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The American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) does not support "Teaming with 

 Wildlife". However, we appreciate the opportunity to provide our viewpoint on 

 how this proposed legislation will adversely impact funding for other, often more 

 comprehensive conservation efforts. Equally important, we believe that this 

 proposed legislation will especially hurt those who rely on the outdoors for 

 recreation, leisure and enjoyment (including AWA's constituency - Whitewater 

 boaters). 



AWA'S CONSTITUENCY AND CONCERNS 



The AWA is a national boating and river conservation organization with a 

 membership of approximately 5,000 individual members and 100 local kayak 

 and canoe club affiliates, representing some 30,000 Whitewater paddlers across 

 the country. The AWA was organized in 1957; its mission is to "conserve and 

 restore America's Whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy 

 them safely. " 



The two key concerns of our members and of our affiliate clubs are the 

 conservation and restoration of Whitewater rivers, and the enhancement of public 

 river access. 



To further our conservation mission, AWA maintains a complete national 

 inventory of Whitewater rivers, monitors threats to those rivers, publishes 

 information on river protection, provides technical advice to local groups, works 

 with government agencies, and ~ when necessary - takes legal action to 

 prevent the destruction or degradation of Whitewater rivers. 



REASONS FOR OPPOSING "TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE" 



As mentioned above, the American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) does not 

 support this tax, and we would like to offer what we believe is the other side of 

 the issue. 



AWA supports improvements for wildlife habitat and we agree that wildlife is a 

 great benefit - no matter how one chooses to enjoy and connect with the 

 outdoors. However, as a river conservation organization, we see a longer list of 

 needs and urgent problems affecting our river resources. 



Improving wildlife is certainly on the list, but it is only one part of a very big 

 picture. Issues such as river restoration, watershed and ecosystem 

 management, improved biodiversity, hydroelectric impacts, or additional and 

 necessary land purchases are all critical issues which need funding. All of these 

 goals cost dollars, and each of these goals are broader in scope, and more 



