MAY 2008
RAHALL’S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT AWARDED
Congressman Nick Rahall’s commitment to protecting the natural environment of West Virginia was recognized with the National Park Conservation Association's William Penn Mott, Jr. Park Leadership Award. It is presented annually to a public official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the protection of America's natural and cultural heritage. The award was named for William Penn Mott, Jr. a director of the National Park Service and a NPCA Trustee, whose lifelong commitment to the parks embodies the spirit of this award.
Congressman Nick Rahall represents the Third Congressional District of West Virginia, which includes the New River Gorge area. First elected in 1976, he is currently serving his 16th term. Congressman Rahall serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. He has consistently stood as a champion for national parks.
Congressman Rahall authored the 1978 bill establishing the New River Gorge National River as a unit of the National Park System in southern West Virginia. Ten years later he championed legislation designating the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River. His actions created the largest network of federally protected rivers in the eastern United States -- a total of more than 87,000 acres.
In addition, Congressman Rahall has introduced and cosponsored legislation that would provide for the studies and/or additions of park units within the national park system, such as the study of site and resources in Matewan, West Virginia associated with the Civil War battle of Matewan for inclusion as a historic site, and the study of the Upper New River for its suitability as a wild and scenic river.
Congressman Rahall is a lead advocate of providing proper funding levels for parklands, stating “…Our national parks are national treasures -- and their funding is a national responsibility.” Furthermore, he is a strong proponent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and has sought support to revitalize that program.
Congressman Rahall jointly sponsored authorizing legislation for the Centennial Challenge, an initiative to increase funding for our national parks in order to prepare them for their next 100 years by their centennial in 2016. In keeping with his national perspective about the importance of our national parks, he has also been a stalwart advocate for protecting bison in Yellowstone National Park and for making Yellowstone snowmobile-free.
SPRING BIG WATER RAFTING: CHOOSE A RIVER ADVENTURE
West Virginia – 800-950-2585 – http://www.NARR.com
Unlike the past few years, 2008 has seen considerable rain here in the New River & Gauley River Valleys. The forecast is for high 70 to low 80 degree temperatures for the rest of May.
The Gauley River is experiencing good spring-time levels. NARR is running Spring/Summer Gauley trips this spring and you can experience this whitewater roller coaster during natural flows.
The New River is at eight feet above normal, which is a great spring level for the rafting enthusiast who is looking for "western style rafting" with big waves, lots of whitewater action and non-stop action on the New River.
Consider NARR’s newest adventure on the New River, an Overnight Fishing Trip. Depart late in the morning on the first day and spend all afternoon fishing. You’ll camp along the New River at night and continue fishing the next day as long as you want to stay out to challenge the fish. NARR provides tents and most of the overnight gear. Your guide cooks meals for you -- all you have to do is bring your personal items and your favorite fishing pole.
North Carolina – 888-905-7238 – http://www.NOC.com
May has come in like a lion and keeps roaring, thanks to three weekends of releases on the Cheoah River, the river National Geographic Adventure calls “the most exhilarating nine miles of whitewater in the East.” Is the Cheoah’s nonstop technical action more exciting than the Upper Gauley’s legendary big five? Decide for yourself by booking a trip on each river today!
Round out your high-adventure weekend by adding a day on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, the location for the film Deliverance and the Southeast’s original whitewater adventure. NOC’s Nantahala Adventure Center is perfectly centered between these runs, and has plenty of lodging and dining options, making it easy to experience these two classics, old and new.
BINDER ADDS ADVENTURE TO HIGH COUNTRY CAFE MENU
NARR’s family-friendly High Country Cafe has new leadership in Al Binder, a recent graduate of Hospitality Management at Central Michigan University. “I am excited to share my ideas to enhance food service at NARR,” explains Al. “We have kicked-it-up a notch with more flavor, more color and more selection.”
High Country Cafe is open to the public this season, and to NARR guests who decide to follow the delicious fragrance into the cafe. Check for hours at http://www.NARR.com/dining.html. “Everything will be homemade,” said Al. “We have some exciting soups and appetizers planned. And through the season we will be introducing new entrees cooked in our wood-fired oven.” Of course, you can still order High Country Cafe’s famous wood-fired oven pizzas!
“Come to visit us at High Country Cafe,” invites Al. “Your dining experience will be a guaranteed adventure of delicious food and excellent service.”
2008 GUIDE TRAINEES PREPARE FOR GUESTS
With the beginning of each new season, NARR welcomes a new group of river guide trainees. They'll be working hard on weekends for the next six weeks doing double runs down the Lower New River. They will learn guide strokes, how to read water, swift water rescue skills, and a other guiding skills in preparation to take NARR guests down the river this summer.
NARR guide training is administered by myself, Brian Jennings, NARR River Manager and veteran NARR Trip Leader, Mike Sharp. Throughout the training program, several NARR Senior Guides will be involved to pass on knowledge and techniques.
As NARR guests already know, most rafting guides develop their own style in regards to personality and guide communication. We’re aware that our guests enjoy the variety of personalities NARR guides share. We use a variety of staff to allow trainees an opportunity to experience several guide “styles.” For example, a guide who is only 5 ft. 3 in. tall will guide, brace, call commands and read water a bit differently than a guide who's 6 ft. tall.
“I like to include lots of "chalk talk" during training,” said Brian. “There is so much to learn to become a good river guide.” That could include talking about how and where to set safety, sharing the rich history of the New River Gorge, or looking at videos to watch what strokes the guide is taking and when.
After the first two weekends of training, Brian is already very excited about the group of trainees this year, and what they bring to NARR. “The trainees are picking things up as quickly as we lay them down,” Brian says. “They are a very energetic and diverse group. I'm excited to welcome them all to the NARR family!”