It is good to see rafting and recreation in general hold importance in river water flow discussions, and better yet, to be reminded that it is only because of the dams that the ability to control the water year round exists.
Water policy favors rafters
Some American River dams must boost flow for recreational users.
By M.S. Enkoji - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, May 3, 2007
There's a lot of rolling on the river this whitewater season thanks to a new agreement on a stretch of the American River that draws thousands of rafters and kayakers every year.
For the first time ever, dams and hydroelectric plants along the south fork of the river must balance energy and recreation needs in regulating river flows, which will ensure more consistent water flows and stretch rafting seasons into fall, rafting outfitters say.
"There's a new spirit of cooperation on the river," said Bill McGinnis, owner of Whitewater Voyages in El Sobrante and author of two guidebooks for river-rafting guides.
Despite a snowpack that is less than 30 percent of average, California rivers with reservoirs should still offer great runs this year, said McGinnis, who runs 160 rafts on all the state's popular rivers.
Other rivers unfettered by dams or reservoirs will flow freely until they naturally deplete themselves, some by mid-May, others as late as July, he said.
