American Whitewater provided us this letter of support on March 20, 2008:

American Whitewater is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore our nation’s whitewater resources while enhancing opportunities to enjoy them safely.  We have approximately 6,700 members, a portion of which live and/or recreate in the Raleigh, NC area.  In addition to our direct members we have over 100 affiliate paddling clubs.  Our members are generally conservation-oriented non-commercial whitewater paddlers.  Our organizational focus is river stewardship.  

      We were asked to review the Conceptual Plan for the Neuse River Whitewater Enhancements.  Upon request, we review river parks that include in-channel recreational enhancements in context of our policy on such parks: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/stewardship:whitewater_parks

              Based on our review of the project plans, we support this project. We anticipate no significant social or ecological impacts from completion of this project.  We anticipate that the project will encourage healthy outdoor recreation, and benefit a broad cross section of the regional population.  The social and physical setting for the Park and its associated river modifications is highly appropriate.  We feel that this Park would be a great addition to your community, and may benefit the river as well.  

      Thank you for considering this letter of support.

Kevin Colburn,

National Stewardship Director

American Whitewater