Posted by Alan August From: "Expediciones Chile" Dear Rhode Island Canoe Assn. Officer, For the 2006/ 2007 kayaking season, Expediciones Chile is offering a river conservation discount on kayak trips to all Rhode Island Canoe Assn. members. This offer is a great way for your you or your membership to experience the epic rivers of Chilean Patagonia while contributing to the river conservation movement. Ranked as one of the greatest whitewater rivers in the world, the Futaleufu River, located in Southern Chile, is scheduled for hydroelectric development by a Spanish conglomerate, Endessa, in the near future. The Rio Fuy, one of the best steep-creek kayaking rivers in the world, is already undergoing hydroelectric diversion and its waters are soon to be rerouted from the riverbed. This may be the last season for paddlers to see the Rio Fuy in its virgin state. Sadly, the Chilean government hasn't taken complete stewardship of the great environmental asset that it holds. Where else but Patagonia, Chile can we find some of the best rivers in the world, with such diversity and scenery? In the United States, these rivers would be safely protected in National Parks or Wild and Scenic Rivers Associations. Unfortunately, this type and scale of organization has not taken effect in Chile, yet! In response, a non-profit organization has been formed, called Futafriends, to protect the Futaleufu and other endangered rivers in Patagonia from destruction by development and pollution, and we at Expediciones Chile strongly support their efforts. It is common knowledge in Chile that if a river is not legally protected, someday it will be threatened by the forces that see money and power in moving whitewater. Recently, Futafriends was able to enlist the support of a Chilean Senator who wishes to protect the Futaleufu and other rivers in the region. It is Futafriends' goal to hire a professional lobbyist to oppose the hydroelectric development in Patagonia, Chile. Kayakers, rafters, and trekkers have been known in the past to be the main supporters for the protection of scenic rivers and whitewater. For further information please visit futafriends.org and see how you or the Rhode Island Canoe Assn. might help. Our efforts in this project are to increase paddler awareness about the plight of the Futaleufu, the doomed Fuy, and to help raise money for conservation. This season we will be discounting most of our whitewater kayak, sea kayak and kayak school trip prices to individual Rhode Island Canoe Assn. members by 10% and up to 15% for groups of four or more. All that we ask in return is that you take a portion of the saved money and donate it to Futafriends. If you have ever dreamed of paddling Chile's Rio Futaleufu, this is the year to do it! Our Patagonia International Kayak Safari is the highlight of our whitewater season and it traverses many of Chile's endangered river systems. The Fuy and Futaleufu are the main emphasis of the trip, with other regional rivers that are also probable future hydroelectric targets. The trip also ventures into Argentina, to the protected Rio Manso in the Nahuel-Huapi National Park. We have been running this trip every year since 1986. Back when the now dammed Bio-Bio River was a part of our itinerary. On our safari trips there is much to do for non-paddlers, ranging from horseback riding, fly fishing, trekking and mountain biking. Our Tres Monjas Eco-Camp, designed specifically for whitewater kayakers, is located on the banks of the Further Information: If you would to schedule a world-class slideshow presentation about paddling in Time waits for no one, and neither does water. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Chris Spelius ------ End of Forwarded Message------
on 7/25/2006, 9:26 pm
68.9.103.98
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Organization: Expediciones Chile
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:16:46 -0700
To: webmaster@ricka.org
Subject: Kayak Club - Patagonia River Conservation Offer
Futaleufu, and our native wood lodge is in the village of Futaleufu, providing the options of scenery, rustic environment, and comfort. The Futaleufu is quite simply a dream spot.
For further information, visit our website at (www.exchile.com) or call us toll free at 1.888.488.9082. Our website offers downloadable itineraries, river maps, and past and present trips videos, like our 1993 and 2006 Patagonia Safari Trips.
Chile for your kayak club, please contact our office. Trip DVD's are also available.
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