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The Blue Ridge Voyageurs

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Ad: Receive 15% of Kayak and Related Gear - Posted 07/05/10

Outdoorplay has extended a 15% off kayak, rafting, and camping gear discount to BRV members. Here is the code to use during checkout: bce-1000.

Visit Outdoorplay Kayaks today!

Notice: Job Posting - Outreach Coordinator, Cacapon Institute - Posted 07/05/10

Care about the environment?

Thinking about a career in the environment or education?

Curious about what's being done to save the Chesapeake Bay?

Want to engage your mind and get your hands dirty to help Save the Bay?

If so; you're invited join Cacapon Institute, a small nonprofit on the leading edge of what's "new, now, next" in watershed science and education to protect and restore rivers and watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay.

Cacapon Institute seeks a full-time Outreach Coordinator.

This is an entry level position, with opportunities for growth. CI staff will work closely with the Outreach Coordinator to develop the requisite skills, and comfort level, necessary for success.

Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate outreach for the Potomac Highlands Watershed School, our award winning online educational tool that promotes Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences. MWEE's are K-12 Project Based Learning activities supported by NOAA's Bay Watershed Education & Training .

2. Coordinate outreach for the Potomac Watershed Partnership, a collaborative effort by federal, state, municipal, non-profit, and for-profit partners to restore the health of the land and waters of the Potomac River basin, thereby enhancing the quality of life and overall health of the Chesapeake Bay.

3. In addition, the successful candidate must be willing to learn a wide range of skills in support of CI's projects that integrate watershed science and education including, but not limited to: field and laboratory data collection, public outreach and education, newsletter publishing, website design, and media and fundraising campaigning.

Requirements:

o Bachelors degree (or equivalent).
o Exceptional coordination and outreach skills.
o Possess good "people skills" & have a desire to travel.
o Demonstrate fluid computer skills.
o Have reliable transportation and be able to pass a background check.

Salary: $23,000-$26,000 with benefits & travel allowance.

Visit www.cacaponinstitute.org for the full announcement.

Cacapon Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

W. Neil Gillies, Executive Director
Frank Rodgers, Director of Education
Cacapon Institute, P.O. Box 68, High View, WV 26808
304-856-1385
ci@cacaponinstitute.org
www.cacaponinstitute.org
From the Cacapon to the Potomac to the Chesapeake Bay we protect rivers and watersheds using science and education.

Notice: Clean the Bay Day boat help. June 5th - Posted 5/23/10

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and municipal partners need your help!
22nd Annual CLEAN THE BAY DAY
Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon
Any boat that can get close to shore can be a big help removing harmful litter from our waterways.
To volunteer, register at www.cbf.org/clean
JOIN THE FUN! Clean the Bay Day, coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is a statewide litter cleanup that focuses on the creeks, streams, rivers, and shorelines that feed into Virginia's Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Notice: Special Invite: CLUB DAYS at Eastern Mountain Sports! April 23rd and 24th - Posted 4/19/10

You are cordially invited to "Club Days" on April 23rd and 24th from 10am to 9pm at our large-format Eastern Mountain Sports store at 22000-126 Dulles Retail Plaza , Dulles, VA. This event allows for a forum for folks to connect with our outdoor activists like you! Many individuals sign up for a club activity or make a small donation to keep the club alive and prosperous!

We at Eastern Mountain Sports not only provide and market this forum to drum-up support, but we also donate 1% of our sales as a company to the Conservation Alliance and American Rivers. Locally, this year, we have chosen to sponsor "Trekking for Kids"-a nonprofit dedicated to donating money to orphanages around the world through world treks.

Your members, our members, and the public are welcomed for this two-day event to contribute any way they can to one of the clubs in the store. In turn, everything in the store is at least 20-25% off. We will be holding excellent gear clinics and a local kayaking trip. Giveaways, live music, and refreshments will also be an ongoing part of the event days.

If you want FREE booth space, just let me know! Otherwise, please come out to support this great collective!

We hope to see you here and thank you for the support!

Notice: Attention Boaters - Gauley Shuttle - Posted 7/12/09

After many successful years, and much adventure, WVRC will no longer be operating shuttle services at the Masons Branch takeout during Gauley Season. We have had some good times over the past decade, and made lots of great friends, but with the successful transfer of the property to the National Parks Service in 2008, a public access point is now assured. The National Parks Service will be operating a shuttle from the take out on the river to the parking area above.

WVRC would like to sincerely thank all of you who supported us in the past through the shuttle either by volunteering, or by giving us a donation for our services.

WVRC will still be working to ensure clean and accessible water across the state, and we will still be at the Gauley Festival to share in the celebrations and festivities with our friends old and new.

See you on the river!

Learn more about West Virginia Rivers Coalition at http://www.wvrivers.org or contact Amanda Hussion @ahussion@wvrivers.org or 304-637-7201

Notice: Former BRVer in Maine - Posted 3/13/09

We recently received an e-mail from Bob Skirbe, a BRV member from the 70s and early 80s. If you remember Bob and would like to reminisce about old trips and the good times you had, he'd love to hear from you. He can be reached at: rjsi88@aol.com> or rjsi88@suscom-maine.net> . Both sites work, but he can only access the AOL account when he's on the road with his business. He also has a Facebook page.

Notice: Voice Your Concern About Allowing Guns in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges - Posted 05/06/08

The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service, proposes to amend regulations presently codified in 36 CFR part 2 and 50 CFR part 27, which provide guidance and controls for the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The proposed amendments would update the regulations to reflect current state laws authorizing the possession of concealed firearms, while maintaining the existing regulatory provisions that ensure visitor safety and resource protection such as the prohibitions on poaching and limitations on hunting and target practice.

To read the Proposed Rule in it's entirety and to voice your opinions, Click Here. You must have Adobe Reader to read this PDF file:

Notice: First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue Classes Offered - Posted 04/21/08

The Adventure Sports Center Rescue School located in Western Md., can help to insure that your outdoor experience is a safe one. We are starting classes for the 2008 season in wilderness medicine (thru Solo). Courses that we are offering are Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder. CPR classes (AHA) and Swiftwater rescue classes from Intro to Advance offered by the ACA. For more information go to our website.

Notice: Think Pink this Valentine's Day - Paddles that Battle Breast Cancer - Posted 01/24/08

Canoe enthusiasts can make a difference and help save a life by purchasing a Pink Paddle to fight breast cancer. Designed and developed by Sue Prom, owner of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, and manufactured by Wenonah Canoe with the support of its CEO Mike Cichanowski, the Pink Paddle is a proud supporter of the National Breast Cancer Foundation whose mission is, "To save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need."

The Pink Paddle is not only a functional, bent-shaft, graphite, paddle but is also a beautiful piece of art. The logo on the paddle is a wish or a blessing to anyone, but especially to those who have been affected by breast ancer. Created by Sue and a few Maori symbols, the logo is a wish that mans, "May your new beginning bring you strength, peace and tranquility and may your journeys over water always be safe."

Sue Prom owns and operates Voyageur Canoe Outfitters along with her husband Mike. Voyageur is located at the end of Minnesota's Gunflint Trail on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. She also updates a daily blog about the BWCA and produces a bi-monthly newsletter.

For more information about Pink Paddles visit the website at http://www.pinkpaddles.com or call Sue Prom at 1-888-CANOEIT.

Notice: New BRV Message Board - Posted 02/25/07

At long last the BRV has created it's own Message Board. You can access it from BRV's Links page at www.blueridgevoyageurs.org/club_links.htm. Join your fellow BRV's in setting up trips and discussing recent boating news. Our President, Jim Pruitt, will be monitoring the content of the message board postings, so keep it clean and civil. Please contact Jim for details on logging in and any other questions regarding usage of the message board.

Notice: 15% Discount from Kayak Shed - Posted 02/25/07

As a reward for posting a link to it's web site, Kayak Shed, an Oregon online kayaking store (http://www.kayakshed.com), has offered BRV members a 15% discount on all non-sale purchases (boats excluded).

Ad: A Wilderness Vacation in a Paddler’s Paradise - Posted 02/25/07

In the mountains near Smithers, British Columbia. Easily accessible by air, road or rail, yet located in a true wilderness setting. Join one of our all-inclusive vacation packages of lodge-based courses and tours. Or rent the lodge and do your own thing. Canoe, kayak, raft, bike, hike, fish, ski, or view the abundant wildlife.

It’s like your own private wilderness area, but with all the comforts of home. Great for family vacations, corporate retreats, seminars, or club outings. Visit our website at www.canyoncreekbritishcolumbia.com To reserve Canyon Creek, email info@canyoncreekbritishcolumbia.com or call 888-847-4349 (Roger McColm). Mention this ad and 5% of your rental goes to your local paddling organization.

Notice: Running the Moormans River - Posted 04/17/06

Konrad Zeller is willing to assist members wanting to run the Moormans River near Charlottesville Va (II-III). 434-989-1025

Ad: Buy Gourmet Coffee and support American Whitewater - Posted 05/9/05

Gourmet coffee retailer, Little River Roasting, is donating $1.00 from each sale of their American Whitewater Riverside Roast coffee blend to AW. For a description of this offer or to order, click here.

Notice: Help Needed with Cheat Canyon Access - Posted 04/15/05

Mountain Streams and Trails, the oldest outfitter in West Virginia's Cheat Canyon, recently purchased the takeout for both the Cheat and Big Sandy Rivers. This key piece of property, located just below the High Bridge at Jenkinsburg, has been used continuously by canoeists, kayakers, and rafters since the mid-1950's. Increased use by ATV riders and college party groups during the last two decades has caused considerable damage to the land. Jenkinsburg is now known for terrible erosion and industrial strength litter.

After more than five decades in the hands of a regional power company the property was sold to Allegheny Wood Products, a large hardwood timber producer based in Petersburg, West Virginia. Efforts to negotiate an access agreement with AWP was unsuccessful. Although the access remained open, there was no formal agreement and the company regularly threatened to close it down.

During the past year Dave Hough, the managing partner of Mountain Streams and Trails, negotiated a land swap. He traded a portion of his property below Albright for the Jenkinsburg Access. He and his company are committed to maintaining river access for private paddlers but they need our support.

American Whitewater has agreed to take responsibility for upgrading and maintaining the upper parking lot, which is where most private paddlers park. The area is now filled with deep potholes and truck-stopping mega-puddles, so considerable grading and filling is needed. The project is currently going out to bid, and ball-park estimates range from $5000 - $10,000.

We need your donations to make this happen and to fulfill our promise to the outfitter. Any money raised beyond the cost of improving the parking lot will be used to pay for other improvements at the site and to fund a police presence during busy weekends.

American Whitewater has established a Cheat River Fund at their relocated offices in the Washington, DC area. Your gifts will be tax-deductible. To donate, make checks out to American Whitewater - Cheat River Fund and mail to:

American Whitewater - Cheat River Fund, 204B Philadelphia Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Charlie Walbridge
American Whitewater & Friends of Cheat
Rt. 1, Box A43B, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
304-379-9002; ccwalbridge@cs.com

Notice: New Web Site to Post Your Photos - Posted 07/18/04

Canoe and Kayak Magazine has a new tool on their website, www.canoekayak.com, that allows anybody to post paddling related photos they have on their computer onto our site. Simply go to http://forums.canoekayak.com/photopost/. Click on Upload Photos in the top menu and follow the directions from there. We encourage you to check out the different categories to choose which one will best fit your photo. Please share this new feature with other paddlers!

Notice: 10% Discount on Caribbean Paddle Adventure trip - Posted 06/22/04

As a reward for posting a link to it's web site, Costalba Expeditions, a Costa Rica Adventure Travel company (http://www.costalba.com), has offered BRV members a 10% discount on the cost of their Caribbean Paddle Adventure trip. Interested members should visit http://www.costalba.com/tours/itineraries/caribbean_paddle_adventure.html for a description of the trip.

Ad: Canoe & Kayak Sailing Rigs - Posted 2/9/04

SailBoats To Go offers sail kits for canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats and lists much information on canoe sailing. They also sell canoe and kayak stabilizer float systems (outriggers). They offer a 5% discount to club members.

Notice: River Information Phone Number Change - Posted 10/21/03

The National Weather Service recorded river information phone number has changed from 703-260-0309 to 703-260-0107. This new number has a phone tree like the old one: Press 1 to get forecast information, then press 3 for the river forecasts and levels. Both numbers appear to be working as of 10/21/03, but presumably the old number will be disconnected shortly. Please make a note of the changed number.

Notice: Gooney Run Takeout - Posted 05/30/03

Please note that there is a $1 per person fee for anyone taking out on Gooney Run Campground land. This includes the obvious campground land above the bridge as well as some land below the bridge (extent of which is unknown). Please check in at the house at the campground if no one comes to you to solicit the money. Even if you do not see anyone, if the campground owner sees you leaving without paying, our access to the campground for takeout purposes may be jeopardized in the future. A group of BRV's boated Gooney Run on April 12th of this year and a lady at the campground came to us immediately after we got off the river asking for the $1 fee. She was irate that a group ahead of us had left without paying her and threatened to close off access if that continues to happen.

Besides parking at the campground, it appears there are 2 other places to park to take out from Gooney:

1) In a road pullout across the road from the campground. Part of this pullout is posted and part of it isn't. People parking here typically carry up near the bridge. However, upstream of the bridge you will definitely traverse campground land. Downstream you are either on campground land, as claimed, or another person's land. Seeking permission is the right way to go here, since landowners may see you as a trespasser even if you manage to stay in a bridge right-of-way.

2) At Karo Landing, which is reached by turning right down a small gravel road. This is a signed fishing access for the NF Shenandoah. There's only enough room for about 4 vehicles here and parking on grass is a no-no. If you leave a vehicle at the roadside pullout to make more space at the landing, it is probably best that all people in your party take out at the landing.