American River Wildlife News
Pact reached for whitewater release
Thu 01 Feb 2007 10:21:44 AM PST - Rafting
A five-year re-licensing effort on a Sacramento Municipal Utility District hydroelectric project that includes one of the most popular stretches for whitewater rafting in the state has cleared an important hurdle.
After a half-decade of research, study and negotiations the district has reached agreement with representatives from the $33-million-a-year whitewater rafting industry as well as other organizations on how it will run its hydroelectric power plants on the upper American River for the next 30 to 50 years.
"It should change the industry," said Guy Cables, owner of Sierra Outdoor Center in Auburn.
The pact calls for guaranteed weekend releases year-round to provide a daily source of foaming whitewater downstream from dams along sections that include the South Fork of the American River.
With the use of dry suits, that should mean more rafting during months other than traditionally high-water periods in the spring and summer, Cables said. The releases are already taking place on weekends, he said.
More at the AuburnJournal.com.
"It should change the industry," said Guy Cables, owner of Sierra Outdoor Center in Auburn.
The pact calls for guaranteed weekend releases year-round to provide a daily source of foaming whitewater downstream from dams along sections that include the South Fork of the American River.
With the use of dry suits, that should mean more rafting during months other than traditionally high-water periods in the spring and summer, Cables said. The releases are already taking place on weekends, he said.
More at the AuburnJournal.com.