Thursday, March 8, 2007

The planning stages of the White Salmon Riverfest and Symposium June 6th, 2007



How much work is put into planning this spectacular event? I think first of all, you have to ask yourself how much this event means to not only you, but to others. Jaco and I hold a special place in our hearts for the White Salmon River. Not only does it provide for us financially - provides work for both of us- but its' beauty and its' character is like none other in this area. The White Salmon River runs year round and provides sustenance as well as recreation to many people.

February 1 thru 4, 2007 - Headwater's Institute Watershed Educators Workshop in Moab, Utah

Jaco and I both attended this training seminar. This was Jaco's second year and my first. We met many amazing people - young and old - who have been serving their own watershed for years. We met coordinators from Alaska, the Snake river, the Rogue river, the Rio Grande, the Kern, the American and many others. What I remember as being a 'touching moment' for me was when we were asked to describe our watershed. The coordinator from the Rio Grande asked us all to stand up, turn our chairs around and sit back down. I thought to myself, "Great, he's going to have us do a silly activity." He walked around our circle, placing the softest sand I have ever felt in everyone's hands. He then said, "Take a look at it, feel it . . . this is what my watershed means to me." I learned, at that moment, that people may have different "loves" about the White Salmon, but their "love" is of equal importance to everyone else. That was a very powerful moment during the training session.

Months of February/March

We are getting exceptional help from other outfitter's this year. Jaco and I encourage the support from the 9 other outfitters who share this precious river. Rita Cole and Hilary Nielson from River Drifters, Ryan Webb from River Riders, Chip Carroll - coordinator for the Headwater's Institute Seminar on the Kern, Katherine Luscher from River Networks and John Hart from the Kayak Shed have all jumped on board with both feet to help plan this event. The support and excitement for the 2007 event is contagious! Thanks you guys . . . !

We are very close to finalizing the June 6th festivities. We will have that information available in the next couple of weeks. Next update in May.

Current Sponsors for the event include:


Heather Herbeck - hherbeck@yahoo.com
www.headwatersinstitute.org