on Water Street and Morris Street. Don't park upstream of the Maple Street Bridge unless you are an invited guest of a local resident and park on their property. For more information and the race web link click here:

The "Needles" section of the Potomac and the Shenandoah "Staircase" are two of the most popular Class II-III summer runs runs for Mid-States paddlers. This narrow valley also contains major railroad and highway crossings and the historic town of Harper's Ferry, WV. Recently paddlers have seen some of the best put-ins and take-outs around Harpers Ferry bought up or blocked. As the area becomes a bigger magnet for tourists, fishermen, hikers, bicyclists, tubers and rafters in addition to paddlers we need to see that our interests are balanced with other users when decisions are made. Recently paddlers from the Mason Dixon and Monocacy Canoe clubs and Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival, Inc. met with Rebecca Harriett, the superintendant of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, and Kevin Brandt, the superintendent of C&O Canal National Historic Park. Read on to see what happened and how you can help.

This past winter the Town of Friendsville showed strong support for whitewater releases on the Upper Youighiogheny River. Paddlers can show their gratitude by minimizing their impact during the busy 4th of July Weekend. Friendsville is a small, quiet town of less than 600 people, so several hundred paddlers can quickly overwhelm residential areas. To be good neighbors paddlers must be increasingly sensitive and respectful. Don't take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge or park cars on either Water Street or Morris Street. Invited guests of residents who live here should park off the street. The area under the Interstate Bridges and in front of the church should not be used for parking either, as this increases side street traffic and disturbs those who live there. Be discrete when changing clothes and avoid blocking traffic in town when carrying or loading boats. Let's work hard to be good neighbors on this and other release weekends.

American Whitewater regularly accepts donations for specific projects, and we would like to invite paddlers to donate to support our stream access work in Virginia. American Whitewater is working with a team of volunteers, pro-bono attorneys, and regional river enthusiasts to reduce threats of prosecution for the simple act of floating down a river or stream.

This past February the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board petitioned the Maryland Department of the Environment to raise the lower rule band, the minimum level that Deep Creek Lake can be lowered to support releases for power, fisheries, and whitewater paddling. The petition was made on behalf of about 50 homeowners on backwater lots who may be stranded behind mud flats during extreme droughts. American Whitewater supported local outfitters and the Town of Friendsville in opposing this change. Without the efforts of two long-time local residents the summer release program would have been curtailed and many Saturdays in July and August would have been eliminated. Read on to find out how these good people saved our summer paddling!

The 17th Annual Cheat River Festival is on May 7, 2011 from 12 noon to 11 pm. It's a celebration of the beauty and excitement found in the Lower Cheat Cheat River watershed each Spring and a vital fundraiser for Friends of the Cheat. For big whitewater, great music, good food, and down-home fun there's no better place to be! For more information go to www.cheat.org/festival. This year's festival is dedicated to Glen and Donna Miller, shuttle drivers and friends to Cheat and Big Sandy paddlers for over 30 years. Click through to read more about this remarkable man!
 

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 PA Bureau of State Parks announces 2011 access guidelines to Ohiopyle Falls.

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

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.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners rescheduled a meeting originally planned for 2/1/11, to 2/16/11.  The Army Corps will announce the Francis E. Walter Dam Flow Management Plan and discuss its implementation for the 2011 recreation season.

A report released today links acid mine drainage remediation on the North Branch of the Potomac River with significant regional economic benefits of angling and paddling. The report reveals a compelling and cautionary case study of the economic benefits of protecting and restoring rivers.  

Changes were just announced for the 2011 Savage River release program, which provides three recreational releases each year.  The changes are intended to increase the storage of cold water for downstream sport fishing, and thus reduce the chances of releases being cancelled.    

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. 

This event benefits the Yough Defense Fund of the Mountain Watershed Association. Proceeds will help cover legal expenses incurred in challenging the proposed Curry Mine.

Now that the last Uper Yough releases are over its time to recognize a number of people who helped make access to the river work. Friendsville city councilman Jess Whittemore alerted us to various parking problems and the paddling community responded by doing the right thing. People in town noticed! Upstream, this is AW's 10th year maintaining the Sang Run access, and many people helped out. Kurt Knuth and Bob Spangler each mowed the grass one for month. Paddling tree surgeon Wes Mack dropped two loads of wood chips on the trail to the river, then Scott Sough and his friends spread them out on the trail to the launch area. Then John Regan brought his tractor up and brush hogged the part of the field that Charlie and Sandy Walbridge don't mow regularly. Our thanks, too, to hundreds of paddlers who made access contributions to the fee box; the money we raised paid for the portable toilet and will pay for more gravel and other maintainance next year. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

River outfitters and American Whitewater joined together decades ago to protect the Gauley River from hydro development. The success of these business enterprises were one of the key reasons that the river was protected as a National Recreation Area. But with success has come new challenges. Professional guides find the number of kayakers on the Upper Gauley overwhelming at times and kayakers also find the number of rafts intimidating.  Regardless of any “right of way”, it’s everyone’s job to avoid crashes! Here’s what you can do to avoid collisions with commercial rafts. 

The rangers and staff of the Gauley River National Recreation Area outline access for the 2010 season in an open letter to boaters.

American Whitewater would like to recognize the Ohiopyle Access Committee as our September Volunteer of the Month. Over the last decade, the Ohiopyle Access Committee represented the interests of boaters to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks resulting in a limited boater access policy now being tested at Ohiopyle Falls.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks has implemented a pilot program to provide limited private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls through September 12, 2010. As a pilot program there are some limitations on access and important guidelines for use.

The Savage River release originally planned for early September will be resceduled for later in the month.  Read more to find out how you can take advantage of this great paddling opportunity. 

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers Philadelphia District has updated the Francis E. Walter Dam water release schedule for the remainder of the 2010 recreation season. The current level of water storage will not allow the Corps to complete whitewater releases after Aug. 29; however if additional storage is accumulated, the Corps will add releases.

The Army Corps of Engineers recently announced a Water Quality release from Jennings Randolph Lake that will be held on August 28-29, 2010. They plan to release a flow of 850 to 1000 cfs for about 30 hours beginning on Saturday morning and continuing until early Sunday afternoon.

After two decades of working on Ohiopyle Falls access, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks contacted American Whitewater today with official notification granting additional boater access to Ohiopyle Falls starting August 22, 2010.

On August 2^nd Friendsville Town Council discussed problems with whitewater access. Too many paddlers are taking out on Water Street (river left) and Morris Avenue (river right). These are quiet residential areas not suitable as public takeouts. Some boaters are cutting through private property without permission, others are simply being rude and insensitive. Please remember that we are guests of the town. Town Council supported the extended release schedule and deserve our respect! Please do not get out above the Wilderness Voyageurs Access. You can park on Maple Avenue or use the town park a mile downstream. Do not park or take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge unless you own property or have a personal invitation from a landowner. Never park, drink, or change clothes in front of a home if you don’t know the owner. Respect the town, and remind your friends to act responsibly.

On July 26, 2010, the US Forest Service decided not to allow long term logging access on the trail through Blackwater Canyon.  This decision follows nearly a decade of analysis and public debate, and will protect the ability of hikers, skiers, and bikers to enjoy the historic railroad grade that winds through the scenic Blackwater Canyon.

This August 7^th the annual Friendsville Days Parade will block the usual Maple Avenue access until 1:00 pm. The town park will also be closed to paddlers. Boaters wishing to drop a shuttle car in town have two choices. First, from the Friendsville Exit, go south on Route 42 towards Sang Run. Turn left on 1^st Avenue and enter the town south of Maple Street. Park on First Street or major side streets like Chestnut Street or Oak Street. After running the river, walk to your car and drive it to the takeout. Do not park by the river on Morris or Water Streets unless invited by a property owner. Or enjoy the parade and meet after 1:00 pm on Maple Street and run your shuttle as usual.  After the parade there will be all-day festivities at the town park including food, music, crafts, a car show, and fireworks. Drop by after running the river!

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.

Come see American Whitewater at this year's Potomac Fest, July 10 and 11 in Great Falls, MD/VA!  Just minutes from the Nation's Capital, the 20th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival will be two days of fun events organized to delight beginners, experts and spectators alike.

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.

The Army Corps of Engineers announced late last week that they are planning a whitewater release on the Savage River for Sunday, July 4, 2010.  Their tentative plan is to release 1000 cfs from 9am to 3pm, and changes to the flow rate or duration are possible if hydrologic conditions change.  

The Upper Yough release season brings hundreds of paddlers to the small town of Friendsville, MD on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. The crowded takeout at the Wilderness Voyageurs store and the parking area along Maple Street has been irritating nearby residents for years. Please remember that we are guests of the Town when using this access. Certain activities are offensive to town residents, including 1) Changing clothes in public view, especially between cars and the guard rail. 2) Blocking road traffic with boats or bodies. Please don't walk or place boats in the roadway, even for a short time! 3) Consuming alcoholic beverages in public. There will be an increased police presence in 2010 and citations will be issued to offenders.

Protect access by showing respect for local residents. Be discrete and courteous, and remind your friends to do the same.

The 16^th Annual Cheat River Festival is coming on Saturday May 1st from noon to 11pm. The place is Albright, WV at the head of the Cheat Canyon. This year’s festival is dedicated to Keith Pitzer, who died this past winter after leading Friends of the Cheat for 8 years. It’s the biggest little river festival in the country! Check out the gear and food vendors, conservation exhibits, climbing wall, kids area, and art market! Then sit back and listen to the many wonderful musicians who come from all over to play for Friends of the Cheat. It’s a great friendly atmosphere for all.  Admission: is $15.00; kids under 12 gofree. For more information go to www.cheat.org/festival.

The second 2010 whitewater release on the North Branch Potomac from Jennings Randolph Lake for this season will be on Saturday April 24 and Sunday April 25. The whitewater release will extend from 9 AM to 3 PM each day. The release rate will be 1000 cfs each day.

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The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled three meetings in early March to gather comments on their alternative management scenarios for the New River Gorge National River.  Meetings will be held in Hinton (3/9), Beckley (3/10), and at the New River Gorge (3/11). The NPS is considering several complex alternatives and paddlers are encouraged to attend these meetings to learn more and offer feedback.

A group of regional stakeholders are advocating for a new study of the releases on the Russell Fork River, located on the Virginia-Kentucky border.  To support the studyand an improved flow regime, the group is advocating for a Congressional appropriation to fund the Army Corp of Engineers to conduct the study.  Paddlers' involvement could help bring a fresh look and better flows to the Russell Fork.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners will host a public meeting to announce the Francis E. Walter Dam Flow Management Plan and discuss its implementation for the 2010 recreation season. The meeting will be held Feb. 18 at the Mountain Laurel Resort, Route 940 West, White Haven, Pa., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Earlier this month the National Park Service released their new draft management plan for the New River Gorge National River.  The analysis accompanying the plan explores five alternatives representing different strategies that are all targeted at protecting the ecological, cultural, historical, and recreational values of the river corridor.  The Park Service has selected their prefered alternative and has requested public comments on their draft plan and analysis between now and April 1, 2010.

Keith Pitzer, executive director of Friends of the Cheat since 2001, died on the morning of December 22nd following a year and a half long battle with cancer. Under his leadership, Friends of the Cheat expanded its efforts to restore, preserve, and promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat  River Watershed, one of the country's most important whitewater paddling venues. A former Cheat River guide and manager, he was  long-time friend of American Whitewater who worked closely with us on many projects. On December 1st, co-founder and past president and executive director Dave Bassage was named interim director to keep the organization moving smoothly forward.

The Curry Mine is a proposed 480 acre strip mine along the banks of the Youghiogheny River, just below the southern border of Ohiopyle State Park and adjacent to the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail.

A private hydropower company has proposed to install hydropower generation facilities in two Army Corps of Engineers Dams on the West River (VT), including Ball Mountain Dam which provides releases into the popular whitewater section of the West. The Company, Blue Heron Hydro (BHH) is hosting a public meeting and site visit to discuss their proposal. Paddlers interested in the effects that the hydropower installation may have on the West River are encouraged to attend the meeting and site visit.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced recently that there is sufficient reservoir storage behind Francis E. Walter Dam to complete all planned whitewater releases for 2009.

American Whitewater received an open letter to boaters from the National Park Service outlining Gauley River access for 2009. For the last decade AW has leased the open field at Mason Branch for private boater parking - we are leasing the field again this year. These are your AW dues at work!

Join your friends for this one day event at Ohioplye State Park in western Pennsylvania. American Whitewater will be hosting the annual Ohiopyle Falls Fest on August 22, 2009.

July 25th Immersion Research and Wilderness Voyagers will be hosting the 29th Annual Upper Yough Race - with the proceeds going to American Whitewater!

Challenge the exciting Upper Yough and help raise a few bucks for American Whitewater at the same time. There will be classes for everything from Wavehoppers to short boats and even a team class for three paddlers where at least one must be female. What's more is each racer gets a cool t-shirt and everyone is invited to a fun party afterwards. It will surely rock.

Today the proponents of a hydropower project on the Cuyahoga River sent the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a letter withdrawing their permit request.  The proposed project would have dewatered a local paddling spot called Butterfly Rapids, impacted a public park, and assured the maintenance of a dam that has long been a prime candidate for removal based on its environmental and recreational impacts.

Ten hard-working local paddlers just got the Upper Yough Access area in Sang Run into top shape for the ’09 season. This facility, owned by the State of Maryland, has been maintained by American Whitewater volunteers for the last 8 years. John Regan  and his tractor spread 50 tons of gravel over the well-used parking lot and brush-hogged the outer field to the boundary line. AW spent $800 of your access donations on gravel and ties and need another $800 to keep the portable toilet serviced all year. We couldn’t do this without access donations from countless river users like you. Don’t forget to donate! We suggest $2 per day or $20 per season.

It is time once again for the Whitewater Release at Brookfield's Schaghticoke Development on the Hoosic River (Schaghticoke, NY).  This year the release will be on the next saturday that sufficient flows occur.  American Whitewater negotiated these releases, and we hope that paddlers enjoy them.

Last week, the owner of the Holtwood Hydroelectric Project on the Susquehanna River resubmitted their project expansion proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and requested expedited approval.  This action restarts the process for modifying the Holtwood Project that was shelved in December.  American Whitewater and our partners are working with the owner to fully implement the settlement agreement we signed last year to minimize and mitigate recreational impacts of this hydro-project expansion. 

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. 

American Whitewater has joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their Green Power Partnership. AW has purchased enough renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Clean Currents, a leading supplier of wind energy credits, to offset energy usage in our national office.

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.

The Army Corps of Engineers recently announced the 2009 schedule of releases from the Francis E. Walter dam on the Lehigh River. You can read the ACOE Release Notice, or you may also check the AW event calender for the release dates. 

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.

[UPDATED] The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is hosting a public meeting to discuss the 2009 Francis E. Walter (Lehigh River) Flow Management Plan and to provide comments and input for consideration.  The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Laurel Resort on Route 940 near White Haven, Pa.

Yesterday the owner of Holtwood Dam on the Susquehanna River announced that they would not move forward with their plans to install additional generation capacity to their dam. In a statement on their website, William H. Spence, executive vice president and chief operating officer of PPL Corporation stated: "As we evaluated this project in light of current economic conditions and projections of future energy prices, we reached the conclusion that it is no longer economically justifiable.”

Ohiopyle State Park held a public meeting to gather input and obtain feedback on a proposal submitted by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks for private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls. American Whitewater is now asking for boater letters supporting the park proposal, which must be submitted by December 31, 2008.

Ohiopyle State Park is conducting a public open house on Saturday, Nov 22, 2008, at 1 pm to 5pm to gather input and feedback on a new proposal for private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls. The open house is a chance for the boating community to review the new park proposal, ask questions of park staff and provide comments.

John R. Sweet, leader of the first party to run the Gauley River in modern hardshell whitewater craft, turns 70 on September 27th. Sweet was one of the strongest paddlers of his era, a man whose skills set a standard that others tried to emulate. A member of several U.S. Whitewater Teams, he was a fierce competitor in slalom and wildwater events. Forty years ago John was the first to run what later become known as Sweet's Falls on the Upper Gauley. He was a mentor to many paddlers still active in the area.

The USGS announced today that a number of their streamgages are threatened by loss of funding.  The gages, located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are scheduled to be turned off on the last day of September of this year unless cost-share funding can be found.

Friends of the Cheat, with the help of whitewater paddlers throughout the region, constructed a new parking area along the Big Sandy Creek in Rockville, West Virginia. This will provide secure public access to this popular whitewater run. The location is on river left, just upstream of the Rockville Bridge. There's space for over 30 cars here, and we hope that this will relieve congestion on busy spring weekends. The road from the bridge to the lot was also widened and greatly improved. Future plans include trails to several different spots along the shore.

Whitewater paddlers in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia have often used the parking lot behind the Little Sandy Church of the Nazarine to access Little Sandy Creek. This past summer Pastor Chad Harvey told me that parents in his congregation had asked for a fence to keep their youngsters from falling into the river. The church board approved construction, but because they wanted to continue the church's tradition of hospitality towards paddlers they also planned to build a gate. This will allow easy access to the river. American Whitewater wishes to thank Pastor Harvey and his congregation for their continued hospitality.

We are happy to announce that Friends of the Cheat won second place in the Redwood Creek Wine Greater Outdoors Project, winning $10,000.  The money will be used to secure land along the Big Sandy and place it in conservation easement.  The land will protect public access to the river as well as the river itself. We would like to thank the many paddlers that voted online in support of the project, Friends of the Cheat for writing a great proposal and taking the initiative on this great project, and of course Redwood Creek Wines for making public enjoyment and protection of awesome places a funding priority.

This spring the Gauley River National Recreation Area acquired the Masons Branch and Woods Ferry access locations. Over the past few months American Whitewater has been working with the Gauley River National Recreation Area to insure that private boaters have continuing access at these critical take-out/put-in locations. Today the park issued an open letter to boaters outlining their plans to manage these access points.

On August 23, 2008 AW will be running Ohiopyle Falls during this one day event and festival.

In efforts to further the access of great whitewater in Garrett County, the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) (with the help of many local organizations and businesses), is excited to help facilitate the 2008 Savage River Releases. The Savage River Release scheduled for Sunday, July 6 is ON Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Volume: 1000 CFS. Read on, then come out and enjoy this very beautiful, very continuous class III+ Creek!

Friends of the Cheat wants to purchase an outstanding piece of riverfront along West Virginia’s Big Sandy, one of the state's most oustanding whitewater rivers. The Redwood Creek Wines “Greater Outdoors Project” is offering a $50,000 competitive grant. Friends of Cheat applied and finished in the top 5 out of 100. We need your help! On June 15th a description of the project and a photo will be posted on RedwoodCreek.com. You can vote every day through July 31st. Bookmark the site and go there daily when you check weather and river levels. Vote early and often for the Big Sandy Project. The direct link for voting is: http://www.redwoodcreek.com/greatoutdoors/voting.asp

The National Park Service is purchasing property from two West Virginia landowners to improve public access to the Gauley River.  The sites, located at Woods Ferry and Mason Branch, are established put-in and take-out sites for boaters, kayakers, canoeists and rafters along the river between the public put-in at the Summersville Dam and the take-out at Swiss, almost 26 miles downstream.

American Whitewater commissioned the consulting firm Crane Associates of Burlington, Vermont to conduct an Economic Impact Study on Gauley Festival. Crane Associates specializes in the economics of rivers and natural resources. They help communities find their balance between sustainable economic development and natural resource protection.

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.

A mining company is proposing a new coal mine on a 588 acre tract of forest land near the Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania.  The controversial mine would be adjacent to Ohiopyle State Park and would affect water quality and quantity on the Yough, Morgan Run, and on other Yough tributaries.  Comments are now being accepted on the proposed mine.

Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA is offering a summer course on wood paddle constriction taught by Keith Backlund. The non profit craft center teaches disciplines such as blacksmithing, ceramics, metals, textiles, glass, oil and watercolor painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

The 4th Annual Yough Festival and 28th Annual Upper Yough Race will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Race registration will take place on July 26, from 10:00AM to 1:00PM.

Representatives from the paddling community today reached an Agreement in Principle with the owner of the Holtwood Hydroelectric Project, Pennsylvania Power and Light.  This tentative agreement supports fish passage goals, power generation, and protects and/or mitigates whitewater boating opportunities.

Boaters in the northeast have good reason to be excited this month. The Rio Project on the Mongaup River (NY) will reopen this month after being closed to recreation for nearly three years.  Releases will begin this month!

The dam owner and FERC staff will conduct a site visit and host public meetings regarding the Holtwood Hydroelectric  Project on Thursday, April 17, 2008.  Holtwood is located on the Susquehanna River.  The dam owner is proposing to install additional turbines, modify the channel, and delay relicensing their dam, each of which will impact paddling opportunities downstream. 

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.

Last month we alerted paddlers to a piece of state legislation that would have authorized a study of stream access problems and opportunities in Virginia.   The Rules Committee could only support a specific number of studies for 2008, and unfortunately the river access study did not make the cut.  We hope that with broad support the resolution will succeed next year. 

In a recent AW review of river access laws across the Nation, Virginia was among the states providing the fewest public rights to simply float down rivers and streams.  After years of access conflicts and legal uncertainty, state legislators will now consider a proposal for studying this issue and possibly proposing legislation to modernize Virginia’s stream access laws.  We encourage paddlers to get involved in this great opportunity to help Virginia become more friendly to river based recreation and tourism. 

For the third year in a row two groups of West Virginia University students and staff from Greg Corio's Adventure West Virginia program joined forces with Friends of Cheat to maintain vital river access points. At the Friends of Cheat Access in Albright, the job was to harden a badly eroded launch site. At Jenkinsburg, the focus was on trash collection. Both efforts will improve these places for local and visiting whitewater paddlers

Paddlers have been negotiating a new release schedule on Maryland's Upper Youghiogheny River with Brookfield Power and other stakeholders for over one year.  The results have just been released in a new permit for the operation of the Deep Creek Dam.  This year, and for the foreseeable future, paddlers will be treated to upper Yough releases on every Saturday from mid-June through mid-September!