2006: What a year!
What a year, 2006 was American Whitewater's best year yet! Hard changes made in 2005 took hold and
delivered an outstanding year in both river stewardship successes and the organizations financial
health.
Here are examples of how our recent transitions provided for a healthier organization:
Regional Stewardship Work: In 2005, American Whitewater transitioned its river access and
conservation programs into a model that embraces regional river stewardship. The fruits of this
transition became clear in 2006. American Whitewater staff and volunteers are successfully building
relationships within their communities to improve the quality and quantity of whitewater recreation
and conservation in their backyards. Local staff and board representation, coupled with empowered
volunteers, makes American Whitewater more effective fulfilling our mission "to conserve and
restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely."
National Representation: American Whitewater joined forces with other human powered outdoor
recreation organizations to form the Outdoor Alliance. This coalition allows all of our
organizations to collaborate on common goals of preserving and restoring our natural resources for
responsible recreation. The Outdoor Alliance provides a stronger voice for our interests in
Washington D.C. and is helping to shape public policy for improved recreational access and
conservation on all American public lands.
Financial Stability: Throughout 2006, American Whitewater diversified its funding streams. To
accomplish this American Whitewater reached out to new funding sources; foundations, the outdoor
industry, and focused efforts on educating our member donors on the value of American Whitewater's
work and how support contributes to river stewardship efforts.
Primed for growth: In 2006, American Whitewater hosted a meeting of whitewater boating interests in
Colorado to create the Colorado Rivers Initiative. American Whitewater recognized that Colorado
rivers face the most significant threats found anywhere in the country. American Whitewater
committed to hiring our new Colorado Stewardship Director, Nathan Fey. This position will lead and
support volunteers across the state to make sure paddlers in Colorado have a voice for how its
rivers and water are managed.
I would personally like to thank the many volunteers that contribute their valuable time, our Board
of Directors and staff for their support making this transition a reality. Working together,
American Whitewater's members, staff, and volunteers will continue to make a difference in the
effort to save and restore America's whitewater treasures.
See you on the river,
Mark Singleton
Executive Director
P.S. To download a complete copy of American Whitewater's 2006 Annual Report simply
click here!