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AW in the MidWest

The Midwest is not particularly well known for its whitewater; however, there are hundreds of gems scattered around the region and every state boasts at least one whitewater prize.

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Relicensing of Montreal River Hydropower Projects Begins (WI)

05/30/2020 - by Thomas O'Keefe

In December 2019 Northern States Power submitted their Notice of Intent and Preliminary Application Document to relicense both the Saxon Falls and Superior Falls Hydroelectric Projects. These two projects regulate flows on the West Branch Montreal and Montreal Canyon. Both of these runs are enjoyed by paddlers from across the Midwest and offer opportunities that are unique to the region. American Whitewater will be filing formal comments and a study request within the next week requesting an evaluation of flow needs for whitewater boating and adequacy of accommodations for public access to the river. Paddlers in the region who know the river can help by filing personal comments.

Grandfather Falls Licensing About to Get Underway (WI)

12/06/2012 - by Thomas O'Keefe

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recently announced the commencement of relicensing proceedings for the Tomahawk and Grandfather Falls Hydroelectric Projects in Wisconsin. We are pleased to report that FERC has identified whitewater recreation as one of the issues requiring study and analysis and has proposed a whitewater flow study. Paddlers have the opportunity to attend next week's public meeting and file written comments.

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Requirements to Provide Whitewater Recreation Upheld for Fox River (WI)

10/22/2011 - by Thomas O'Keefe

In an important affirmation of the value of whitewater recreation at federally-licensed hydropower projects, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruled that licensee's have a responsibility to provide recreational opportunities in accordance with area needs. The fact that risk may be involved in such activities as whitewater boating does not obviate a licensee’s responsibility to provide these opportunities.

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Gresham Municipal Utilities Initiates Licensing Process for Red River Dams (WI)

08/16/2010 - by Thomas O'Keefe

Over the past few months Gresham Municipal Utilities has been gearing up to relicense their hydroelectric projects on the Red River. As paddlers know operation of the Weed Dam impacts flows on the Red River.  American Whitewater can provide technical assistance on the project but we are seeking a local volunteer or group of volunteers willing to invest some time in this process over the next few years.

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FERC pulls the plug on Cuyahoga (OH)

06/18/2007 - by Thomas O'Keefe

In a letter dated June 14th, 2007, FERC officially pulled the plug on the proposed hydropower project on an old outdated dam on the Cuyahoga River.

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WW Releases begin on Chippewa River, WI

07/08/2004 - by John Gangemi

Xcel Energy starts releases on the Chippewa River in Wisconsin this weekend.  Four releases are scheduled for this summer.  Enjoy this whitewater opportunity.  Boat safely and be sure to sign-in.


Associated Projects

Brooke Lynch

Eiusmod quia occaeca

Clean Water Act

American Whitewater's advocacy to protect water quality.

Cuyahoga Restoration (OH)

A new hydro license proposal would dewater a nice rapid and preclude opportunities for dam removal.

Fox River

American Whitewater has worked to provide flows and access to section of the Fox River impacted by hydropower.

Jim Falls (WI)

AW has advocated for restoration of recreational opportunities on the Chippewa River impacted by the Jim Falls Hydro Project.

Kinnickinnic River Restoration

American Whitewater supports opportunities to restore the Kinnickinnic River through hydropower licensing of the River Falls Hydroelectric Project

Red River (WI)

AW works for protection and restoration of the recreational and conservation values of this river corridor.

Upcoming Events

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August 2023

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Jim Falls Releases
10:00 am -3:00 pm america/chicago
Whitewater Release650-650 cfs

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Jim Falls Releases
10:00 am -3:00 pm america/chicago
Whitewater Release650-650 cfs

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Events
Jim Falls Releases Jim Falls,WI runs 07/14/07 - 08/13/23
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Black River Release Jackson County,WI runs 10/18/02 - 09/11/21
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Russell Fork Release Elkhorn City,KY runs 10/02/04 - 10/27/19
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Thomson Dam Whitewater Release Duluth,MN runs 07/06/19 - 08/23/20
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National Paddling Film Festival Frankfort,KY runs 02/17/17 - 02/18/17
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Kaukauna (WI) Releases (4 per year) Kaukauna,WI runs 09/28/19 - 10/05/19
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Grandfather Falls Rock Falls,WI runs 05/30/20 - 06/10/23
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