2011 has brought more snow to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado than we have seen in almost 30 years! This rafting season will be talked about for ages as water levels will provide awesome rafting into September! Take advantage of these once in a generation conditions and reserve your spot on an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life!
Check out the story which ran on yahoo.com and cnn.com
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/smallbusiness/1010/gallery.best_places_paradise/2.html
The Clear Creek full day trip used to put in right below 6 culverts that prevented us from putting in any higher. Construction has just finished on the new Lawson bridge which means beginning in summer 2011, the Clear Creek full day will put-in at the new Lawson whitewater park! This is a great new put-in that Clear Creek county built in 2010 along with the new and improved Lawson Whitewater Park. We are thrilled to get to float our boats through all he exciting new features that were created for whitewater enthusiasts. The Clear Creek full day was already considered to be the most consistent and action packed class IV run in the state. Now its even better as more mileage and more rapids are added, and we aren’t going to charge any extra! 
The lawson bridge replaced 6 culverts that prevented any boats from passing through
Last winter gave us an awesome snow pack which provided for a fantastic rafting season! As all of you in Colorado know, 2010 started out to be a major disappointment in terms of snow fall, and we were a little worried the rafting season would be cut short. Fortunately that is not the case. The heavy snowfall and cold temperatures we recieved in April and May sent the snow pack skyrocketing, and as of today May 26, 2010 the snow pack is higher now that it was 1 year ago. So the rafting in Colorado is going to be wonderful in 2010.
Thanks to all who prayed, hoped, or did snow dances, it worked!
See you all on the river.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DENVER — Property owners have declared a temporary truce in a dispute with commercial rafters and will allow rafting on their property this summer.
Jackson-Shaw, the company that owns the Wilder on the Taylor fishing reserve, said Friday it will grant the two Taylor River rafting companies, Three Rivers Outfitting and Scenic River Tours, permission to float through its property this summer.
Conflicts between fishermen and commercial rafting on the Taylor River gave rise earlier this year to Colorado House Bill 1188, which died at the end of the legislative session this week.
Lewis Shaw, chairman of the company, said it will take time to work out a permanent agreement and he wanted to give rafters a chance to begin their season.
“While mediation between Jackson-Shaw and the two Taylor River rafting companies continues, Jackson-Shaw recognizes that Three Rivers and Scenic are at the threshold of their commercial rafting season and that it will take time to finalize any formal agreement. Accordingly, as a show of good faith, Jackson-Shaw has decided to give Three Rivers and Scenic permission to float through Wilder on the Taylor this summer,” Shaw said.
Bob Hamel, chairman of the Colorado River Outfitters Association, said it was a nice gesture but rafters believe they don’t need Shaw’s permission to raft the river. Rafting companies were already going ahead with their new season, he said.
“Jackson-Shaw is not entitled to grant permission. The permission is in the Forest Service permit. I think this is premature because we’re still in negotiations,” Hamel said.
Mediation between the two rafting companies and Jackson-Shaw began on April 22 and remains ongoing. Both sides have agreed to keep the details of their negotiations secret.
Shaw imposed several conditions, including limits on rafting between May 15 and Aug. 15 if there is sufficient water. The companies will be allowed four trips each day between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. so fishermen can also enjoy their sport. Rafters will be allowed on the property to carry their rafts across a bridge.
After the bill died, both sides said they would take their case to voters and more than two dozen initiative petitions are pending.
Rep. Kathleen Curry, an unaffiliated state representative from Gunnison, said she believes voters will side with rafters, who have exercised their rights to use Colorado rivers for decades and have become a symbol of Colorado’s outdoor life.
Eric Anderson, who represents a coalition of property owners, including fishermen who barred rafting this year on their property, said he believes fishermen will win in the court of public opinion because their property rights are being threatened.
It is the 2nd weekend in May which means the snow is starting to melt, the rivers are beginning to rise, and the fun is about to begin!
This year at Liquid Descent we look forward to sharing many amazing memories with all of our clients. As our first trips depart this weekend, we are thankful the winter has provided enough snow for 2010 to be a fantastic Colorado Rafting season.
As Always, Clear Creek Rafting will be non stop excitement this summer. Only twenty five minutes from Denver, Clear Creek boast some of the most fun and continuous class III and IV rafting in the state. There is plenty of fun for beginners as well on Clear Creek. The Historic mining valley is the perfect backdrop to beautiful scenery and the class II and III rapids that make up the beginner stretch. Whether you are looking for a full day, or half day rafting adventure, Clear Creek has exactly what you are looking for and wont disappoint.
Many great times will be had this summer on the Colorado River . Our Upper Colorado float trip is the perfect for young children, senior citizens or anyone else looking for a rafting trip with playful rapids, breathtaking wilderness, natural wildlife, and hot-springs. Enjoy this trip in a raft or an inflatable kayak.
Then there is Gore Canyon, the most dangerous and exciting commercially run section in the whole USA. Last summer all of us here at Liquid Descent had the time of our lives introducing clients to this ultimate rafting experience! Because the Colorado River’s Snow pack is a little below average, this water levels should provide for a longer and more predictable Gore season (last year we had to cancel many trips in August due to high water).
All you early season rafters out there cant forget about the Eagle River. If you are looking for big and fast water in Early June then make sure to book an Eagle river rafting trip. The Dowd chute is a locals favorite and is one of the best early season runs in the state. Conveniently located minutes from Vail Resort, the Eagle river is one river you sure don’t want to miss!
See you soon
Denver, CO: Today workers and owners of Colorado’s rafting companies met with state lawmakers to show support for a measure aimed at keeping Colorado’s rivers public and open. The bill, HB 1188, dubbed the Commercial River Outfitters Viability Act, was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and passed out with a 4 to 3 vote following the addition of several amendments to address concerns from the Colorado Farm Bureau, among others.
“Today is a solid step towards keeping us on the rivers, and keeping those rivers open to everyone,” said Bob Hamel, Chair of the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA). “We feel the amendments added to the measure today keep the major intent of this legislation: to make sure we don’t privatize our state’s rivers.”
Representative Kathleen Curry and Senator Mary Hodge, the bill’s sponsors in the state legislature, drafted the measure to clear up longstanding confusion about what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to the private land crossed by Colorado’s rivers and creeks. Specifically, HB 1188 ensures that licensed river outfitters can legally raft on historically floated rivers in Colorado. Changes to the legislation included removing the portage provisions for rafters to temporarily tread on private lands in the event of an obstruction in the river, and also increased the bill’s scope to include private boaters and fishermen.
The need for this measure started when out-of-state developer Lewis Shaw purchased a property on both sides of the Taylor River to subdivide into ranchettes. Following the purchase, the developer threatened criminal trespass and other expensive legal actions for the commercial river outfitters who have been running stretches of the Taylor River for more than 20 years.
The measure clarifies that commercial river outfitters may float without trespass on rivers with a history of commercial rafting activity. It also ensures that accidental contact – like that of a rafter whose boat flips in a rapid – is not considered trespass.
“This bill is the sole means I have of protecting my business, my employees, and my livelihood,” said Mark Schumacher, owner of Three Rivers Outfitters, a Gunnison-area rafting company. “Our rivers are the lifeblood of our industry, and they should not be for sale to the highest bidder.”
The Colorado River Outfitters Association and its members are responsible for $142 million in total revenues statewide, providing rafting trips to more than 500,000 people annually. The bill will be heard next on the Senate floor.
SheJumps and outdoor DIVAS present the first all women’s ski movie
On February 23rd at 7p.m. outdoor DIVAS will present the first all women’s ski film: “Catch Us if You Can.” All the athletes are women, and they completely redefine what it means to “ski like a girl.” The Film features the likes of Lynsey Dyer, Rachael Burks, Janette Hargin, Sara Orrensjo, Jennifer Farde, Anja Parson, and Stina Jakobson. The film was produced by a Swedish production company: Generation Flinga (Swedish for snowflake) and supported by SheJumps. The SheJumps organization’s vision is “to create a community of ambitious and compassionate women that are willing to take a ‘jump’ to reach their potential.” This movie is well overdue, finally giving the rippin’ chicks out there the recognition they deserve.
Join us for fine brews provided by Oskar Blues, Bombay Bistro appetizers and a chance to win a new pair of skis. A $5 suggested donation is requested that will go to the SheJumps non-profit organization. The film was shot all around the globe: Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, USA, and Japan. It was directed by Janette Hargin and Sara Orrensjo. “Jump” on the wagon and come out on February 23rd to support these gals because they kick ass.
About outdoor DIVAS: outdoor DIVAS is a preeminent specialty retailer addressing the needs of active women, located in Boulder and Denver. outdoor DIVAS strives to inspire, educate and outfit women. They believe that proper education, apparel and equipment will enhance women’s experience in any outdoor activity. For more information or directions to an outdoor Divas shops, please go to www.outdoordivas.com
About SheJumps: SheJumps goal is to increase women’s participation in outdoor activities through mentorship and coaching from professional and recreational outdoor female athletes. The vision of SheJumps is to create a community of ambitious and compassionate women that are willing to take a “jump” to reach their potential.
Thak you for everyones support on HB 1188 thus far. Now the battle continues as the bill moves to the state senate. Keep up your support, keep calling your representatives, and keep telling your friends and family about this issue. Together we can defeat big money and keep Colorado’s rivers open for business and fun!
HELP KEEP COLORADO RIVER’S OPEN FOR BUSINESS & FUN, YES on House Bill 1188, River Outfitters Viability Act
Commercial river running contributed $142 million to Colorado’s economy last year and more than 500,000 people enjoyed our scenic rivers. Yet, the ability to provide commercial river running is under threat because out-of-state developers want to prohibit licensed river outfitters from providing trips on historically rafted rivers. The 2010 River Outfitters Viability Act protects Colorado’s tourism industry by clarifying the rights of commercial guides to operate on Colorado’s historically run rivers.
HB 1188 passed 7-3 out of the House Judiciary Committee on Monday 2/8/10 now it heads to the full Colorado House of Representatives for a vote. Call today!
We need your help to keep Colorado’s river’s open for business
Please Call/contact these key Legislators below in support of HB 1188 Right Now!
( even if you are not in their district it’s OK to contact them… we need to leave them lots of messages! )
Please ASK them to vote YES on HB 1188 : (phone calls into legislators is the #1 priority) [ if you have additional time send them a quick followup email ]
Key Legislators:
Rep. Ellen Roberts, 303-866-2914, ellen.roberts.house@state.co.us ( Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan counties)
Rep. BJ Nikkel 303-866-2907 rep.nikkel@gmail.com, (Ft Collins. Larimer)
Rep. Jim Riesberg 303-866-2929 jim.riesberg.house@state.co.us ( Weld county)
Rep. Cheri Gerou 303-866-2582 cheri.gerou@gmail.com (jeffco)
Rep. Frank McNulty 303-866-2936 frank@frankmcnulty.com (Douglas county)
Rep. Scott Tipton 303-866-2955 cohd58@yahoo.com (Delta,Dolores,Montezuma,Montrose,Ouray,San Miguel counties)
Sample Phone script (and email) to legislator/s:
HI this is ____________ . (identify yourself, private boater, business owner, or that you’re employed by ____ business, river enthusiast)
I would like to ask you to vote Yes on House Bill 1188 the Colorado River Outfitters Viability Act on the House Floor.
THIS legislation is crucial to keeping Colorado’s Rivers open for business and fun. I hope we can count on your vote for the future of river recreation in Colorado. This river running is an important sector of the tourism and outdoor recreation industry.
(Add a personal note about your perspective, business and why this is good for Colorado’s economic future and or you local community)
Thank you _____ (leave ur name and #)
for more information and background please visit:
www.croa.org under membership
Additional action info at