Editing Rafting (section)

==Environmental issues==
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[[Image:Rafting Tara.jpg|thumb|right|Rafting in [[Montenegro]]]]

Like all outdoor activities, rafting must balance its use of nature with the [[conservation movement|conservation]] of rivers as a [[natural resource]] and [[habitat]]. Because of these issues, some rivers now have regulations restricting the annual seasons and daily operating times or numbers of rafters.

Conflicts have arisen when commercial rafting operators, often in co-operation with [[municipality|municipalities]] and [[tourism]] associations, alter the [[stream bed|riverbed]] by [[dredging]] and/or [[rock blasting|blasting]] in order to eliminate safety hazards or create more interesting whitewater features in the river. [[Environmentalism|Environmentalists]] argue that this may have negative impacts to [[riparian zone|riparian]] and [[aquatic ecosystem]]s, while proponents claim these measures are usually only temporary since a riverbed is naturally subject to permanent changes during large [[flood]]s and other events. Another conflict involves the distribution of scarce river permits to either the do-it-yourself public or commercial rafting companies.<ref>Ingram, Jeff, (2003). Hijacking a River: A Political History of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff, Arizona, Vishnu Temple Press, pp. 134–137, {{ISBN|978-0-967459-53-0}}</ref>

Rafting by do-it-yourself rafters and commercial rafting companies contributes to the economy of many regions which in turn may contribute to the [[habitat conservation|protection]] of rivers from [[hydroelectric power]] generation, diversion for [[irrigation]], and other development. Additionally, white water rafting trips can promote [[environmentalism]]. Multi-day rafting trips by do-it-yourself rafters and commercial rafting companies through the [[National Wild and Scenic Rivers System]] have the potential to develop [[environmental stewardship]] and general environmental behavior. Studies suggest that environmental efficacy increases when there is an increase in the length of the trip, daily immersion, and the amount of resource education by trip participants.<ref>Ham, S., Kellert, S., & Powell, R. (2009). Interactional theory and the sustainable nature-based tourism experience. Society & Natural Resources, 22(8), 761–776. doi:10.1080/08941920802017560</ref>