A Deeper Dive Into Yellowstone

02/14/2014 - by Kevin Colburn

Earlier this week we posted a quick article informing our community that American Whitewater would not pursue the Senate version of the River Paddling Protection Act, ending our exploration of a legislative solution to the management of paddling in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.  We’ve obviously gotten some questions about this decision and would like to offer a more robust explanation. 

AW Not to Pursue Yellowstone Legislation in Senate

02/11/2014 - by Kevin Colburn

American Whitewater has decided not to pursue a Senate version of the River Paddling Protection Act, ending our exploration of a legislative solution to the management of paddling in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.  Advocating for this legislation in the Senate with insufficient support would exhaust resources better spent on promising conservation projects, would damage valued relationships, and would be unlikely to produce a favorable outcome.

Yellowstone Bill Passes the US House of Representatives

02/08/2014 - by Kevin Colburn

The River Paddling Protection Act, introduced by Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), passed the US House of Representatives on Thursday and now moves to the Senate for consideration.  The bill grants the National Park Service three years to replace 60 year-old paddling prohibitions in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks with modern science-based management.  Doing so would allow Americans to experience these iconic landscapes through non-commercial paddling in a low impact, sustainable, and carefully managed manner. 

Yellowstone Bill Hearing Goes Well

11/22/2013 - by Kevin Colburn

Last week the River Paddling Protection Act, HR 3492, was discussed in a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee.  This bill aims to lift a 60-year-old federal-level ban on paddling rivers in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in favor of normal and flexible river management.  Aaron Pruzan testified on behalf of conservation-oriented paddlers, and we are actively working to improve and pass this landmark legislation.  

Parks Ask For Comments On Paddling Prohibitions

05/29/2013 - by Kevin Colburn

Earlier this month, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks released their draft plan for managing several new Wild and Scenic Rivers. They dismissed any consideration of allowing paddling on the rivers except where it is currently allowed.  If you would like to be able to take a canoe, kayak, or pack raft trip down these Wild and Scenic rivers, please consider attending one of two public meetings June 4 and 5, 2013, or submit written comments. 

Public Comment Opportunity on Yellowstone Paddling

12/20/2010 - by Kevin Colburn

The Park Service is seeking your advice on how to manage several newly designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  Paddling is currently prohibited on most of these rivers.  We encourage paddlers to offer management suggestions that support river recreation and conservation before the end of 2010.