Book your spot now for the Ashlu River's 24 scheduled dam releases this season. It's easy to register online, and you'll be doing your part to keep kayaking alive on this B.C.'s gem.

Recreational releases are written into the 2010 contract governing the new hydroelectric installation on the Ashlu, a fact that is not widely known among kayakers, says Liquid Lore's Steve Arns. Arns did a little digging and found that there are 24 days of releases scheduled for the 2010 season, meaning that the post-dam, 'dewatered Ashlu' feared by BC boaters may actually  have more runnable flows than before. Arns has some great background info on his Liquid Lore blog.

Learn more about the releases, and book a date for your group, at the links below. The contract for the releases is not permanent so if the flow dates are not utilized by boaters they may go away in the future. Paddling on the Ashlu isn't just a good time, it's your duty! Use is being monitored, so you can't just sign up and no-show—good news if you're having trouble making excuses for a BC roadtrip.

There will be up to 24 days of kayaking depending on the availability of water in the river in May, August and September. Sign in to ensure water will be released—you even get to vote for a flow.

The first release is Saturday May 8th 2010.

Innergex Website - Registration For Releases

Important Details About Ashlu Releases

Transport Canada Approval Document

Photo credit: Toni Stanojevic