http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/184962_articles-other-other.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:50:16 GMT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:50:16 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/184962_articles-other-other.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024260_The-New-Bomb-Squad-Mountainboards http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024260_The-New-Bomb-Squad-Mountainboards Articles United States Sat, 07 Jul 2001 00:07:00 Finally, someone has come up with a device that allows adrenaline junkies to hurl themselves down mountains with reckless abandon, even after the snow has melted. -
Finally, someone has come up with a device that allows adrenaline junkies to hurl themselves down mountains with reckless abandon, even after the snow has melted.


By Tim McManus

It was just a matter of time,when you think about all the "boarding" sports. Really, it shouldn't be surprising someone finally came up with a device that allows adrenaline junkies to hurl themselves down mountains with reckless abandon, even after the snow has melted.

Enter the Mountainboard.

These burly cousins of the boarding world are not just skateboards with Tonka wheels. We're talking serious downhill machines. The deck is a snowboard/wakeboard mix?an aspen core deck coated in fiber flex. The board itself is shaped like the arch of a foot, providing both bounce and even weight distribution when you stand on it. Mounted on high performance suspension and offroad tires, mountainboards also come equipped with slipin bindings for more control. The V brake system is optional and suggested for beginners. Not very cumbersome, the brake system extends from the back trucks to a hand unit. Cranking on the brakes will definitely come in handy as a first time user gets used to the railtorail turns.

In 1993, Jason Lee and Patrick McConnell created Mountainboard Sports as a way to get their fix after the snow melted and their snowboards were on the shelf. As a result, snowboarders were the first group exposed to the sport, but the demographic is growing. The next generation of mountainboarders includes skateboarders, surfers, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts looking to charge single tracks, big air or on the street.

And that is the great thing about this young, but growing sport. Mountainboarding enables snowboarders to bomb hills after the snow is gone skateboarders to expand their possibilities offroad and surfers to carve even when it's flat. All you need is the hill and the gumption?gravity takes care of the rest.

Just riding these allterrain skateboards creates instant stoke. In the last few weeks I've been thrown headfirst into the world of mountainboarding. It started with my friends Richard and Brent, who bought boards and started crashing singletrack along with mountain bikers. And my first thought after watching Richard in the mountains of Greenville, SC was honestly, 'My buddy has gone crazy.' When a snowboarder crashes, they slam into snow a soft place. When Richard toppled to the earth, he landed on the unforgiving dirt. But properly rigged from head to toe in protection (helmet, wrist guards, kneepads and elbow pads), he pressed on and started landing big airs. This sport has a slow learning curve, and you are going to crash.

Soon I was hearing exploits of 180's and power carves, so I decided to check it out for myself.

I'm at the bottom of the hill, looking up at the under belly of a dry creek bed. Richard is strapped in at the top of the hill on a narrow stretch of single track. As he takes off, I'm surprised to see the speed he generates. The board registers no resistance from bumps in the trail. Then, as he approaches the creek bed, he hops and because of the bindings, the board follows. Next thing I know he's 10feet in the air, flying over me and landing on the other side. He completely bit it, putting too much weight forward and launching over his trucks, but it still looked fun. After he landed one, tweaking a method in mid air, and barreled down the trail hooting, I knew I had to try it.

I stepped into the bindings and it was go time. As I began descending on the rocky rooted single track, I was shocked at how well the shocks absorbed the bumps allowing for intense acceleration. Thankfully, my surfing skills were applicable and I was able to slow down by arcing rail to rail turns, cruising with no problem on and, at times, off of the trail. I must admit that I wasn't flying the first time down, but I guarantee I will be soon. Why? Because this is the closest thing to surfing I've done since returning from my last trip to Costa Rica.

Richard and I then took turns bombing down streets, and even on pavement, this board rocks. No speed wobbles here, the board stays steady even at terminal velocity. And freestylers revel in the bigair launches, instigating the same breed of maniacs who turn heads in BMX and snowboard Big Air shows. The mountainboard possibilities are vast and apply to all levels of adrenaline junkies.

In other words, you should have a Mountainboard stashed in your car right next to the Frisbee. These boards are killer no matter your skill level and you can ride them just about anywhere.
Details & Reservations: The New Bomb Squad Mountainboards
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]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024450_A-Stone-s-Throw http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024450_A-Stone-s-Throw Articles United States Sat, 07 Jul 2001 00:07:00 71 Days on the Trail -
71 Days on the Trail



by David Huebner
(Journal entry)91100

...We've been walkin', so far, for so long, like we've not really gone anywhere, it's all come to us, each pass flowing closer, up over, every summit passing under us while we sit and look about the world. We're all forgotten, Uncle Sam doesn't know we're here, no permit, no fishing liscense, no cares for that man made world. Over two months on Our Land, yes, "This land is your land, this land is my land," ringing in time with the birds in the trees, soaring thru the air. We haven't been on any trail, nor any prescribed "route" out of some dead tree book put out by someone looking for an extra nickel. We've been following the land, all its deviations, variations, spontaneous inspirations. We've had no purpose, no goal, no goddamn sponsorship. Here we sit, gone hiking, gone climbing we pick the ripe berries from the branches...



WHAT ARE WE but the grasses and the trees, the sun rises and sets, Time has nothing to do with it, Money is even farther away, oh people we are simply of these mountains, these rivers, glaciers gone, still moving the landscape. All summer three of us slept on the ground, hiked through basins, over passes and cols from one place to another, caught magical fish, stood on breezy summits our trip seemed to be no trip at all, for as the days passed it felt more and more like we had nowhere to go, and had come from nowhere at allin limbo among Life, we were living.

Huck is a San Diego surfer, who a while ago gave up all that citylife trash for the pure mountain life. For the past few years he's been rotating from Central Coast California to Tahoe to the Eastside Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Northwest, where and when the spirit or school moves him. Looking for nothing he seems to've found everythingclimbing mountains in the Sierra, finding freedom on his bike, studying trees inbetween. Although several bad ankle rolls/sprains have made him wary, he tends to take flight rather frequently while running the hillsides of the Sierra, bringing the wild spirit to the surface with echoes ringing in the branches.

Mr. X is the invisible laugh and vulgar comment carried on the wind to your ear where ever you may be, the twinkle in the sky, the sparkle of the granite. An escapee of marching ant suburban nightmare Eastern Los Angeles San Gabriel Valley doldrums, he's been in the mountains for awhile, Colorado, California, Wyoming, Washington, B.C., and he'd like it if no one would ever write about him so, hey just forget all this alright.

And me, I just happen to know these guys, share the feeling, and am commited to a life in the mountains.

That is all, just ta give ya the lowdown. We're nobodys. We like it that way.



IT ALL BEGAN WITH A MARMOT in Miter Basin, down South in the Sierra a ways. He was hanging out in camp with us one morning, and we took a liking to the guy. Thing was, he had a bad left front leg, and was blind in his left eye. Now how many disabled marmots do you see in the backcountry? Huck gave him the title of The Gimp. The story began there, simply The Gimp of Miter Basin, but as we hiked over Crabtree Pass that day, the story developed into The Gimp as a war hero in the Great War between the marmots of Crabtree Lakes, and those of Miter Basin. Apparently he was influencial in the peace talks that brought about an end to the fighting. We tried many times unsuccessfully to speak with other marmots about The Gimp and The War. We would introduce ourselves as being from The Park Service, and that we're friends of The Gimp, usually yelling, "We know The Gimp! We need to find out information about Mt. Guyot!(we pronouce it Gyt because that's how the marmots pronounce it)" Marmots don't seem to respond well to intense interogation. Rather than answering our questions they usually just hid inbetween or under boulders. The story continued to grow though, without any additional help from our fellow basin residents, and the history of Mt. Guyot as well as The Great War was discovered.

Every year Marmots must make a pilgrimage to Mt. Guyot and place a stone on the summit. It is their Mecca, and The Gimp is their Messiah. We thought this explained quite well the strange conical shape of Mt. Guyot, it's strange location, and the definite unwillingness on the part of the marmots to respond to any questions regarding the matter. It is a sacrilege to speak of The War or The Gimp directly, and we believe most marmots would rather die in silence that expose themselves to attack from their peers by giving any details.



RUNNING WITH THE STORY of The Gimp is where it all started, this loss of any damn "reality", this crazy 71 day trip, now, let me tell you a bit about the fish. I can't say too much because of course, then I'd have to kill you and myself, but somewhere among the many incredible granite high basins of the Southern Sierra lurks a grandiose species of Golden Trout. Huge, wise, beautiful fish, most definitely feeling akin to Salmon, with meat as red, and spawning practices as similar. We suspect there are specimens up to 24 inches or more(we've held in our very own hands 18 inch wonders), but it's doubtful you can catch 'em. They are a thing to be amazed by, to respect.

As the summer went on, we came across lakes where a feast more wonderful than any Spago's incarnation would be had. One such lake farther west than you can imagine, and still in the highest of the high country, produced for Mr. X a 3 pound or more, 20 inch, well fed Rainbow with meat as red as any salmon. After ol' X caught his monster fish I continued casting and pulled in a 14 inch Golden. The day before, I caught a 15 inch, maybe 2 pound, Rainbow/Golden hybrid. The rice and mashed potato dinners took on quite a different dimension those nights.




Details & Reservations: A Stone's Throw
RealAdventures | United States Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024257_Shaving-The-Weight-Packing-Tips-For-Hikers http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024257_Shaving-The-Weight-Packing-Tips-For-Hikers Articles United States Tue, 03 Jul 2001 00:07:00 Helpful tips on ways to reduce the weight of your pack for extended hikes. -
Helpful tips on ways to reduce the weight of your pack for extended hikes.


By Kimberly Hoch

You're ready to backpack the AT (Appalachian Trail), or maybe the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Either way, you might be hiking 12 miles a day or more, so your backpack must be carefully packed so it doesn't weigh you down. Keep in mind there is no exact formula for figuring out an ideal weight. Each individual must experiment with different weights. If someone carries a load 15 pounds too heavy for them, their trip will be spent struggling to heave the pack.

First you have to calculate your ideal carrying weight. Your physical condition is one of the most defining factors. Pete Linkroum, an Admissions Advisor from Outward Bound says, "someone who weighs 100 pounds will not carry the same as someone who weighs 200 pounds." And likewise, someone who is 200 pounds and in superior physical condition will be able to carry more than a 200pound person in poor physical condition.

The climate of the area is also a component in how much to carry. Linkroum says, "know the terrain you will be in." Hot, humid weather will make carrying a heavy load harder, whereas cool, dry weather will make carrying a pack of the same weight easier to handle. Linkroum also believes that not only is the climate important, but how a person moves in that climate is a factor. "Constantly drink water, dress appropriately and move deliberately, not wasting excess energy," are a few tips he gives for maneuvering through any terrain.

Using the "Packlight Philosophy," a creed developed by Charles Lindsey, author of "Backpack Lightly" people must first "scrutinize packing habits in order to finetune minimum packing needs and second, aggressively seek out the smallest, lightestweight, highestquality gear solutions available." Linkroum agrees adding, "pack only what you absolutely need."

To start the process of packing Lindsey says, "select the items of gear that are absolutely necessary AND have unduplicated functionality, then start your search for its smallest and lightest manifestation." Using all "lightweight" or "ultralight" gear is not enough when trying to lighten your load.

One way to save more room in your pack is to look for "multiple functionality in gear." Some of these items include parachute cordclothesline, securing splints Swiss army knifeknife, scissors, saw duct tapebandage wrap, gear repair sleeping bagsemergency stretcher hiking polesavalanche probe, splints stuff sackspillow, candleslight, wax as fire starter dental flosssewing thread, ties tent pegspiercing tools, skewers to cook food and Ziploc bagscarrying containers, bowls. By using these items which can serve several different purposes, you can leave other equipment at home.

There are at least a dozen more ways to shave off weight in your backpack. Here is a quick list of weightsaving tips

Find a 3lb pack, 2lb sleeping bag, and 3lb tent.
Use titanium for pots, stoves, tent pegs, or anything else metal.
Carry only the amount of water you need because water is very heavy.
Fill your stuff sac with extra clothing for a pillow.
Mete out appropriate portions of bug spray, medicines and stove fuel.
Use sand as a scouring pad for pans.
Use lightweight water shoes for camp shoes.
Use lighter candle or oil lamps instead of batteries.
Replace heavy alkaline batteries with lithium batteries.
Use multifunctional gear
Use ultralight lexan utensils.
Blacken cooking pots to absorb heat faster.
Bring sugarless drinks sugar is heavy
Eat heavy foods first.

Both Lindsey and Linkroum stress the importance of considering what the ideal packing weight is for each individual. What might be the right weight for one person for seven days might be too much for someone of a smaller size and in less superior physical condition. Carrying too heavy of a load can lead to backaches. Once you determine how much you can carry, the trip will be much more enjoyable. Instead of worrying about the load on your back, you can concentrate on what's most important the sights around you.
Details & Reservations: Shaving The Weight Packing Tips For Hikers
RealAdventures | United States Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024225_Seven-Great-Day-Hikes-in-the-USA http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024225_Seven-Great-Day-Hikes-in-the-USA Articles United States Wed, 14 Mar 2001 00:03:00 Every park, forest, and wilderness in this country contains more than seven great day hikes. These trails, listed according to region, were donated from the longterm memories of former area natives. -
Every park, forest, and wilderness in this country contains more than seven great day hikes. These trails, listed according to region, were donated from the longterm memories of former area natives.


By Lesley Suppes

Every park, forest, and wilderness in this country contains more than seven great day hikes, so this list is a bit partial, and biased. These trails, listed below according to region, were donated from the longterm memories of former area natives. When asked what one trail defined their region here is what they said.

I. NORTHEAST
Massachusetts
Mount Washington State Forest
Alander Mountain

The Hike This 5mile hike begins in an open meadow filled with wildflowers that bloom into late summer. A look south reveals Hunts Pond at the mouth of a narrow valley and encircling mountains. This trail meanders up and down, through groves of birch and hardwood forests, into grassy meadows, across babbling streams, through seas of mountain laurel and wild berry patches until it finally reaches the true ascent. The west summit trail climbs up and around a cliff band to the 2,239 foot summit of Alander Mountain. Here views come from every direction to the south, Mount Ashley, Mount Frissell, and Brace Mountain, to the west is the Hudson River and the Catskills, the northwest holds Albany and the Adirondacks, Mount Greylock lies due north, and Mount Everett lies in the east.

The Approach Go south on MA 41 past MA 23, and turn right onto Mount Washington Road, just beyond Mill Pond. Stay on paved road for 9.1 miles (becomes East Street) until you reach the forest headquarters.

Contacts Mount Washington State Forest (413) 5280330 or Bish Bash Falls State Park at (413) 4428928.

Insider Scoop There is a great cabin near the summit that is free for overnight visitors on a firstcome, firstserve basis. The mountain laurel bloom early in the summer, and the berries ripen later, entering fall.

Footwear Approach shoes or light hikers.
Details & Reservations: Seven Great Day Hikes in the USA
RealAdventures | United States Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024243_Busting-Your-Butt http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024243_Busting-Your-Butt Articles United States Wed, 14 Mar 2001 00:03:00 Maybe you think that bike tours are multiday excursions covering hundreds of miles. Or maybe you're fascinated that people can actually ride for 60 consecutive days. No matter what your experiece, here are some tips to keep your wheels spinning. -
Maybe you think that bike tours are multiday excursions covering hundreds of miles. Or maybe you're fascinated that people can actually ride for 60 consecutive days. No matter what your experiece, here are some tips to keep your wheels spinning.


By Lesley Suppes

Maybe you're like Mike Finkel, who thoroughly understands that bike tours are multiday excursions covering hundreds of miles. Or maybe you're more like me fascinated that people can actually ride for 60 consecutive days. No matter what your experience, we have some touring tips to keep your wheels spinning.

Once you finally take the leap to tour, pick a route. Firsttimers often order maps of preestablished routes through organizations like Adventure Cycling, a nonprofit resource that offers nine routes, complete or in sections. More experienced cyclists often plan their own routes. Larry Diskin, Adventure Cycling Association's Events Coordinator, recommends making an initial call to your state Bureau of Recreation. Many states offer maps colorcoded with traffic levels and shoulder sizes integral factors for choosing roads.

Hooked's contributing adventure writer Mike Finkel heads for the more rural, quiet routes, adding that major roads just outside of large towns attract truckers that "sandpaper you with road grit." The scenic routes make beautiful tours but, Diskin adds, you'll encounter increased tourism traffic and sightseeing RV drivers. He also reminds us that most uncooperative drivers act more out of ignorance than mean spirit. So instead of flipping them off, Diskin suggests you give them something they don't expect . . . and wave.

Ignorant drivers aside, the most common inconveniences are mechanical breakdowns. Finkel and Diskin agree that cyclists should know how to repair flat tires before they hit the pavement. Tire spokes break habitually, Finkel says, so throwing a nipple wrench in your tool kit is a good idea. Diskin includes duct tape and a long metal bolt for splinting touring equipment. Flat tire repair kits, spare tubes, chain lube, spokes, brake pads and spare chain links are also useful tools.

Rainwear is another essential piece of equipment for every bike tour. You can't anticipate a sudden hailstorm or a pummeling wall of rain but you'll be ready for whatever falls from the sky with a jacket, pants, gloves, dry socks and an earband.

As for cooking equipment, Finkel says, "Ditch it save the weight and space." He suggests checking out restaurants instead, and eating local cuisine. Vegetarians, however, might find road food hard to stomach and should pack their favorite veggie delights. And since spandex doesn't always blend in, Finkel recommends carrying some "casuals" for these sojourns.

Food, on the other hand, is not something to ditch. "Eat, eat, eat. Constantly," says Finkel. And indulge those weird expedition cravings. His favorite cyclosnacking treats are bananas and chocolate "It's no time to be on a diet."

So now that you have your equipment, where do you stash this stuff? There's a growing controversy over panniers (bags carried on the bike) versus trailers (towbehind carriers). Diskin shares his insight into the pros and cons of each "More people are still using panniers," he explains. "They are easier for organizing, and customizing to your bike." As for trailers, Diskin explains, "They are simple to attach, especially on mountain bikes with suspension." For offroad riding, trailers are growing in popularity. Since the trailer is lower to the ground and takes weight off of the wheels, the bike is more maneuverable. He adds that on pavement, however, trailers tend to push you around, making it difficult to get set into a rhythm on the uphills.

When it comes down to it, bike touring is one of those things where, all too often, you decide to go, make some plans, and suddenly find yourself biking 80 miles a day, training on the fly. This includes acclimating your rear. "Just expect to have a sore ass, because you will," says Finkel. Planning a route, knowing (and bringing!) your repair kit, and consuming large amounts of food and water will get you rolling. But also plan for headwinds, broken spokes and tourist attractions allow yourself plenty of time for the unexpected. "Bike touring is not made for rushing," explains Finkel with a knowing grin.
Details & Reservations: Busting Your Butt
RealAdventures | United States Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024239_America-s-Most-Endangered-Rivers http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024239_America-s-Most-Endangered-Rivers Articles United States Fri, 13 Oct 2000 00:10:00 On April 10 American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation organization, released the 15th Annual Most Endangered Rivers Report. Ruho -
On April 10 American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation organization, released the 15th Annual Most Endangered Rivers Report. Ruho


By Lesley Suppes

On April 10 American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation organization, released the 15th Annual Most Endangered Rivers Report. After reviewing nominees submitted by grassroots and watershed organizations nationwide, the American Rivers conservation staff evaluated and ranked the rivers based strongly on the magnitude and imminence of the threatened river, and whether or not there is a decision point in the near future that will either magnify or eliminate the threat.

Named the Number 1 Most Endangered River for the second year in a row, the lower Snake River has both these forces impeding on its prosperity. Explains Rebecca R. Wodder, President of American Rivers, during the release of America's Most Endangered Rivers 2000, "Our government is about to decide whether to leave the dams there, or order them removed to save these gravely endangered salmon and further delay means extinction." Wodder adds that America has "built 75,000 of these dams over 6 feet tall on America's rivers. Such dams threaten 4 of the 5 most endangered rivers on this year's list."

Ruhooked.com has compiled a synopsis of these endangered rivers and their respective threats

Snake River WA
Threat Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite Federal Dams
Synopsi The ClintonGore Administration will decide the fate of these 4 dams this summer. Proponents advocate this is essential to salmon and steelhead recovery efforts. In 1999 not one chinook salmon returned to spawning grounds in 2 Snake River tributaries. Opponents would rather invest in salmon hatchery reform programs, replenishing diminished populations, but not necessarily encouraging natural habitation.

Missouri River MT, ND, SD, NE, MO, IA, KS
Threat Dams and Barge Canals
Synopsi Meandering channels with thousands of islands, sandbars and a vast floodplain has become rocklined for barge canals and slackwater reservoirs. Although there is no mention of dam removal, The Army Corps of Engineers are currently considering managing water flows to help restore some natural wildlife habitat. A final decision is scheduled in July.

Ventura River CA
Threat The Matilija Dam and Funding
Synopsi Few disagree that the Matilija Dam is detrimental to its endangered steelhead population, or that it inhibits natural sedimentary deposits on the southern California beaches. Local, state and federal agencies have already taken steps to remove the dam. But despite these forward movements, the lack of funding keeps the Matilija standing. By making this a top priority, authorities could then allocate more funding to this cause.

Cooper River Delta AK
Threat Proposed Logging Road
Synopsi The Chugach Alaska Corporation (CAC) wants to build a logging access road across this 700,000acre wetlands worldrenown for its salmon runs. Planned to lay 30 miles east of the Copper River, this road could also invite additional future development. Currently there is an aggressive grassroots conservation initiative to offer the CAC other sources of financial gain. The Chugach National Forest Service is also currently revising their land management plan and will present a draft this spring. If there is enough support to designate this area as a wilderness, the CAC would no longer be a threat.

TriState River Basin AL, GA, FL
Threat Dams, Urban Growth, Water Withdrawals, & Nonpoint Source Pollution
Synopsi This once lush area is becoming increasingly arid due to the rapidly developing and waterhungry southeast. These 3 states have until May 1 to develop a plan that addresses the overconsumption of water in the area while complying with environmental laws.

Coal River WV
Threat Mountaintop Removal Mining
Synopsi Last October the federal district court in WV halted permission to fill valleys with mining waste, a result of decapitating a mountaintop for extracting coal. This ruling was made under both The Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act and The Clean Water Act. Unfortunately the state DEP filed an appeal immediately, claiming that valley fills do not violate the aforementioned acts. In June a draft of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on mountaintop removal mining will be released to the public for feedback.

Rio Grande CO, NM, TX, Mexico
Threat Excessive Water Diversion and Overconsumption, Flood and Irrigation Projects, Land Development and Pollution
Synopsi The 5th longest river in the US, almost 95% of the Rio's average annual flow is diverted for irrigation and municipal use. Due to their declining supply of groundwater aquifers, the populations pressures of Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and El Paso are proposing plans to draw up to 50% of their drinking water from the Rio Grande. Right now there is a bill in Congress that would transfer irrigation managerial rights from the Bureau of Reclamation to The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, a poorly regulated irrigation district in New Mexico. The cities of Albuquerque and El Paso will also release Environmental Impact Statements regarding diversion for municipal consumption for public feedback this summer.

Mississippi and White Rivers MN, WI, IL, IA, MO, KY, TN, AR, MS
Threat Flood Control and Navigation Projects
Synopsi The US Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to channel even more of the Mississippi and White Rivers in an effort to increase barge traffic. However opponents are not convinced that barge traffic will indeed increase. By expanding and reforming the Habitat Restoration Projects along the Mississippi, correcting the Navigation Forecast Studies, rejecting the White River Navigation Expansion Project and reevaluating the use of expansive wetlands instead of uplands for Flood Control Projects, the Corps and Clinton administration would take great steps in protecting the welfare of the Mississippi and White Rivers.

North Fork Feather River CA
Threat Hydropower Dams, Energy Deregulation, and the sale of Pacific Space Gas & Electric
Synopsi Energy market forces promote Hydropower Dam because they can turn them on and off at the flick of a switch, which unfortunately causes high fluctuations in water flows. Add this in with California's preference toward energy deregulation and these fluctuations could change with the whim of the market. To top it off, these hydropower dams on the North Fork Feather are undergoing federal regulatory review for the first time in 50 years, which is good. Unfortunately, each project will be relicensed separately which could lead to an even greater disruption in the river's flow. Even more disconcerting is the fact that Pacific Space Gas & Electric (PSG&E) will sell its entire hydropower system to the highest bidder. Parties ranging from multinational energy corporations to local counties have already shown interest. This spring the CA Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings whether this sale is in the public's interest.

Clear Creek TX
Threat Houston's Floodcontrol Project
Synopsi The Army Corps of Engineers, and city officials propose to convert one of Houston's last remaining bayous into a uniform channel in order to contain floods. Although the Corps claims this will help, opponents propose this will cost $120 million, fail to protect suburbs and increase flooding around Clear Lake. Congress and the ClintonGore Administration need to continue reforming national flood control policies in favor of promoting nonstructural alternatives like relocation and land acquisition.

Green River UT, CO
Threat Flaming Gorge Dam
Synopsi The Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River has consistently been run to maximize electricity production. Downstream through Canyonlands National Park, at least four fish populations have been placed on the federal Endangered Species list at the cost of the Flaming Gorge's productivity. During this next year, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Western Area Power Administration will review the management of Flaming Gorge's future operations. So far, adequate restoration initiatives have not been pursued in either of the two federal agencies draft proposals.

Clark Fork River MT, ID
Threat Proposed Rock Creek Mine
Synopsi The Clark Fork Superfund Complex, a forprofit company, is planning to mine silver and copper out of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area at the site of Rock Creek, a major tributary to the Clark Fork River. Although, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has already deemed this area crucial to bull trout recovery efforts, the complex would discard 3 million gallons of treated wastewater daily, right into Rock Creek. Another 29,000 gallons of contaminants would leak daily into the groundwater. The US Forest Service, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are all involved in creating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) due out this summer. The Forest Service and Environmental Quality Department will then issue a Records of Decision to permit or deny the permit application



Details & Reservations: America's Most Endangered Rivers
RealAdventures | United States Articles

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