To the Editor:

On Thursday, June 25, the Army Corp of Engineers announced a surprise release of whitewater to draw the Ball Mountain Dam in Jamaica down to its normal summer storage level.

Attendees to the event were very thankful to the ACOE for releasing the water over a weekend where many could attend.

The attendance levels as a key sign to the potential positive economic impact that scheduled whitewater releases can have on the surrounding communities. Historically, a scheduled two-day fall release has drawn several thousand attendees to enjoy the river. A 2005 study, paid for in part by the town of Jamaica, conservatively estimated a $440,000 positive economic impact to Jamaica and surrounding communities.

The 2009 spring release from the Ball Mountain Dam was canceled this year, negatively impacting the surrounding areas in a time of financial distress. Several organizations including the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), American White Water, New England Flow, Friends of the West River, and many volunteers have been attempting to work with the ACOE to enhance the recreational and economic opportunities provided by the existence of the dam.

All of the groups involved were encouraged by this release and were hopeful that it was a step in the right direction.

Charles Still

On behalf of Friends of the West River

Charlemont, MA