O.A.R.S. Bottom Line? Sharing the Beauty of Whitewater Rafting

July 8, 2009.

The “Electra Run” on the Mokelumne River, located just up Hwy 49 from the O.A.R.S. Angels Camp HQ, has been the staging ground for some noteworthy fundraisers. Most recently, O.A.R.S. sponsored a June 28th whitewater rafting trip to benefit the Foothill Conservancy. The trip raised approximately $5000 – with all funds going directly to the Conservancy. O.A.R.S. arranged for the special-use permits, provided all the logistics, rafts, paddling gear, and of course, stellar guides.

The Foothill Conservancy is working to prevent East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) from expanding Pardee Reservoir – which would inundate some of the river – destroying the Electra Run, as well as riverside habitat. It is their hope that the Mokelumne River will be designated a National Wild & Scenic River.

O.A.R.S. also sponsored a June 14th trip on the Mokelumne for the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program (CYMP), raising $4000 – with all proceeds going directly to this wonderful organization. O.A.R.S. been donating trips to the CYMP for the past five years. As always, the eco-friendly whitewater-rafting outfitter provides the logistics (including securing the special-use permits), the rafts, the paddling gear and the guides.

The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program connects Calaveras County young people in 1st through 12th grades with safe, positive adult role models who will offer support, guidance and friendship and help the youth make healthy life decisions.

These special fundraising trips are remarkably popular: typically they sell out, (there’s currently a waiting list for a possible upcoming July 19th trip benefiting the Foothill Conservancy) proving to O.A.R.S. there is a demand for commercial rafting on this beautiful (and local) stretch of the Mokelumne River. The company is told repeatedly (and quite poignantly) we provide unforgettable journeys there.

If you or any of your friends would like to see this part of the river made available commercially, please feel free to send an email message to info@oars.com.