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New River Gorge National River National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior P. O. Box 246 104 Main Street Glen Jean, WV 25846 304-465-0508 phone 304-465-0591 fax

Gauley River National Recreation Area

For immediate release Contact(s): Phone number: Date: Jeff West, Chief Ranger 304-465-6518 August 27, 2013

River Safety Program Developed to Alert Boaters of Flow Reduction on Gauley River
Glen Jean, West Virginia, August 27, 2013 The 2013 Gauley Season begins on September 6, 2013. National Park Service Rangers will provide daily patrols during the scheduled releases to provide safety oversight of boaters and commercial outfitters on the river. As part of the parks river safety program, NPS rangers and local emergency personnel may request a reduction of the scheduled water releases from Summersville Dam in the event of an emergency.
Signs will be used during Gauley River boating season and placed at the Summersville Dam, Masons Branch, and the Woods Ferry pubic boat launches. When these signs are in place, boaters must be aware that a reduction in flow will dramatically change the characteristics of the rapids. Boaters should assess their skill level to decide whether to make the trip on the Gauley River at reduced water levels.

Two signs have been developed to provide alerts to boaters. One states that the flow will be reduced to 1800 CFS and will showcase a green flag to indicate this reduction. A second sign will indicate that the flow will be reduced to below 1800 CFS and will showcase an orange flag. Examples of the signs are below. NPS Rangers patrolling the area can also provide information to boaters about flow reduction. Boaters and rafters alike are encouraged to exercise caution and safety when enjoying the river this season. For questions about the river safety program, please contact Chief Ranger Jeff West at 304-465-6518.

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R AM E R I C A

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

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About the National Park Service E X P E R IE N C E Y O U R A M E R IC A The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R AM E R I C A

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.