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Today, the Columbia Bioregional Education Project, joined by several conservation groups including American Whitewater, issued a new economic analysis of Okanogan Public Utility District’s proposal to re-start hydropower generation at Enloe Dam on the Similkameen River. The analysis, prepared by Rocky Mountain Econometrics concludes that it is not possible for the PUD to sell power from Enloe Dam at or above the cost of producing it, and that the PUD will lose $26 for every megawatt hour produced at the dam.

Currently underway, the Elwha River restoration project is the biggest dam removal effort in history. This week we are proud to release the third film in our series on dam removal celebrating the Year of the River.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, and Kurt Schrader have introduced legislation (S.2001/H.R.3436) to permanently protect portions of the Rogue River and its surrounding forests. The legislation would protect the quality of the world-class recreational experience this river provides.

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.

Earlier today American Whitewater was joined by Alpine Lakes Protection Society, American Rivers, North Cascades Conservation Council, Sierra Club – Washington State Chapter, The Mountaineers, and Washington Wild in formally opposing the proposed hydropower project on the South Fork of the Skykomish River at Sunset Falls.

Since their formal announcement in mid-November, Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Norm Dicks have been soliciting input on their draft conservation proposal for the Olympic Peninsula to establish new Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and provide an opportunity for targeted Olympic National Park preserve additions through a willing-buyer, willing-seller process.

On Thursday, December 1st, Willamette Riverkeeper, Patagonia and REI will be hosting the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Portland, and you're invited! AW will be there!  We hope you can join us for the event!

Hey PNW River Lovers!  If you'll be in Portland on Tuesday, November 29th, come check out the 2011 Wild Rivers Night. The evening will feature films about the PNW's Salmon, Elwha, and White Salmon Rivers, and a slideshow about Siberia's Kaa-Kem River. River aficionado Tim Palmer will also give a presentation entitled "Field Guide to American Rivers." It'll be a great evening and AW will be there!  We hope you will join us!

PacifiCorp has announced that they have closed the river access at Northwestern Lake Park (the take-out for the Lower White Salmon run) due to the dynamic river conditions associated with Condit Dam removal and ongoing downcutting of sediment in the vicinity of the take-out. The access will be reopened as soon as conditions stabilize.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has initiated a 60 day comment period for the proposed Sunset Falls Hydro Project. This is the first step in the process where Snohomish PUD is seeking a preliminary permit to begin a formal study of the site. American Whitewater has several concerns with this project given the community value of this river and its signature waterfall.

After nearly a century, Washington's White Salmon River in south central Washington is flowing freely again! Earlier today, a hole was blasted in the base of Condit Dam, and its reservoir - Northwestern Lake - began to pour through it. The reservoir is expected to be fully drained by sundown.As a party to the 1999 settlement agreement for removal, American Whitewater has played a leadership role in representing the interests of the whitewater recreation community in the effort to remove Condit Dam.

Today the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a Preliminary Permit for the Black Canyon Hydroelectric Project that would dewater Ernies Gorge on the North Fork Snoqualmie River. The next steps in this process are that the developer will have three years to investigate the site and file a formal application for hydropower development.

As the winter rains return to the Pacific Northwest, those passing through Washington's Olympic Peninsula in search of paddling opportunities will have an opportunity to see the largest dam removal effort in the nation underway. Olympic National Park recently opened the Elwha Dam Overlook Trail where visitors can view dam removal progress in person.

Late last month Snohomish PUD submitted a preliminary permit application to investigate the feasibility of a hydropower project at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River. This is not the first hydropower project that has been proposed at Sunset Falls, however the river is part of the Washington State Scenic River system (RCW 79A.55.070), is within a Northwest Power and Conservation Council Protected Area from hydropower development, and has been recommended for designation as a Wild and Scenic River for its Scenic, Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife values.

Come on out and help to clean up one of Oregon's most important rivers in the Great Willamette Clean Up, Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th.  

The Forest Service is developing a new Forest Plan for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and has released a Proposed Action. The Forest Service is accepting public comment on this plan that will guide management for the next decade or more. 

The biggest dam removal in history begins September 17, 2011 on Washington’s Elwha River. In partnership with American Rivers and the Hydropower Reform Coalition, American Whitewater is releasing Episode 1 of our Year of the River film series.

Come on out and help clean up Oregon's Clackamas River on Sunday, September 11th! A floatilla of volunteers will cruise 15 miles of river and help to keep one of Oregon's favorite rivers clean and free of deflated dolphins, flip-flop chains, lawn chairs and other unnatural features.  A couple of folks from American Whitewater will be there, and we hope you can join us! 

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 2011 Chelan Gorge Recreational Releases present whitewater boating opportunities that will be available for two weekends in July (9th and 10th; 23rd and 24th) and two weekends in September (10th and 11th; 24th and 25th). American Whitewater has invested more than a decade of effort into bringing this opportunity to the paddling community of the Pacific Northwest, and we are excited to kick off the third year of weekend releases.

Earlier today PacifiCorp made a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) accepting the terms and conditions propsed to govern the surrender of PacifiCorp's license for the Condit Hydroelectric Project including removal of the dam. The reservoir will be drained in October 2011.

At the American Whitewater Board meeting in North Bend (WA), the Directors appointed Courtney Wilton, of Portland (OR), to a special two-year term. Please join with me in welcoming Courtney to the American Whitewater Board of Directors.

Black Canyon Hydro, LLC filed an application for a preliminary permit proposing to study the feasibility of the Black Canyon Hydroelectric Project to be located on the North Fork of the Snoqualmie River, WA. This section of river is well known to paddlers as Ernie's Gorge--a regionally significant class V whitewater run. A comment period is now open allowing the public to provide input on this permit application.

Earlier today Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2) and Senator Patty Murray (WA) reintroduced legislation to designate Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. The legislation will protect the free-flowing character of Illabot Creek, an important habitat for threatened wild Chinook salmon, steelhead, bull trout and other wildlife, while maintaining recreational opportunities to explore this remote river gorge.

Earlier today the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released a decision that supports and orders the removal of Condit Dam, located on Washington's White Salmon River in October of this year.  The decision was in response to an appeal filed by American Whitewater and our partners, and clears the path forward for one of the most exciting river restoration initiatives in the United States!

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. 

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.

Since it's premiere last year, "Trout on the Wind" has continued to attract accolades and awards. The 10 minute short video documents the removal of a dam located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Trout Creek.

PacifiCorp has released the schedule for summer whitewater boating opportunities on the North Fork Rogue. This is the last year of a 3 year trial to evaluate instream flow needs for recreation and demand for these releases. We will be working with PacifiCorp to evaluate interest and demand for the continuation of these releases so get out there and enjoy them!

A new online reservation system is now in place for permits to boat the John Day River. Capacity limits have now been established for the Service Creek to Clarno segment and Clarno to Cottonwood segment. The permits are being released on a first-come first-serve basis and are being released in two batches (Mar 1 and May 1).

Access to the Green River Headworks put-in managed by Tacoma is unavailable due to a large volume of wood that was incorrectly placed and now blocks the boater access. Tacoma is working to address the situation with the Army Corps of Engineers and reopen the access shortly. In the meantime access is available at the headwall rapid downstream of the Tacoma watershed gate.

As with many states across the West, Washington is facing a challenging budget situation. Despite representing only 1% of the total budget, natural resource agencies are bracing for potentially significant cuts. This could impact both recreational access to rivers and state programs that protect water quality. American Whitewater has spent time at the state legislature speaking up on the value of important programs for rivers.

Earlier today Congressman Kurt Schrader and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley re-introduced legislation to protect the Molalla as a Wild and Scenic River. The river is an outstanding recreational resource for the whitewater paddling community.

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

Today Senator Murray and Congressman Reichert re-introduced joint legislation (“Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act") that will help ensure the future of some of Washington’s most popular backcountry recreation areas.

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. 

Since 2009 Chelan PUD has been working to amend the State of Washington Recreational Use Statute (RCW 4.24.210) to specifically address whitewater recreation on the Chelan Gorge. American Whitewater has supported this effort but we have identified specific issues with proposed legislation that the whitewater community should be aware of.

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.

Today the Hydropower Reform Coalition, of which American Whitewater is a member, formally released Restore, Responsibly Reviving America’s Rivers, a special publication that provides an overview of dam removal nationally, and documents past, current, and upcoming or planned removals in the Pacific Northwest.

The prospect of removing Condit Dam on the White Salmon River moved closer to reality today in a significant ruling from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioning formally ordering the removal of the dam. With today's ruling by federal regulators and approval earlier this fall by Washington State, the dam is now scheduled for removal in October of 2011.

The final countdown for the Elwha River restoration project has begun, and the largest dam removal in U.S. history is set to begin in September 2011. Removing the dams will free the Elwha River for the benefit of salmon, river-based recreation, and the cultural resources of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

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. 

After a 7 year hiatus the project to upgrade the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road is back on track and Federal Highways has just announced that they will be hosting an open house in North Bend next week (Tue Dec 7, 5-7pm at USFS North Bend Ranger Station). American Whitewater has supported this project to address the ongoing maintenance issues that result in regular road closures. Boaters are encouraged to attend and speak to the value of access to this river for whitewater recreation.

Idaho Rivers United is seeking affirmation from river enthusiasts that they represent your interest in protecting the Lochsa and Clearwater rivers from a massive effort to move "mega-loads" of oil infrastructure along the rivers. IRU has a short online form with which you can endorse their efforts.  

American Whitewater has put together a short flow study on the Wild and Scenic St. Joe River.  If you have experience paddling or fishing on the St. Joe, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey.  Also, please share this survey widely among the regional paddling and angling community. 

We have witnessed some positive developments regarding the plan to remove Condit Dam and restore the White Salmon River (WA) over the last few weeks, and there are several details that we thought would be of interest to the whitewater boating community. Removal of the dam is now scheduled for October 2011.

Earlier today the Washington Department of Ecology issued the water quality permit under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Issuance of the permit is a major milestone and is the final step before issuance of a dam removal order by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is expected later this year.

This week Western Rivers Conservancy announced plans to purchase the Minam Store, a critical parcel at the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa Rivers that provides access to the Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde River.

For the past three years North Cascades National Park has been working to revise the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the lands and rivers along Highway 20 in the North Cascades. As part of this planning effort American Whitewater formally requested a review of rivers that may be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation.

The Army Corps of Engineers has just released a Draft Environmental Assessment to rebuild the Minto Fish Collection Facility on the North Santiam River. Most boaters know this facility as the place with the hazardous low head dam between Niagara County Park and Packsaddle County Park on the river. The project to rebuild the facility, which would keep the existing dam in place, would result in a two year closure of the river from Niagara to Packsaddle. The current proposal is to build a portage trail that would accommodate kayaks. It is unclear if this would accommodate rafts. Those who use this river are encouraged to provide public comment.
 

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.

After consulting with American Whitewater, Chelan PUD has made the decision to cancel the planned whitewater boating opportunities on the Chelan Gorge this weekend (July 10 and 11). Providing this opportunity requires a balancing act between lake level, spill and whitewater boating and unfortunately, at this time the PUD is not able to accommodate all three. Boaters should know that AW is actively engaged with Chelan PUD to document the reasons for canceling this weekend's release and we will work together to determine the best means of providing the opportunities we agreed to. The release on July 24 and 25 is scheduled to take place as planned.

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.

American Whitewater has scheduled a work party with Washington Trails Association for Saturday June 19 from 8:30-3:00 to work on the Sultan River trail into the gorge on the Upper Sultan. Volunteers are needed.

The gate at the take-out for the Lewis County PUD will be open this weekend (May 22/23). The gate will be opened from approximately 10 am to 6 pm by PUD staff. The river is at a nice level and this will be the last official gate opening for the spring.
 

Puget Sound Energy has announced their construction schedule for the Snoqualmie Falls Powerhouse upgrades that will close access to the Powerhouse run from June 2010 to March 2013.

Join American Whitewater and our colleagues in the river conservation community on Thursday, April 15th, for an evening celebrating free-flowing rivers. Come learn more about rivers in our state identified for protection through Wild and Scenic designation, the status of current campaigns, and ways that you can help ensure that these wild rivers remain wild forever. The event will take place at the Mountaineers Program Center in Seattle, WA.
 

Eastern Washington University’s Epic Adventures, Post Falls Parks and Recreation, NWA, and the local Clubs/Shops of Spokane are enthused to announce the Fourth Annual Spokane River Kickoff. This event received so much positive feed back in previous years, that a group of kayakers from the community just had to get together to make things happen again this year. We are looking forward to this year's event, as the event and participation continue to grow.

On Monday, March 29, 2010, American Whitewater joined a diverse group of stakeholders in signing and submitting two inter-related settlement agreements that call for the continued operation of Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River, enhanced operation of Sullivan Dam on the natural Sullivan Lake, and the removal of Mill Pond Dam on Sullivan Creek.  The agreements are the culmination of over three years of consistent efforts to resolve issues related to the surrender of the Sullivan Project, located in northeastern Washington. 

Gold Ray Dam on Oregon's Rogue River has not generated power in almost 40 years, is a serious impediment to endangered salmon migration, blocks paddlers exploring the Rogue, and has become a financial burden for its owners.  Comments in support of a proposal to remove the dam are now needed.   

Earlier today legislation passed the House of Representatives to add 10 miles of the Pratt River and nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the National Wild and Scenic River System. Pending action in the Senate this legislation will provide long-term protection for a spectacular whitewater resource.

Ship Creek Canyon has been known for several years as a great Alaskan whitewater run just outside downtown Anchorage that flows through the military's Fort Richardson light-tactical training area. Recently the base has stepped up enforcement of a paddling ban and charged local paddler with trespassing on military land for paddling Ship Creek this past summer.

Earlier this year Cody Erhart, a recent landscape architecture program graduate, produced images for American Whitewater depicting what Sullivan Creek (WA) might look like following the removal of Millpond Dam.  We are pleased to share these images which are a blend of science and art aimed at facilitiating discussion about the future of Sullivan Creek. 

American Whitewater continues to play a leadership role in efforts to protect the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers through Wild and Scenic River designation, Wilderness designation of the federal lands along the river, and designation of state-managed forest lands as a Natural Resource Conservation Area. Paddlers can take action today to keep these efforts on track.

Earlier today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to designate the Molalla River as a Wild and Scenic River (H.R. 2781). This legislation will protect 15.1 miles of the Molalla River and 6.2 miles of the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla River in Oregon.

American Whitewater has reached agreement with Snohomish PUD and other parties to the relicensing of the Jackson Hydropower Project on the Sultan River. The future proposed license will support whitewater boating on the Sultan River and in particular the reach between Culmback Dam and the Powerhouse known as the Upper Sultan.

Last week legislation (H.R. 1593) to protect Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River passed the House of Representatives.

American Whitewater is pleased to announce Bill Cross as our 2009 River Steward of the Year. American Whitewater annually awards this honor to a single volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication to our river stewardship mission, and who has recently reached a major milestone in their efforts. In addition to our appreciation the AW River Steward of the Year Award comes with a Jackson kayak.

There is incredible potential for the White Salmon River to once again be home to abundant wild salmon and steelhead populations and a new whitewater run. But before this vision can be realized, the 95-year old, 125-foot Condit dam, which blocks fish passage and innundates a section of river awaiting a future first descent, must be removed. The Washington State Department of Ecology is currently accepting comment on one of the last permits the dam owner needs to make removal a reality.

American Whitewater is asking our members, particularly those living in Oregon to take action to protect the Wild Rogue. The Rogue River Wilderness and Rogue River Wild and Scenic River represents one of Oregon's most treasured natural landscapes. Legislstion in Congress (H.R. 2890 and S. 1271) will provide more comprehensive protection for the river corridor for future generations.

After several years of anticipation, Hemlock Dam removal on Trout Creek in the Columbia Gorge is underway. The crews are out doing the final work on restoring the historic channel and if all goes well over the next couple days water will once again flow over beautiful river-polished bedrock that was buried under a reservoir for decades.

American Whitewater was featured prominently in a New York Times article about the benefits of dam removal to whitwater paddlers. The story is a great example of what’s good for a river is also good for recreation, habitat, fish and local communities.

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed new legislation to provide funding for programs aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Idaho. The new law requires boaters, both motorized vessels and non, to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund. For most paddlers, this means that you must purchase a $5 sticker for each boat you intend to paddle in Idaho each year, and stop at a boat inspection station each time you enter the state where an inspection station exists.

The Chelan Gorge Recreational Releases present whitewater boating opportunities that will be available for two weekends this July. American Whitewater has invested more than a decade of effort into bringing this opportunity to the paddling community of the Pacific Northwest, and we are excited to kick off the first weekend of releases. All paddlers considering this run need to carefully evaluate their skill level and understand that continued access to this river and the opportunity depends on our ability to safely enjoy it.

Last week FERC approved a whitewater recreation plan for the North Fork Rogue. We are pleased to be working with PacifiCorp who has committed to immediately implementing the plan and providing the whitewater recreational opportunities this summer.

On June 18th the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new 50 year license for several dams on the Spokane River, near Spokane Washington and Post Falls Idaho.  The license is based on several years of intense negotiations between the power company, tribes, agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club, Northwest Whitewater Association, and American Whitewater were involved on behalf of paddlers.  The results of the new license are significant, and paddlers will certainly notice some positive changes in the not too distant future. 

This spring Lewis County PUD released a Draft Study Report for Chehalis River Water Retention Facilities. If implemented, the plan calls for the construction of two dams including a 220 foot high and 1960 foot wide dam on the mainstem of the Chehalis River and another slightly smaller dam on the South Fork Chehalis. This project would inundate a whitewater river along with high quality salmonid habitat.

The Washington Department of Ecology has just released an environmental review to address how sediment will be managed during the proposed removal of Condit Dam on the White Salmon River in October 2010. Comments on the review document will be accepted until July 20, 2009.

The Wenatchee River Festival will take place once again on the second weekend in June with the main festivities on Saturday June 13. The festival will be at Riverside Park in Cashmere.

Brought to you through the efforts of Wet Planet Whitewater and the Headwaters Institute, the White Salmon River RiverFest and Symposium will take place this weekend (Saturday May, 30th). American Whitewater will be presenting an update on Condit Dam removal and river restoration efforts in the region as part of the morning symposium. River races and a great party will take place in the afternoon and evening.

Boaters grab your boats and gear!  On Saturday, May 2^nd, we expect to see a river alive with kayaks, rafts, canoes, inflatable kayaks, and cat-rafts.  We want boaters on every reach of the Green River -- from Headworks to Whitney Bridge -- and perhaps even farther downstream, with sea-kayaks on the Duwamish.

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.

Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Dave Reichert, joined by Senator Maria Cantwell  and Washington State Congressmen Jay Inslee, Brian Baird, Adam Smith, and Jim McDermott, introduced legislation today in the Senate and House that would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act will expand the existing wilderness by over 22,000 acres to include important lower-elevation lands and complete watersheds.

The Washington state legislature continues to discuss the role of hydropwer in the state's renewable energy portfolio. The Senate recently passed ESSB 5840 which will roll back key provisions of the voter-approved initiative (I-937) that were designed to encourage new investment in renewable energy. The legislation includes a troubling provision to count all hydropower under 30 MW as renewable energy.

Earlier today Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2) and Senator Patty Murray (WA) introduced legislation to designate Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. The legislation will protect the free-flowing character of Illabot Creek. The Skagit River watershed supports one of the largest concentrations of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states and is a popular attraction for paddlers.

We are pleased to announce that Becky Brown and Chris Lambiotte are American Whitewater's Volunteers of the Month for February, 2009.  Becky and Chris are helping out AW with our work on Sullivan Creek, located in Northeastern Washington.

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.

Proposals are currently being floated in the Washington State legislature to expand hydropower development in the state which could have devastating impacts on the state's free-flowing rivers, particularly on headwater streams that represent some of the region's top creeking destinations. Rivers like the Clearwater and Canyon Creek that have seen past threats would be at risk if new legislation passes to encourage development of "run-of-river" hydropower projects.

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.

American Whitewater recently joined several organizations with an interest in stewardship and conservation of the Skykomish River Valley in requesting that Longview Timber refrain from road building or logging on key parcels in the Skykomish River valley.

The North Cascades region represents one of the world’s most spectacular destinations for whitewater paddlers with over 150 recognized runs on rivers and creeks that span an impressive diversity of landscapes. American Whitewater recently completed a survey of these rivers and 165 whitewater enthusiasts responded. We are documenting the use and value of these rivers to assist in efforts to protect these rivers for future generations.

The Park Service held two public meetings this past month and solicited scoping comments on the subject of whether to recommend the Skagit River upstream of Copper Creek as a candidate for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the Park Service is in the process of reviewing comments, it is not too late to weigh in. It is important for the Park Service to hear from the paddling community and those who enjoy the recreational opportunities this river offers.

AW has provided comment on the Puget Sound Partnership's draft Action Agenda for cleaning up Puget Sound in Washington State. The Puget Sound Partnership is a community effort of citizens, governments, tribes, scientists and businesses working together to restore and protect Puget Sound. The scope of this effort includes the headwater areas that flow into the Sound including nearly 100 recognized whitewater runs that are readily accessible to the paddlers of Western Washington and Southwest British Columbia.

AW is asking that paddlers familiar with Washington State's Sullivan Creek fill out a short online survey. American Whitewater is actively working on a process to remove, transfer, or operate two dams in the Sullivan Creek Watershed.  We have also created a video of the Gorge to share this inaccessible place with other stakeholders - enjoy!

North Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the Skagit River. As part of the planning effort the Park Service has considered a request by American Whitewater to conduct a study on the eligibility and suitability of the Skagit River for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the downstream section of the Skagit, which is popular for eagle floats, is designated as Wild and Scenic, what many paddlers do not know is that the well-known whitewater run upstream is not currently designated.

Tributaries of the lower Rogue River and the rivers of Mt. Hood will be the subject of a hearing today in the U.S. House of Representatives. American Whitewater has participated in outreach efforts associated with both pieces of legislation that include rivers of interest to the whitewater paddling community.

Volunteers are needed to Clean Up the Clackamas River at the 5th Annual "Down the River Clean Up" Sunday, September 7th 9:30 a.m at Barton Park.

Today through Sunday contractors will be on site to conduct blasting operations associated with the construction of a new bridge across the Whitechuck River. This bridge will replace the one washed out in the October 2003 floods and will provide access to the Whitechuck Launch on the Sauk Wild and Scenic River.