MONETON C.O.R.E.

OURSTREAMS is launching a service based recreational education program to raise river conservation awareness in Virginia and West Virginia. MONETON C.O.R.E.(Community Outreach & River Education) provides opportunities for students to make a difference through river experiences. MONETON was a Native American tribe of West Virginia. Moneton translates to "Big Water People" in the Siouan Linguistic Family.

Want to get involved? We need paddling equipment donations. We are recruiting students, instructors, guides and outdoor leaders. This program will be hard work and extremely rewarding. Volunteer your spare time to work, drive, cook, play and help us grow by the river, for the river.

The main objectives of MONETON CORE are:
-improve social, economic and environmental quality (triple bottom line) of watersheds
-increase the value of rivers in Virginia and West Virginia through river community service
-support grassroots river communities
-improve the quality of educational institutions and service learning facilities
-recruit volunteers for existing river conservation groups

Statement of Problem:

Surrounding communities are disengaged with the area’s rich river recreational resources. Water quality is a social and environmental justice issue in the Virginias. Although many river tourism companies exist in the area, very few work with river conservation groups to improve the quality of rivers. A lack of skilled instructors, programmatic infrastructure and cooperation with the local community makes it very difficult to locally access requisite information, instruction and equipment.

Proposed Solution:

Recruit members for MONETON C.O.R.E. to mobilize voluntary public participation in river conservation projects. By providing rewarding benefits to participants, OURSTREAMS helps communities take back the river!

Benefits:
•increased use and value of rivers
•increased volunteer participation for conservation organizations
•meaningful service learning opportunities
•tourism provider capacity building
•improved network of local river users
•tourism destination development
•local whitewater professional training

Program Dates, Locations & Descriptions:

MONETON WEEKEND CORE
March 28-29, April 4-5, April 11-12, April 18-19, April 25-26, May 2-3, May 9-10, May 16-17, May 23-24, May 30-31.

Age Requirements: 21 & up
Paddling Skill Requirements: All skill levels welcome
Location: Virginia & West Virginia
Instructors: Scott Wootten
Service Projects: River Community Service & River Festival Volunteering
Research Topic: Planning & River Community Action
Athletics: Paddling trips


March 23-27 MONETON CORE I

Age Requirements: 14 and up.
Paddling Skill Requirements: Intermediate-Expert (class IV experience)
Location: Fayetteville, West Virginia
Instructors: Scott Wootten,
Service Project: Prenter Community Water Action & Ansted Community Action
Field Trip: Gauley Mountain Top Removal Site
Research Topic: River ecosystem responses to coal mining.
Athletics: A daily dose of West Virginia's Finest whitewater with Local Paddlers after a half day of river community service.

April 6-10 MONETON CORE II

Age Requirements: 14 and up.
Paddling Skill Requirements: Proficient Swimmer, No paddling experience necessary.
Location: Rockingham & Augusta County, Virginia
Instructors: Scott Wootten
Service Project:
Field Trip:
Research Topic:
Athletics: Introduction to paddle sports & whitewater rafting on the Cheat River, WV.


April 13-17 MONETON CORE III

BRCC Spring Break
Age Requirements: 18 and up.
Paddling Skills Requirements:
Proficient Swimmer, No paddling experience necessary.
Location: Rockingham & Augusta County, Virginia
Instructors: Scott Wootten
Service Project:
Field Trip:
Research Topic:
Athletics: Introduction to paddle sports & whitewater rafting in West Virginia.