Kayakers, paddlers, and boaters are mourning the loss of some of their African habitat. As of February 27, a section of the White Nile River in Uganda is closed to river traffic to make way for a hydroelectric project, according to .
The closed portion of river is known as the Day 1 Section, or Silverback, and was a favorite among play-boat kayakers. The Silverback opened in 1999 and saw 12 years of intrepid boaters descend its rapids. Once the forthcoming dam is installed, video footage will be all that remains of the swift currents and foamy plunge pools along this dramatic section of river.
After a flotilla was launched into the rapids, a throng of paddlers, advocates and river-goers raucously celebrated through the night to pay homage to the river. Construction crews are now bringing in earth for the dam, and more hydroelectric projects are planned for the Nile farther downstream.
–Will Grant