I organized several advocates together a few weeks ago to host a VIP paddle trip for a local state legislator. A good productive time was had by all who were a part!

American Whitewater Reports:

Butts in boats! File this under how to build support for new Wild and Scenic designations. On September 22, 2018 American Whitewater National Stewardship Director Kevin Colburn took Tennessee District 4 Representative John B. Holsclaw, Jr. on a rafting trip down the Nolichucky River. From experience as paddlers, we know that when you intimately experience a river from the seat of a boat you connect with the river in a way that makes you much more likely to fight for its protection. John Grace came along and captured the Tennessee legislator’s reactions to riding the river and his pronouncements of support for future Wild and Scenic designation to be presented in a second Amongst It film on the worthiness of the Noli. Butts in boats. There is no better way! The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed on Oct. 2, 1968. To celebrate 50 years of Wild and Scenic Rivers, click http://bit.ly/AW18WildScenic to contact your representatives in support of new designations today!

#WSR50 #Rivers50 #5000milesofwild

It was an honor to be a part of this VIP paddling trip and to help support such a worthy cause! We had a great group of paddlers join the Tennessee State Representative and his daughter: Collin Overby (raft guide), Kevin Colburn, Patrice Riesenberg, Steven Adams, Scott Fisher, Jeremy Gass, John Grace, Jennifer Bradley & myself.

Big thanks to USA Raft, Mountain River Guides, NOLI – Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute, Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts, Amongst It, American Whitewater and Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association for this great collaborative effort for the continuing work on getting the Nolichucky Gorge a Wild & Scenic designation!

#NoliWildandScenic