Make Your Voice Heard

Did you know that in the state of Maryland there is no safe way to cross the Susquehanna River on foot or by bike? The closest safe crossing is in Pennsylvania. It's time for a change.

The Maryland Department of Transportation and Amtrak are currently in discussion to replace the 1906 railroad bridge across the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Let's ensure the new bridge will accommodate cyclists and walkers. Design work is just beginning, so now is the time to speak up. 

Please join us and show your support by signing this petition. Walkers, paddlers, cyclists, and all recreational users will benefit from a public pathway over the river. 

Thank you for your support!

To learn more, or to sign the petition in person, please drop by the ACA booth at this weekend's Jersey Paddlefest.

Trash Begone!

The clean-up this weekend in Fredericksburg was a huge success thanks to our wonderful volunteers. We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all who came out and devoted their Saturday morning to the clean-up. You rock. Every single one of you. 

ACA volunteers trump trash. 

Volunteers Needed for a Clean-Up in Fredericksburg, VA

Please join us for a clean-up this Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Protect the Rapp from marine debris!

What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into our beloved Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

More info here. 

Can't make it to the clean-up this Saturday? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.  

Protect the Rapp From Marine Debris

Fast fact: 
Approximately 6.14 million tons of debris enter marine environments each year, and 80% of it originates as land-based trash.

Our Membership Coordinator Amy Ellis picks up trash like a boss.

Become a part of the solution! Join us for a clean-up in Fredericksburg, VA. 

Who: The ACA staff & awesome volunteers like you
What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into the Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

Can't make it? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form. 

And the Winner is..

Congratulations to Cowper Chadbourn, winner of our Marine Debris Photo Contest!

Do you want to participate in a clean-up event near you? Visit our website or contact our Stewardship Coordinator for more information!

REI Outdoor School - ACA Pro School

Ready to launch into a new outdoor activity or advance in one you already enjoy? REI Outdoor Schools can get you on your way! They offer beginning to advanced-level classes and outings in kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, navigation, snowshoeing, road cycling, backpacking and more. And you don’t need a lot of equipment to participate: they provide kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, GPS units and other gear. And most importantly, their professional instructors are committed to sharing their knowledge and ensuring an enjoyable experience for every participant.

To learn more about this ACA Pro School visit www.rei.com/outdoorschool or www.americancanoe.org/proschools.

• Atlanta, GA: Atlanta-OS@rei.com
• Boston, MA (New England): NewEngland-OS@rei.com
• Chicago, IL: Chicago-OS@rei.com
• Denver, CO: Denver-OS@rei.com
• Los Angeles, CA: LosAngeles-OS@rei.com
• Washington DC / Virginia / Maryland: DC-OS@rei.com
• Minneapolis / St Paul, MN: Minneapolis-OS@rei.com
• New York – Tri State: NewYork-OS@rei.com
• Portland, OR: Portland-OS@rei.com
• San Diego, CA: SanDiego-OS@rei.com
• San Francisco Bay, CA: SanFrancisco-OS@rei.com
• Seattle, WA – Puget Sound: Seattle-OS@rei.com
• Sacramento, CA – Reno, NV (Sierra): Sierra-OS@rei.com

Conservation Newsroom

Check out the Conservation Newsroom!

The Conservation Newsroom is the newest section on the Stewardship webpage.  Click on the link to check out the new articles relating to NOAA Marine Debris Program, the White River being designated as the second National Blueway, and the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order Report.

Sugar is Sweet

Did you know that ACA members have an exclusive vacation benefit? It's called Sugar Island, in the heart of the Thousand Islands chain on the St. Lawrence River. You may visit any time during the season, but you'll get to know about the ACA--and the "Sugar Islanders"--more by visiting during the annual encampment, this year taking place July 26 through August 9. Prices are very affordable, but you have to be an ACA member to visit.

The beauty of the island is that it's entirely rustic, and about as primitive as you can get when it comes to camping. Still, the islanders know a thing or two about good times, especially the Thursday night pot luck. You're also within a mile or two of shore, where the Misty Islands Resort provides many amenities (and a place to park so you can drive into Gananoque, Ontario, when you need a dose of urban life, or a few groceries).

For beginners, there's plenty of gentle-water coves to explore. Or you can opt to take a lesson in canoe-sailing from a friendly islander. The wildlife is astounding, and I hear the fishing is great, too.

I visited last year with my family, and my oldest daughter keeps asking when we're going back. I'm just about to make a call to reserve a spot.

Happy paddling!

Martin A. Bartels
ACA Executive Director

How we work for you

This has been an inspiring weekend for Americans, but especially so if you live in the DC region (ACA offices are in Fredericksburg, Virginia, about an hour south of DC). 

Regardless of your political persuasion, if you paddle, you're probably well aware of the many issues that combine to create pressure on our recreational waterways. Environmental concerns, world energy needs, and development all influence your experiences in canoes, kayaks, and rafts. It doesn't stop there: motorized boating regulations, navigability, and even Homeland Security concerns all have impacts on where you paddle.

You may not be as aware of the long, proud history of the American Canoe Association in advocacy and stewardship. The ACA works with local paddle clubs to establish water trails that increase paddling opportunities and help protect fragile waterway environments. We work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other legislative bodies at the national, state, and local levels to help mitigate the impact of regulations, while keeping our mission of paddler safety as a priority. We work at the federal level to help influence government spending on critical environmental protection initiatives. And, we partner with other like-minded nonprofits around the country to represent the millions of people who love outdoor recreation.

When you support the ACA, you not only support our daily mission and operations. You help make your back yard a better, safer place to paddle.

Happy paddling!

Martin Bartels

ACA Executive Director