American Whitewater has been maintaining and enhancing access to rivers for 70 years. And they’ve been busting their tail sagain this year, fighting for access and preservation of our country’s rivers. Its work this year ranged from defending stream access on the Boone Fork of the Watauga in North Carolina and engaging in the ongoing right to boating threats in Georgia to collaborating with Tribes on formalized access to the undammed Klamath River in Oregon and California.
Following is a regional rundown on their accomplishments this past year:
Pacific Northwest: Over 20 years ago, American Whitewater used the Land and Water Conservation Fund to secure public ownership of BZ Access on the White Salmon River. Now, after helping to permanently authorize and fully fund this important federal funding source, we’re working to use it again to bring Northwestern Park into public ownership. Securing publicly owned access at this site is one of several priorities we’re focusing on in the Columbia River Gorge.
California: After two decades of Tribally led efforts, the fourth and final outdated hydropower dam on the Klamath River was removed in September 2024. Shortly after, the first salmon swam upstream through the newly restored reaches. Over 40 miles of whitewater have returned to free-flowing condition, improving water quality for 200 miles downstream to the Pacific. To support public access, American Whitewater helped design and secure $3.5 million in funding for five new river access points along the undammed stretches, enabling river enthusiasts to witness first-hand the rebirth of this iconic river system.
Northern Rockies: American Whitewater is diving into a new dam relicensing in the Northern Rockies, this time focused on the Fall River in Southeastern Idaho. The Fall River offers delightful Class III+ rapids, and the dam relicensing creates opportunities for improved access and flow releases.
Southern Rockies): The loss of a reasonable take-out for Cataract Canyon (UT) along the Colorado River reflects shortsighted water management and the impacts of climate change. Aerican Whitewater has worked to bring the issue of safe egress from Cataract to Washington DC on multiple trips, and is continuing to find both short and long-term solutions for the public to access this iconic and rapidly changing stretch of river. Farther up in the headwaters of the Colorado River Basin, American Whitewater is working with the Forest Service to construct access improvements on the Taylor River in Colorado. Design plans are complete and we’ve received the majority of the funding to start the construction phase. The project will improve the user experience and safety, and reduce streambank erosion long into the future!
Midwest: As part of hydropower licensing on the Montreal River, American Whitewater will be working to formalize access at the Saxon Falls Powerhouse, a long staircase that serves as the put-in for the Montreal Canyon, and at other sites associated with the hydropower project. While many of these sites have been used by boaters for years we will work to make public access to the river a formal requirement of the hydropower license.
Northeast: American Whitewater is working to restore flows and access to three sections of the West Branch of the Penobscot River that have been dewatered by Brookfield’s hydropower dams. Led by Chris Howe, Mike Smith, and other local paddlers in the Millinocket/Baxter Maine region, we are advocating for boatable flows and scheduled releases in the Ripogenus Gorge, Millinocket Stream, and West Branch below Stone Dam. The relicensing of the Ripogenus and Penobscot Mills projects gives American Whitewater and our partners Appalachian Mountain Club, Trout Unlimited, and local boaters and anglers the best opportunity to restore these sections.
Mid-Atlantic: In 2024, homeowners along the reservoir sought to force changes to Upper Yough levels and releases through a legislative edict. The boating community stopped that effort, and now American Whitewater and regional partners will work with the state and other stakeholders to consider dam permit changes that could meet homeowner interests, while protecting or enhancing downstream recreation in an appropriate and collaborative manner.
Southeast: Recovering from Hurricane Helene is going to be a colossal task for many riverside communities in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, and as those communities rebuild, American Whitewater will be involved in river access planning efforts at many dozens of sites that were lost in the storm. Access to rivers for paddlers and community members can play an important role in economic and personal recovery, and we’ll be there to help. We’ll also continue to represent boater’s interests in two cases disputing the public’s right to float rivers in the Southeast on the Watauga River (NC) and in Georgia.
Call to Action:
All this works depends upon direct support from boaters like you. Here’s how you can help:
- Give a Gift Membership: Do you know someone who isn’t a member but should be? Be that friend and give them the gift of an American Whitewater Gift Membership—perfect for sharing your passion and spreading the love for the work we accomplish on your behalf
- Join, Renew, or Make a Donation: Support river conservation and access efforts by joining or renewing as a member yourself, or making a one-time or recurring donation. Every dollar you give helps fund essential work to protect our cherished rivers, restore flows, and support their safe enjoyment.
- Gift Appreciated Stock: Give smartly by donating appreciated stock. This tax-savvy option allows you to maximize your impact while potentially reducing your tax burden. It’s a powerful way to protect rivers while achieving your financial goals. Give me a call or email if you’d like to know more.
- Join the Enduring Rivers Circle: Leave a lasting legacy for rivers by including American Whitewater in your will or as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts. Planned gifts through our Enduring Rivers Circle ensure your passion for rivers and river access continues to flow for generations. We can even help you write your will for free through our FreeWill partnership.
Bonus: All current American Whitewater members will be entered to win a Kokatat drysuit or a Hyside raft in an end of the year drawing–Now is the perfect time to renew your membership!
