On Saturday October 4th, representatives from the Stanislaus National Forest will join other partners in a celebration for the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act passage. 

O.A.R.S. has a long history of river conservation.  The California-based adventure travel outfitter offers trips on numerous Wild and Scenic rivers throughout the West, including the Main Salmon River and Snake River through Hells Canyon River in Idaho, the Tuolumne, American, Merced River near Yosemite National Park and the Upper and Lower Klamath rivers in California, as well as the Rogue River and Owyhee River in Oregon.

This FREE festival will take place in Groveland at the Mary Laveroni Community Park in downtown Groveland from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   It is a family-friendly event and will feature something for everyone, including games and free T-shirts for the kids, special visits by Smokey Bear, Woodsey Owl and Frances Fish, as well as educational booths, live animals from river areas, fabulous local food, workshops, speakers, and great live music by The Trespassers.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Obviously the health of our waterways is critical to the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry.  However, healthy water is absolutely necessary for the planet’s survival.  In partnership with their guests, O.A.R.S. has contributed over $3.5 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company was established in 1969. 

“FLOW” (For Love Of Water) is an important documentary directed by Irena Salina that should not be missed.  It is a sobering look at the planet’s third-largest industry. (I had no idea water was the 3rd largest industry until I read the reviews for this film.)

Taken directly from the film’s website:

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Kavita Heyn, Associate Director for American Rivers’ Oregon Conservation Programs, had this to say about a recent O.A.R.S. whitewater rafting trip on Idaho’s Salmon River - one of the country’s first designated Wild and Scenic rivers.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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This is it – your last chance to go whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River in the 2008 commercial rafting season!  Be on the look out for some of the O.A.R.S. staff – more than a handful will be on the river this weekend.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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The commercial side of the 2008 California whitewater rafting season is nearing an end.  (Last chance to book your South Fork American rafting trip this weekend!)  Fear not o-adventurous-spirited-ones.  O.A.R.S. gives you lots of options to play throughout the year.  If you’re looking for a good excuse to visit the Galápagos – check out these photos taken by our resident World Traveler / California-Oregon Operations Manager / Rafting-Canada-Galápagos-Latin America Guide / and Genuinely Good Guy (for a Canadian) – James Rodger…

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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The 3D IMAX film “Grand Canyon Adventure: River At Risk” was recently honored with three Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) achievement awards Including Best Cinematography, Best Marketing and Special Achievement in Filmmaking.  O.A.R.S. provided logistical and production support for the film, as well as promotional support in the form of a national sweepstakes with a chance to win a 15-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip for two.  Congratulations to MacGillivray Freeman Films!

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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O.A.R.S. President and Founder, George Wendt, has been whitewater rafting for more than four decades.  So it’s only natural the local press would seek him out for a story about the 40th anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

You can read the full story – written by Sonora Union Democrat’s James Damschroder – here.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Don’t let the fact that the California whitewater rafting season is winding down deter you from making other adventure vacation plans.  O.A.R.S. still has plenty of other 2008 departures remaining:

CHILE:
Futaleufú River Multi-Sport:  Nov 29; Dec 5, 12, 26, 28

ECUADOR:
Ecuador Multi-Sport:  November 16, 30; December 21, 28

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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The bears are out at Chilko Lake!  One of our Canada whitewater rafting guides was out kayaking on the lake and had an incredible opportunity to get close (though not too close, of course) and take a few pictures.  Many thanks to Jamie Kathol for sharing these incredible images with us.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Our whitewater rafting and adventure travel company supports the environment and does not believe our natural places are a particularly a partisan issue.  O.A.R.S. believes in the stewardship of public lands, and along with guests, has contributed more $3 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives in their 40 years in business.  O.A.R.S. does not expect everyone to share in our eco-practices.

For non-biased information about political candidates, check out OnTheIssues.org.  The mission of this organization is to provide non-partisan information for voters in the Presidential election, so that votes can be based on issues rather than on personalities and popularity.  According to their website, they get their information daily from newspapers, speeches, press releases, and the Internet.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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