Which American organization was established in 1954 to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources?

The advocacy organization called American Whitewater is a not-for-profit membership organization with the declared mission “to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely”.

Established in 1954 as the American White Water Affiliation, it incorporated in 1961. In 1997, the name was shortened to American Whitewater. Four key principles advance their mission.

First, to encourage the exploration, enjoyment, and preservation of America’s recreational waterways for human-powered craft.

Second, to protect the wilderness character of waterways through conservation of water, forests, parks, wildlife, and related resources.

Third, to promote and celebrate safety, proficiency and responsibility in all aspects of whitewater activities such as the navigation of moving water, teaching teamwork, leadership, and equipment design, by publishing and demonstrating our support for instructional development in these and related fields.

Fourth, to promote appreciation and respect for the value of wilderness activity and whitewater sports.

A central office is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. As an advocacy organization, efforts are directed to ensure rivers are accessible to those who wish to use them. This includes lobbying efforts at the local and national levels and publishing the ‘American Whitewater Journal’, the first whitewater magazine the United States.