The ACA is committed to making the world a better place to paddle! We support our grass roots paddling communities in state and local advocacy efforts as well as partnering with many national organizations to broaden access to and protect public lands and water. The ACA is proud to work alongside the following organizations as key partners in our Stewardship and Public Policy efforts.
Policy & Stewardship
Stewardship Partnerships
Outdoor Alliance
We are a founding member of the Outdoor Alliance, the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public land and ensure those lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience.
OA is a nonprofit coalition of national advocacy organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation.
L.L.Bean
Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L.Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship Program, which was refocused in 2021 as the Club Fostered Community Grant Program. This program provides grants to local and regional paddling clubs and organization that implement projects on local waterways.
In partnership with L.L. Bean, the CFC Grant program’s role is to support paddling opportunities and access for the BIPOC community through the framework of existing paddling clubs, non-profits, and volunteer groups. By leveraging the existing clubs and projects that are already in place, this project will not need to “reinvent the wheel.” CFC funding is used to amplify diversity and inclusion efforts of existing groups/projects, rather than developing brand new programs from scratch. The new paddlers engaged by the CFC DEI efforts will have a community group or club to call “home,” which will result in lasting relationships and a long-term interest in experiencing and exploring the paddling world.
Leave No Trace
ACA embraces the principles of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and incorporates these practices into our paddling curricula. The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Learn about river-specific issues, regulations, and permits.
- Use a river guidebook and map to plan your trip.
- Schedule your trip so that you encounter appropriate river flows for your group’s ability.
- U.S. Geological Survey: Daily Streamflow Conditions
- NOAA: Daily Tides and Currents
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use; visit in small groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Know river skills and carry the necessary equipment to minimize your impact.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include rock, gravel, and sand.
- Focus activity where vegetation is absent.
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Select a campsite large enough for your group.
- When on day hikes in the river corridor, walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when muddy.
- In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent creation of new campsites and trails.
- Leave campsites clean and natural looking.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out.
- Use a washable, reusable toilet or other approved method to pack out human waste, toilet paper, and tampons. Check local regulations.
- Liquid wastes can be dumped into main current in many high volume (over 500 cfs) rivers. In low volume rivers, scatter liquid waste 200 ft. from water, away from camp and trails. Check local regulations.
- Urinating directly into the river is often the best option. Check local regulations.
- Use a tarp in the kitchen to catch food and trash, which attract unwanted animals.
- Pack out all small food particles and small pieces of trash.
Leave What You Find
- Appreciate ancient structures, artifacts, rock art, and other natural objects, but leave them undisturbed.
- Do not build structures or dig trenches in campsites.
- Avoid introducing non-native species, including live bait, by cleaning equipment between trips.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Minimize campfire impacts by using stoves.
- Use a fire pan or designated fire ring for open fires and charcoal.
- Elevate fire pan and use a fire blanket to catch embers.
- Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult’s wrist to keep the fire small.
- Consider bringing your own firewood or charcoal.
- Burn all wood and charcoal to ash. Carry out ash with other garbage.
Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed wildlife. This damages their health, alters natural behavior, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely.
- Control pets or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting or when food is scarce.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Communicate with other river visitors about your floating and camping plans.
- Leave larger camps for larger groups.
- Avoid camping or eating near major rapids where scouting and portaging take place.
- Non-motorized crafts usually have right-of-way over powerboats; slower boats should keep to the right.
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org