Category Archives: River Conservation

River Politicts and Permits on the John Day River, Part Two
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There won’t be a permit fee for rafting the John Day River during the primary boating season (May 20th – July 10th) after all. Another year of “free rafting.” For this year anyway. Seems the finalization of the permit process on the John Day had a few twists and turns just like the river itself. Permits are always required on the John Day. Most of the year they are self-issue at the launch sites. Beginning … Continue reading →

Just How Wild is that Whitewater River?
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If you’re like me, when rafting you marvel at these amazing wild rivers and river canyons. Apparently, most wild rivers aren’t as wild as we might think. According to a recent study by the US Geological Survey (USGS), people have negatively impacted the flow of most of the rivers across the United States. The study identified over 1,000 unimpaired streams to use as reference points to create stream flow models. The models were applied to … Continue reading →

Leaving No Trace in Arizona (Not Counting Blood, Sweat, and Tears)
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“Well, we’ve gained 700 feet of elevation,” said Mathieu, one of our instructors. He and Brooke, our other instructor, had just returned from a quick scout of the next leg of our route while the rest of us took a break. “But,” he added, “We’re on the wrong ridge” Even though the wind was howling, I think you could’ve heard a pin drop. Or a cactus needle. Part way up a ridge, high in the … Continue reading →

River Politics and Permits and the John Day River
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This spring, folks rafting, drift boating, inflatable kayaking, canoeing – which only begins to describe the range of craft I’ve seen on this river – or otherwise moving downstream on the John Day River in Oregon will have to pay for river use permits for the first time ever. This applies specifically to the primary boating season on the John Day from May 20th to July 10th. Outside of this time frame, the no cost permit … Continue reading →