Region News

The state of South Carolina is considering funding the removal of the third of three dams on Twelvemile Creek. The other two dams are already slated for removal. Take an online survey to support the full restoration of Twelvemile Creek, and the potentially great whitewater currently lost under reservoirs.

Earlier this week the US Forest Service cancelled their plans to allow a paltry six days of paddling on one small section of the upper Chattooga River (NC/SC/GA) this winter. As it has been for 33 years, the entire Upper Chattooga River now remains banned to all canoeing and kayaking, while all other existing uses have no limits. Conservation-oriented paddlers have challenged the overarching agency decision to ban paddling on the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River in court and in the administrative appeals process over the past two weeks.

With a prolonged maintenance outage at Nantahala Hydro Station and higher than expected rainfall Duke Energy is expecting to begin releasing water through a gate at the Nantahala Lake Dam on Monday, November 2, 2009. This management marks an opportunity for paddlers to enjoy the Class IV+ Cascades and Class III+ Upper Nantahala, and is likely to last until late December.

After a two-year drought in the southeast, Tallulah releases are on track for this fall. Scheduled releases occur the first three weekends in November. Release dates for November 2009 are 7 & 8, 14 & 15, and 21 & 22. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs.

Conservation-oriented kayakers and canoeists sought protection in federal court on Wednesday from an illegal decision by the United States Forest Service involving the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. The USFS decision, which was the culmination of a 2004 administrative appeal by American Whitewater, makes it a federal crime for paddlers to float the northernmost 21 miles of the River and its tributaries except on a limited seven-mile section during 6 or fewer days per year.

After considerable delay, US Forest Service officials announced a final decision on managing recreation uses on the upper Chattooga River and released the Environmental Assessment.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comments on a proposal to permit a "Heritage Center" interpretive site on 20 acres in the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River corridor in South Carolina. The proposal includes new construction, use of pesticides and introduction of a new user group to the Wild and Scenic River corridor where kayaking and canoeing is currently banned.

The Tallulah releases will be held this fall on the following dates: November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Approximately thirty volunteers are needed each weekend.

Come help remove some old dilapidated slalom gates at the Ledges section of the French Broad in Asheville, NC. The work starts at 8am on Saturday, August 22nd. Full details inside.

On Friday, July 24, 2009, American Whitewater signed a settlement agreement with South Carolina Electric & Gas Company and a suite of other organizations and agencies that resolves issues regarding the management of Lake Murray Dam for the next 50 years. Lake Murray Dam regulates flows in the popular Saluda River, as it flows through Columbia, South Carolina. AW was represented by Charlene Coleman throughout this process and the exciting agreement signed last week is a testament to her hard work and creativity.

There's no better way to describe this event than RiverLink's own words:

"Start making your "yacht" for this year's Rockin' RiverFest, a FREE day long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft competition, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more! There's something fun for everyone!"

Check out the full event details on the RiverLink page.

The Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership will be controlling oriental bittersweet, privet, and multiflora rose on the Cheoah River this Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th. These aggressive invasive plants are overtaking Virginia spiraea, a federally threatened plant. If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP by Thursday, July 25th. Carpooling from Asheville can be arranged. All tools and equipment will be provided.

TVA is gathering information from stakeholders on how to meet the needs of the Tennessee Valley and its residents for energy, environment, natural resource management and recreation. As users of public lands and waters, please tell TVA what you think. Please submit your comments by August 14, 2009.

On June 30, 2009 a report was released that definitively finds that the high flow events that paddlers use on the Cheoah River have no significant biological or stream channel impacts that need to be addressed. American Whitewater is very pleased that the releases on the Cheoah are a good thing for the river, as predicted, and will continue to work to restore the Cheoah River.

Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief of the National Forest System, recently provided American Whitewater with a brief update on the status of the long-overdue management plan for the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River, located in NC, SC, and GA. Mr. Holtrop offered that at this time the USFS is expecting to issue a final decision by the end of summer. Mr. Holtrop also stated that "Most recently, we have been conducting an extensive legal review to ensure that we have addressed all relevant concerns."

Keep this number for assistance in the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park - (865) 436-1230. This number connects to the Park Dispatch Office and should be used in non-emergency situations. For boaters who regularly paddle in the Park it is advisable to program the number in your cell phone.

Earlier this week Jackson County, NC county Commissioners decided to attempt a takeover of Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckaseegee River using their power of eminent domain, also known as condemnation. It remains unclear if they can legally accomplish this feat, however it is almost certain that this development will delay the restoration activities planned all along the Tuckaseegee River.

American Whitewater and our attorneys have been in contact with US Forest Service officials at the local, regional, and National level asking for prompt resolution of the mismanagement of the Chattooga, which has now been delayed over 2 years. The USFS has not set a new deadline for releasing their long overdue decision, nor shared a reason for the delays.

The 2009 French Broad River Cleanup was a huge success. Over 30 individuals participated in the cleanup on May 1st.

South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has requested public comment regarding a proposed dam on Ferguson Creek, an important tributary to the South Tyger River and popular Tyger River whitewater runs. Please consider writing a letter to DHEC similar to the below asking them to address several concerns.

American Whitewater Board Member Rich Bowers and AW's Jeff Paine talk with John Grace over at LVM about AW's work to secure releases on the Tallulah Gorge in Georgia.

Highlights include video from the past weekend's release and Rich telling the story of a power company official's change of heart the moment he saw Oceana with water in it for the first time. Check it out!

The 2009 French Broad River Cleanup is scheduled for Friday, May 1st. American Whitewater, in partnership with Riverlink and the Nantahala Outdoor Center, is holding a river cleanup of the French Broad River.

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.

Removal of the Dillsboro Dam is another step closer. Superior Court Judge Laura Bridges ordered Jackson county officials to "immediately process and issue" permits that Duke Energy needs to begin dredging sediment behind the Dillsboro dam in preparation for removal.

Spring Tallulah releases for 2009 are going to happen on April 4, 5 and 11, 12. Releases begin at 9:30 am and all boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake. You will need to sign a waiver at the top of the stairs to be permitted to paddle the river. Please continue to park across the road from the put-in for a $4.00 fee per vehicle, and remember that you must go under the bridge to cross the road.

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.

Last week Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff released their draft analysis of the proposed management of a string of dams on North and South Carolina's Catawba River. FERC has announced public meetings at which the public can offer their comments and learn more about the project. FERC has largely supported the settlement agreement that AW signed with Duke Power and dozens of other stakeholders.

American Whitewater's Kevin Colburn and Jeff Paine were recently featured in LVM's weekly podcast to talk about AW's work on the Cheoah River in NC.

The video talks about the long process that AW was a part of to secure releases on the Cheoah. It's a good chance to see how these negotiations and processes can work and also shows what might have happened to this river was it not for the many members and supporters of AW funding our river stewardship efforts.

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.

The media has recently reported that one of the counties opposed to the removal of Dillsboro Dam, Macon County, has backed out of the lawsuit over the issue. In addition, Duke Power has filed a lawsuit themselves against Jackson County over their failure to issue Duke permits needed for removing sediment from behind the dam. Both actions are consistent with the ongoing trend towards removing Dillsboro Dam, and starting new releases in the Tuckasegee and Nantahala rivers.

Last Tuesday the Waterkeeper Alliance board of directors approved an application for a new riverkeeper for the Columbia, South Carolina area. The riverkeeper will act as an advocate for the Saluda, Congaree, and Broad rivers. Knowing that rivers need all the help they can get, AW wrote a letter of support for the riverkeeper position earlier this month.

The Sumter National Forest announced today that the final decision on recreation uses on the upper Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is under internal review and will not be released this month as planned. The decision is now scheduled to be released "next year." It has been over 3.5 years since the highest office of the Forest Service ruled that the Upper Chattooga boating ban violates the Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Muddy Water Watch is a North Carolina state-wide initiative to reduce stormwater runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials to help volunteers understand erosion control violations, and how they can help prevent impacts from the number one water pollution problem- sediment. A Muddy Water Watch training session taking place November 18, December 2nd and 9th from 5:30-8:30pm at Blue Ridge Community College.

Due to the prolonged absence of southeastern rainfall, American Whitewater received the following letter from the Southern Company (Georgia Power) dated October 22, canceling fall releases on the Tallulah River. The Southern Company letter is posted on the "read more" link.

Recreational releases on the Upper Nantahala and West Fork of the Tuckasegee are currently being held up by a local County's opposition to removing Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River. As resolution nears, opposition to releases on the West Fork of the Tuck is heating up. Regardless, it appears that 2010 may be the year that sweeping river restoration initiatives occur on the Tuckasegee River. We have posted a West Fork video to remind paddlers why this project is so important.

Come dressed as your favorite rapid on the Green at the "GREEN-O-WEEN" benefit for American Whitewater, Oct 30th at Asheville Pizza Company.

Thursday, October 9th, the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival comes to Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, Merrimon Ave. Films start at 7:00PM.

Wow, what a festival!

Not only was it the 25th anniversary of the Gauley Fest but ask almost anyone who was there and you'll hear the same thing "It was the best Gauley Fest ever!" Not only was there beautiful weather with clear blue skies but throw in the industries biggest and best vendors with whitewater enthusiasts from all over and you've got a recipe for an outstanding event!

With the proceeds of the event being used to support the stewardship work of American Whitewater.

A new SC state Attorney General's opinion suggests that public river access at bridges, and recreational activities like fishing and boating (including scouting and portaging) within the bounds of the high water mark are likely legal activities on navigable rivers in the state. This positive opinion is not a substitute for a definitive judicial ruling, however it will guide the officers and agents of the State in their law enforcement practices.

North Carolina's Division of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey of paddlers to help them assess citizen's access needs and opinions on how river access initiatives should be funded and accomplished. The survey only takes a few minutes and if you paddle in NC, we encourage you to participate. Whitewater paddlers' participation in the study will help provide vital information about recreational needs on whitewater rivers.

Like many paddlers, American Whitewater yesterday submitted comments on the Forest Service's environmental assessment (EA) of recreation on the Chattooga River. We would like to thank all the paddlers that filed comments in support of responsible management on the Chattooga. As a community we have daylighted a national treasure being mismanaged by a small group of people for a small group of people. AW remains committed to bringing responsible river management to the Chattooga on behalf of all backcountry recreationists.

Ever since first raising the issue of boating on the Upper Chattooga with the Forest Service in 1995 AW has repeatedly sought to establish a reasoned dialogue with the other stakeholder groups and reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding boating on the upper Chattooga River.

Today the US Forest Service announced that they will grant the public another 2 weeks to submit comments on their "environmental assessment" of recreational use in the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River corridor. The new comment period ends August 18th.

AW has finished our initial review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding recreation on the Chattooga River and we will be filing detailed comments on the EA prior to the August 1st deadline [extended to August 18th]. We encourage paddlers nationwide concerned with river management and protection to submit comments. The proposed management action on the Chattooga is a damaging and politically motivated precedent that would impact rivers, managers, and recreationists across the country.

Today the United States Forest Service released their new proposal for management of the upper Chattooga River, and an environmental assessment of their alternatives. There will be a 30 day public comment period. The USFS proposes to essentially maintain their ban on boating while allowing other uses unlimited access - again without any basis whatsoever.

The USFS has announced another 6-month delay in deciding on a new plan for managing recreation on the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River. The announcement came in a certified letter to AW, in response to a letter AW sent the Chief of the USFS requesting an update and swift equitable resolution of this protracted issue.

American Whitewater recently received a grant which provides an opportunity to explore the reintroduction of rivercane to the Cheoah River. This grant was provided by Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources which is a Cherokee Preservation Foundation program ultimately funded by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian. Rivercane is on the decline in the southeast due to development and agriculture.

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 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently rejected a formal challenge of their order to remove Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River (NC). This decision clears what may be the final hurdle in the way of removing Dillsboro Dam. The decision also supports the settlement agreement that AW signed with many stakeholders in 2003 calling for the dam to be removed, and releases from upstream dams enhanced.

Last fall a proposal surfaced to build 250 homes on a 650 acre tract of land along North Carolina's Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek. Public support for protection of the land contributed to a withdrawal of the development proposal and negotiations between a land trust and the owner. This week, it was announced that the land will be purchased by the Foothills Conservancy and transfered to public ownership!

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.

The Sumter National Forest told AW today to expect even more delays in the release of their Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding recreational use in the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River corridor. Now a full year late, and fraught with problems, it is unclear when the EA will be released.

Many paddlers are probably wondering what the hold-up is on the releases planned for the West Fork of the Tuckasegee and the Upper Nantahala. Current challenges to the removal of Dillsboro Dam are delaying the process. In this article we share background behind these challenges.