Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Offers Whitewater Fun

SALIDA, Colo. - Beat the heat and enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, where skies remain clear and the river is flowing above 400 cubic feet per second - plenty of water to enjoy a mild to wild whitewater boating trip or to test your angling skills!

"Thankfully the Arkansas River Valley and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area haven't been impacted by fires, and the entire 152 mile long recreation area is 100 percent open for business for both whitewater boating and fishing," said Rob White, Park Manager at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

In addition, "water has been set aside this year to provide increased flows for whitewater boating and to protect the fishery through July and August," said White.

The cooperative effort, known as the Voluntary Flow Management Program, was crafted in the 1990's with help from Trout Unlimited and the Arkansas Rivers Outfitters Association. Administered by the Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the Flow Program provides water management guidelines that benefit the fishery and provide for whitewater flows in the Arkansas River for recreation users, including commercial outfitters and private boaters.

If you are planning to take a whitewater trip down the Arkansas River, pick a trained and experienced guide. The Arkansas River Outfitters Association, http://www.aroa.org/ has a list of expert outfitters and guides and great tips for enjoying whitewater experiences. Additional information on the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is available at: www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/ArkansasHeadwaters.

The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the upper Arkansas River valley.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife was created by the merger of Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, two nationally recognized leaders in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. To learn more about Colorado's state parks, please see: http://www.parks.state.co.us. To learn more about Colorado's wildlife programs, please see: http://wildlife.state.co.us

Contact:
Rob White, 719-539-7289, ahra@state.co.us
Deb Frazier, 303-866-3203, ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us