Government and Conservation Partners

Since 1978, Tributary Whitewater has worked closely with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure our rafting operations align with environmental protection and sustainable recreation practices. Below is a list of the agencies we partner with, ensuring responsible access to the incredible rivers we raft.

Interested in learning more about our partners? Check out our destination partners and our business partners pages.

United States Forest Service (USFS)

The U.S. Forest Service manages vast areas of public lands in national forests and grasslands. Many of our trips, such as those on the Middle Fork of the American River, pass through USFS-managed lands. They work to maintain sustainable recreation by issuing permits and ensuring safety and environmental protection across river systems.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The Bureau of Land Management oversees public lands across the Western United States, including river corridors like the Klamath and Rogue Rivers. The BLM ensures responsible recreation while preserving the natural landscapes, issuing permits for rafting and camping, and providing valuable information about river use and conservation.

Auburn State Recreation Area

Auburn State Recreation Area, managed by California State Parks, covers more than 40 miles of river, including sections of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. It offers world-class whitewater rafting and is dedicated to providing safe, accessible recreation while protecting the region’s historical and natural resources.

Middle Fork American River – Tahoe National Forest

The Middle Fork American River begins in the Granite Chief Wilderness, flowing through rugged canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation Area. Explore the Middle Fork American River

South Fork American River – El Dorado County

Water releases in the South Fork American River result from upstream hydroelectric facilities. Rafting companies, including those operating under permits from El Dorado County, do not control these releases. Explore the South Fork American River

North Fork American River – Tahoe National Forest and Bureau of Land Management

This Wild and Scenic River flows through steep gorges in the Tahoe National Forest, with the upper 26 miles managed by the Forest Service and the lower stretch by the BLM. Explore the North Fork American River

Trinity River – Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tributary Whitewater operates under a special use permit from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. We are proud to be an equal opportunity service provider. Explore the Trinity River

California Salmon River – Six Rivers National Forest

We operate under permits issued by the Six Rivers National Forest, ensuring we meet the highest standards of environmental stewardship. Explore the California Salmon River

Owyhee River – Bureau of Land Management

All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under a special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Explore the Owyhee River

North Yuba River – Tahoe National Forest, Yuba River Ranger District

Tributary Whitewater operates under a permit from the Tahoe National Forest’s Yuba River Ranger District and is an equal opportunity service provider. Explore the North Yuba River

East Fork Carson River – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

We operate under permit from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, ensuring access to the stunning East Fork Carson River. Explore the East Fork Carson River