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Prepared Statement of Richard J. Bowers 



The American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) does not support H.R. 2568 

 introduced by Congressman Cooley. However, we appreciate the opportunity to 

 provide our viev/point on how jet-boats, and this legislation, will adversely impact 

 non-motorized travel on the Snake River. Our comments will primarily reference 

 these impacts within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA), but the 

 AWA has experienced similar problems with motorized craft on other rivers 

 around the country. We recognize the growth of motorized river travel as a 

 concern of national importance to our members and to all non-motorized river 

 users. 



AWA'S CONSTITUENCY AND CONCERNS 



AWA is a national organization with a direct and affiliated membership of 

 approximately 30,000. Our membership is comprised almost entirely of 

 noncommercial kayakers and canoeists who are involved in Whitewater sports. 

 The AWA was organized in 1957; our 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 H.R. 2568 



Whitewater boaters (both private and commercial) boat, hike, and camp along 

 the Snake River through Hells Canyon, an outstanding wilderness trip which 

 provides more than 70 miles of Class II- IV Whitewater between Hells Canyon 

 Dam and the Washington border.' 



Whitewater boaters also enjoy 53 miles (beginning at White Bird) of the Class II- 

 IV run on Idaho's Lower Salmon River. The Lower Salmon is a direct tributary 

 of the Snake, and boaters who run this river must paddle an additional 20 miles 

 on the Snake to reach the Hellar's Bar take out. 



Motorized travel is increasing on both of these rivers and boaters paddling on 

 either one are affected by the increasing jet-boat traffic on the Snake. AWA 

 cannot support legislation which overtooks the existing and often numerous 

 conflicts between motorized and non-motorized river craft. 



