KERN VALLEY RIVER COUNCIL

A California Non-Profit Organization

The Kern Valley River Council (KVRC) was formed to help preserve and enhance the ecological, economic, recreational and aesthetic values of the Kern River.

Since the dawn of civilization rivers have been the focus of use and resource issues. Issues such as pollution, access, right to navigate, dams and water diversions are just a few

Your support of the Kern Valley River Council helps to provide a unified voice and the funds necessary to work towards a positive resolution of important river issues.

All officers and other individuals that work for the KVRC are volunteers, so that all funds received go to these worthy causes.

“We call upon the waters that rim the earth, horizon to horizon, that flow in our rivers and streams, that fall upon our gardens and fields, and we ask that they teach us and show us the way. “

- Chinook Blessing Litany

Funding

 KVRC hosts river events such as the annual Kern River Festival, the 2003 Wildwater World Cups, and the 2005 Pan American Whitewater Slalom Championships and U.S.A.C.K. Whitewater Slalom Nationals. These activities are not only a source of funds used for conservation purposes, but also help involve and educate paddlers and the public regarding river use, issues, and conservation.

As a non-profit membership organization, KVRC has also received limited grants that helps us to achieve our goals.

Project Clean River

Currently, KVRC is involved in a major project involving several organizations in the Kern Valley, the “CLEAN RIVER PROJECT”.  This long-term project utilizes the resources of many groups, including the U.S. Forest Service, volunteers to do physical cleanup work, and local businesses.  KVRC is helping with providing additional funding, along with additional trash service and people to work in areas that no service is available or can be provided by current operations.

Miracle Slalom Course

Another recently completed project is the development of a permanent slalom race and training site at Miracle Hot Springs on the Lower Kern River.  From this site, KVRC will be able to provide a prime location for training of paddlers and slalom athletes, including development of cadet and junior paddlers. Miracle is one of the primary slalom training sites of 2004 Olympic Silver medalist Rebecca Giddens.

The Future

Future projects for the Kern River involve river safety programs to educate nearby residents regarding the use of PFDs (lifevests) and the problems that can occur in rapids, or apparently tranquil sections of the River. Another project would sample water quality at various points on the Upper and Lower Kern and make the results available to river users.

Although a young organization, the members are seasoned and experienced conservationists, dedicated to the cause of educating river users, and preserving and enhancing the quality and beauty of this wonderful river.