Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cagayan de Oro Whitewater - Philippines
Rafting outfitters are struggling with a political storm on the Cagayan de Oro's whitewater river. Opposition to the proposal for a bioethanol plant in two upland villages poses an environmental threat to the river itself. Opening the Barangays Mambuaya and Bayanga to industrial corporations jeopardizes the health of the river. The Mambuya hosts the city's 12-kilometer white water rafting course.
Oro Association of Rafters is composed of all six local whitewater rafting companies. The association will oppose the plan by Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. to construct this bioethanol processing plant. Jerome Garcia, operator of Dome Expeditions Tours has said that the association has already stated their position in public.
The association believes that because neither an environmental impact assessment was done or public hearings before the passage of the new ordinance, that the project should be re-assesed. Garcia encourages that the bioethanol plant be relocated outside of the city to curtail threats of pollution to the river.
Thank you to Sunstar for this update and post from the Philippines.
Oro Association of Rafters is composed of all six local whitewater rafting companies. The association will oppose the plan by Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. to construct this bioethanol processing plant. Jerome Garcia, operator of Dome Expeditions Tours has said that the association has already stated their position in public.
The association believes that because neither an environmental impact assessment was done or public hearings before the passage of the new ordinance, that the project should be re-assesed. Garcia encourages that the bioethanol plant be relocated outside of the city to curtail threats of pollution to the river.
Thank you to Sunstar for this update and post from the Philippines.
Labels: conservation, environment, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Monday, October 06, 2008
River Day - Concord River, Lowell, MA, USA
Our friends over at Topix just posted about the River Day held in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. Lowell Sun has the full story on their website. The Concord River is just off of Lawrence Street near Senator Paul Tsongas burial site. His wife, US Rep. Niki Tsongas pointed out, "Paul's right up there. This river is a geographic uniter, but it's a personal place as well."
Story after story were told during the presentation for River Day event hosted by Tsongas purely to celebrate the rivers that connect the Fifth Congressional District.
Plans for a Concord River Greenway was presented by Steve Conant, co-founder and president of the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. He envisions a 25-mile path from Framingham to Lowell. The environmental, historical project leaders and builders expect the construction to be completed by 2009.
Educators from all over the country as well as India and China have come to this historical site to learn about Lowell's history and rivers.
Story after story were told during the presentation for River Day event hosted by Tsongas purely to celebrate the rivers that connect the Fifth Congressional District.
Plans for a Concord River Greenway was presented by Steve Conant, co-founder and president of the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. He envisions a 25-mile path from Framingham to Lowell. The environmental, historical project leaders and builders expect the construction to be completed by 2009.
Educators from all over the country as well as India and China have come to this historical site to learn about Lowell's history and rivers.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Rafting News from Second Life - USA
Whitewater and paddling in the USA is pleased to announce world wide partnerships with the rafting and extreme sports networks. W.E.T. River Trips is the first rafting, whitewater or paddling entity in Second Life. Over one year in development, W.E.T. River Trips is networking in the virtual world with giants in the extreme sports industry such as the Costa Rica sims, the Weather Channel's surfing sims, SL Triathelon, Base Jumpers, Diving and Second Life script and terrain developers.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, second life, surfing, trips, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Silver Creek - California
Visit the AmericanWhitewater.org water steward organization for river rafting acess for the public. Many runs have been opened by this politically active organization. Most recent was the Silver Creek run on the South Fork American river. Only 10 elusive days were available to run this small section of the main south fork in the last 2 years.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Saturday, July 07, 2007
International Surfing Day
The Surfrider Foundation helped sponsor several environmental events last week during International Surfing Day. Over 2,500 lbs of trash were collected during this year's events.
The focus of the event was surfing as well as activities ranging from litter clean-up to global awareness of keeping beaches and oceans protected. “To be out there interacting with our oceans and riding waves, it’s an incredible experience,” says former World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson. “This is a great opportunity to let the rest of the world see just how special the sport of surfing is.”
Over a dozen countries participated such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Argentina,, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Japan.
International Surfing Day was made possible by Surfing Magazine, the Surfrider Foundation, Billabong, SoBe LifeWater Beverages, Islands Restaurants, Pac Sun, Simple Shoes, Surf Tech Surfboards, Earthpack and Wavewatch.com. For more information on International Surfing Day please check the website.
Thanks to American Chronicle for this information.
The focus of the event was surfing as well as activities ranging from litter clean-up to global awareness of keeping beaches and oceans protected. “To be out there interacting with our oceans and riding waves, it’s an incredible experience,” says former World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson. “This is a great opportunity to let the rest of the world see just how special the sport of surfing is.”
Over a dozen countries participated such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Argentina,, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Japan.
International Surfing Day was made possible by Surfing Magazine, the Surfrider Foundation, Billabong, SoBe LifeWater Beverages, Islands Restaurants, Pac Sun, Simple Shoes, Surf Tech Surfboards, Earthpack and Wavewatch.com. For more information on International Surfing Day please check the website.
Thanks to American Chronicle for this information.
Labels: conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, recreation, surfing, wet river trips
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
SURFING Magazine - Carbon Offsets
Surfing Magazine, established in 1964 covers progressive surfing and is the official magazine for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. They have formed a partnership with Carbonfund.org foundation to buy carbon offsets for mangrove reforestation in India. Mangroves are important for the health of fish habitat and help filter ocean pollution.
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, recreation, surfing
Thursday, June 07, 2007
RiverLink - French Broad River
Non-profit RiverLink is the organization helping the French Broad River to maintain its environmental water quality and its economic viability. Founded in 1987, they have helped to increase conservation and public awareness of the river by developing access and recreation. RiverLink was also vital to the economic revitilization of Aheville's riverfront district.
On June 14th, RiverLink hosts the Asheville Associates at Windows at the Park. A festival of music, food, beer and wine tasting, and rafting will raise monies that go directly to RiverLink. Huck Finn Rafting and Southern Waterways will provide the rafting trips throughout the day.
Thanks to the Citizens-Time from Asheville for this news item!
On June 14th, RiverLink hosts the Asheville Associates at Windows at the Park. A festival of music, food, beer and wine tasting, and rafting will raise monies that go directly to RiverLink. Huck Finn Rafting and Southern Waterways will provide the rafting trips throughout the day.
Thanks to the Citizens-Time from Asheville for this news item!
Labels: conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
American River - Coloma, California
The Lotus Coloma Valley, center of the universe for California's rafting community, will be hosting several special events throughout the 2007 season. Music, art, environmental fund raisers, American River conservancy events will highlight the year.
This charming, rural foothill community just outside of Sacramento, California's State Capitol is also home to the original gold rush. The historical Coloma State Park is preserved there along with a museum and gold panning demonstrations. The community lies on the shores of the South Fork American river, the most popular whitewater river in the western United States. For more information on recreation and paddling, visit coloma.com for an expanded read on valley events.
This charming, rural foothill community just outside of Sacramento, California's State Capitol is also home to the original gold rush. The historical Coloma State Park is preserved there along with a museum and gold panning demonstrations. The community lies on the shores of the South Fork American river, the most popular whitewater river in the western United States. For more information on recreation and paddling, visit coloma.com for an expanded read on valley events.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ocoee River - Tennessee
Ocoee River, the 1996 Olympic whitewater paddle host, was compromised by a diesel fuel spill a couple of days ago. A tanker truck had an accident near white water rafting businesses close to the North Carolina and Georgia borders. Luckily, no one was injured in the accident though a measureable amount of fuel was spilled into the river.
Spokesperson, Tisha Calabrese-Benton, from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said, "... some of the diesel fuel has gotten into the river but in a manageable amount."
The TDEC and other local environmental management agencies are attempting to clean the mess and drain the tanker from spilling more fuel into the river.
The white water rafting companies have not started their weekday recreation schedules yet and don't anticipate problems when their weekday trips start in June.
Thanks to Business Week for this information!
Spokesperson, Tisha Calabrese-Benton, from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said, "... some of the diesel fuel has gotten into the river but in a manageable amount."
The TDEC and other local environmental management agencies are attempting to clean the mess and drain the tanker from spilling more fuel into the river.
The white water rafting companies have not started their weekday recreation schedules yet and don't anticipate problems when their weekday trips start in June.
Thanks to Business Week for this information!
Labels: conservation, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Abigail Hoffman
Well known Maine outdoors woman, Abigail Hoffman died recently in a tragic ski accident while participating in fundraiser at Sugarloaf. A rafting guide, legislator, mother and outdoors lover, her death leaves a huge hole in Maine's outdoor industry.
Her influence in helping environmental and conservation concerns leaves many mourning. Popular outdoor blogger, Carey Kish has a tribute on his blog to her with a call for donations to the Kennebec Valley Land Trust, PO Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing in her name. California environmentalists send a heartfelt note of symphony to her friends and family.
Her influence in helping environmental and conservation concerns leaves many mourning. Popular outdoor blogger, Carey Kish has a tribute on his blog to her with a call for donations to the Kennebec Valley Land Trust, PO Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing in her name. California environmentalists send a heartfelt note of symphony to her friends and family.
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, rafting, recreation
Monday, February 26, 2007
Klamath River Karuk Ceremonies - California
We just received this update from Karuk Mountain Dance Council regarding the Karuk Jump (Mountain) Dance on the Klamath River. The annual Karuk Tribal ceremony is centered at the village of Ameekyaaraam, which is near Ike’s Falls on the Klamath River. As the Karuk Jump (Mountain) Dance Council, they continue to speak for this one dance and this dance only. All rafting companies on the Klamath, please read the letter below:
"We are alerting you to the dates of the Karuk Mountain (Jump) Dance as soon as we are able. We hope that your company will find these dates useful as you develop your rafting schedules.
During the period of AUGUST 6, 2007 through SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, we ask that a “quiet zone” from the Salmon River Bridge at Somes Bar to below Ike’s Falls be observed. We also ask that during this time, there be no takeouts or put-ins at the dance grounds under the Klamath River Bridge on Ishi Pishi Road at the mouth of the Cal Salmon River. We realize that there is a need to “take-out” before the long stretch on the Klamath River to Orleans from Ike’s Falls. Take-outs on the east side of the river, below Ike’s Falls is an option, but please observe the “quiet zone”.
We appreciate your efforts to help us make this religious ceremony comfortable for the Indian families who participate. Please share this information with other rafting companies and others who would find this information helpful. We would like to expand our mailing list, so please encourage those you share this with to contact us so that we can add them to our list.
Thank you so much for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please call David and Jan Tripp at (530) 469-3432. Or write us at PO Box 325, Orleans CA 95556."
The Karuk Mountain Dance Council
"We are alerting you to the dates of the Karuk Mountain (Jump) Dance as soon as we are able. We hope that your company will find these dates useful as you develop your rafting schedules.
During the period of AUGUST 6, 2007 through SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, we ask that a “quiet zone” from the Salmon River Bridge at Somes Bar to below Ike’s Falls be observed. We also ask that during this time, there be no takeouts or put-ins at the dance grounds under the Klamath River Bridge on Ishi Pishi Road at the mouth of the Cal Salmon River. We realize that there is a need to “take-out” before the long stretch on the Klamath River to Orleans from Ike’s Falls. Take-outs on the east side of the river, below Ike’s Falls is an option, but please observe the “quiet zone”.
We appreciate your efforts to help us make this religious ceremony comfortable for the Indian families who participate. Please share this information with other rafting companies and others who would find this information helpful. We would like to expand our mailing list, so please encourage those you share this with to contact us so that we can add them to our list.
Thank you so much for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please call David and Jan Tripp at (530) 469-3432. Or write us at PO Box 325, Orleans CA 95556."
The Karuk Mountain Dance Council
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips
Monday, February 12, 2007
$25 Million Prize - Enter Now!
Richard Branson, of Virgin Atlantic Airlines has posted a $25 million bounty for the researched solution for global warming. Scientists are reeling over the possibility of finding a way to suck greenhouse gases out of the air.
Branson said,"Man created the problem, therefore man should solve the problem."
He compared the competition to a 1714 contest which the British government launched to estimate longitude correctly. Sixty years passed before a prize winner could claim the prize from Great Britain.
The technology for sucking gases out of the air is already in place but costs are so prohibitive that the implementation is not feasible, yet. Branson is hoping that this incentive will help to focus scientists to research a cost effective way of capturing the carbon dioxide waste.
Current technology for capturing the gases would cost approximately $300 per ton. David Keith, engineering professor at the University of Calgary has a provisional patent on carbon atmospheric capture technology. He said, "This is really about price." Keith reiterates that technology is there, but the costs are enormous.
Branson's original commitment to fighting global warming has a $3 billion price tag. He is devoting all profits from his travel companies over the next 10 years. This latest incentive will push science to make a major commitment towards a solution. Branson has also started a new Virgin Fuels business and plans to invest $400 million in green-energy projects.
Branson said,"Man created the problem, therefore man should solve the problem."
He compared the competition to a 1714 contest which the British government launched to estimate longitude correctly. Sixty years passed before a prize winner could claim the prize from Great Britain.
The technology for sucking gases out of the air is already in place but costs are so prohibitive that the implementation is not feasible, yet. Branson is hoping that this incentive will help to focus scientists to research a cost effective way of capturing the carbon dioxide waste.
Current technology for capturing the gases would cost approximately $300 per ton. David Keith, engineering professor at the University of Calgary has a provisional patent on carbon atmospheric capture technology. He said, "This is really about price." Keith reiterates that technology is there, but the costs are enormous.
Branson's original commitment to fighting global warming has a $3 billion price tag. He is devoting all profits from his travel companies over the next 10 years. This latest incentive will push science to make a major commitment towards a solution. Branson has also started a new Virgin Fuels business and plans to invest $400 million in green-energy projects.
Labels: conservation, environment, outdoors
Monday, February 05, 2007
Global Warming - Can it Happen?
Global warming is the hottest news item around the globe. How it affects the land masses and climate changes can be alarming. Indonesia is looking at losing most of their country around 30 years from now. The U.S. is hunkering down for more "Katrina-type" events in the southern states. California and the west will probably have hotter summers and wetter winters of catastrophic proportions. European nations will suffer from killer heat waves similar to a few years ago.
Geologists and other scientists have seen this type of climate changes throughout the history of our planet. Those changes came gradually or after a catastrophic event such as Krakatoa or other earth shifts. This time, we can point to our own vast network of technological advancements such as the automobile and the burning of fossil fuels. Those of you who are reluctant to believe that man could affect the world in this manner need to take a look at the anthropology of the Moai on Rapa Nui better known as Easter Island.
Geologists and other scientists have seen this type of climate changes throughout the history of our planet. Those changes came gradually or after a catastrophic event such as Krakatoa or other earth shifts. This time, we can point to our own vast network of technological advancements such as the automobile and the burning of fossil fuels. Those of you who are reluctant to believe that man could affect the world in this manner need to take a look at the anthropology of the Moai on Rapa Nui better known as Easter Island.
Labels: california, conservation, environment
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
This weekend, celebrate "green" by attending one of the many film events in Nevada City, California. The South Yuba River Citizens League is presenting its 5th Annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival. This is the largest environmental film festival in the country. Presented by Patagonia, the outdoor clothing manufacturer with a reputation for promoting conservation and environmental causes, the festival was originally founded in 2003 by the SYRCL.
The SYRCL has long been a champion for the Yuba River and its watershed. It has become the largest, most successful and effective single watershed organization in California. The Yuba River is located in Northern California on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. There are three forks, the South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork that make up the Yuba River. A beautiful area, the watershed is bordered by the Feather River, the Truckee River, the Bear River and the American River.
A great companion river to the early spring rafting runs on the North Fork American, the Yuba also highlights difficult Class 4 & 5 whitewater sections. As development and populations encroach on these areas, the SYRCL and other organizations have found much support in the conservation community to preserve these areas and the water quality.
Several film events will be scattered throughout the weekend in Nevada City. 110 films will be presented along with local community support at art galleries, restaurants and retail stores. Film makers and reknown environmentalists will be on-hand to give talks and answer questions throughout the different venues. Here is the information for tickets and locations for the SYRCL film festival.
The SYRCL has long been a champion for the Yuba River and its watershed. It has become the largest, most successful and effective single watershed organization in California. The Yuba River is located in Northern California on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. There are three forks, the South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork that make up the Yuba River. A beautiful area, the watershed is bordered by the Feather River, the Truckee River, the Bear River and the American River.
A great companion river to the early spring rafting runs on the North Fork American, the Yuba also highlights difficult Class 4 & 5 whitewater sections. As development and populations encroach on these areas, the SYRCL and other organizations have found much support in the conservation community to preserve these areas and the water quality.
Several film events will be scattered throughout the weekend in Nevada City. 110 films will be presented along with local community support at art galleries, restaurants and retail stores. Film makers and reknown environmentalists will be on-hand to give talks and answer questions throughout the different venues. Here is the information for tickets and locations for the SYRCL film festival.
- DATE: Friday – Sunday, January 12-14, 2007
- LOCATION: multiple venues in downtown Nevada City
- COST: $5 - $210, Tickets available at the SYRCL office or by phone (online demand for tickets has overwhelmed the availability; for purchase go directly to the Festival Ticket Office at 317 Spring St, Nevada City, CA 95959.)
- CONTACT: South Yuba River Citizens League, 216 Main Street, Nevada City
(530) 265-5961, www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
Labels: american river, california, conservation, north fork, outdoors, rafting
