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What's New at River Network
Help our Partner Groups Acquire the Items they Need!
12/29/08
Do you have an old printer that's collecting dust? How about those barely-worn waders sitting in the garage? Put your old office and river recreation equipment to good use by fulfilling the needs of our Partner organizations. Over 25 of our groups have filled out "Wish Lists" of items that would help them better protect and restore our waterways in the New Year. Browse the list to find out if you've got what they need. If so, give them a call and make arrangements for how to get it to them. It'll make their holiday (and yours) that much brighter!
And to continue your support of national river and watershed groups, consider making a donation to River Network today. Your contribution allows us to continue to provide organizational capacity building and issue-based expertise to hundreds of groups across the country.
River Network launches new antidegradation database!
12/11/08
Ever wonder how your state's water quality protections compare to other states? Now you can find out…at least for one key policy program. River Network's online antidegradation database lets you search by state or key policy questions for information about how states implement the Clean Water Act's main policy program for keeping clean water clean – the antidegradation policy. Today's database launch includes comparative information from 10 states. We'll be adding data monthly, so check back soon! Search the database.
River Ways 2009 Calendars Now Available-29% off!
11/01/08
River Network is pleased to partner with Tide-Mark Press to offer you a beautiful 2009 wall calendar. Each month you will enjoy a stunning river scene by acclaimed photographer Tim Palmer. Each month also offers a brief overview of a water issue and/or success story, as well as ways you can get involved to protect our rivers. These wonderful calendars make great gifts for the holidays or any occasion! Get yours today at RN Marketplace.
River Network Launches Exclusive Partner Website
10/10/08
River Network is pleased to announce the launch of our new password-protected website www.rivernetwork.org/rn/partners, redesigned to give River Network Partners exclusive access to templates, toolkits, back issues of River Voices and the River Fundraising Alert, an interactive log of questions and responses to commonly faced challenges, product and service reviews and more.
If you are an existing River Network Partner and you did not recently receive an e-mail with your username and password, please contact Waverly de Bruijn at (503) 542-8397.
If you are interested in becoming a River Network Partner, we welcome you to join online or contact Katherine Luscher at (503) 542-8384.
Welcome River Network's New President
09/26/08
River Network's board and staff welcome Ezra Paul Milchman as our new President/CEO! Ezra brings 14 years of accomplished experience in conservation, public policy, lobbying, communications, fundraising and nonprofit management.
For the past three years, Ezra has worked with a community of 1,700 land trusts across the country as National Director for the Land Trust Alliance, and was their Northeast Director for five years prior to that. He's a graduate of Tufts University with degrees in biology and environmental science. He is also an enthusiastic outdoors person, including canoeing, fishing, hiking and skiing.
Ezra is only the fourth President/CEO in River Network's 20-year history and will carry forward and build the grassroots river and watershed conservation movement that Phil Wallin, Ken Margolis and Don Elder created. Ezra will officially start work on November 3; watch future eStream newsletters for more.
Winter Training 2008
09/25/08
The Winter Training, December 10th -12th Nashville, Tennessee is organized by River Network and many allied organizations. The purpose of the event is to help you develop the skills you need -- as a trainer, leader and organizer -- to help grassroots groups and communities. The Winter Training will use a “cross-training” format so that individuals from a variety of backgrounds can come together, develop our skills and share experiences. Participants attend one of two tracks:
Track A: Training for Trainers in Organizational Development
Track B: Warming Watersheds: Training for Sustainable Water Supplies
Completed applications can be directed to Dawn DiFuria ddifuria@rivernetwork.org (503) 542-8393
River Network Launches New Online Map
09/24/08
River Network is very excited to launch a new online mapping resource designed to help you:
- Easily find River Network Partner groups working in your community
- Discover your watershed address and link directly to EPA's Surf Your Watershed site
- Get contact information for Congressional representatives
- Locate and contact River Network offices
- Visit National River Heroes
- View Past and Future National River Rallies
- See rivers and water bodies not shown on standard Google maps
As with any resource, this is a work in progress. In the coming months we will continue to add new, searchable layers and map points such as: who is working on what major water issues; who is hosting a river cleanup; is there a monitoring program in my watershed; finding health experts working on contaminant issues; and much more.
We're also very interested in hearing from you about information and resources that you would like to see. Partners should contact us about adding information/logos/photos/video to their group's listing. Please contact Matt Burke if you have comments/suggestions.
This site was developed in partnership with Vertcies LLC and Dr. Wansoo Im. A number of River Network Partners are using mapping sites to present monitoring and other activities in their watersheds. You can view these here.
Last month to enter the Tom's of Maine Rivers Stories Contest!
09/24/08
The Rivers Stories Contest is still accepting video entries of people working to take care of rivers. Tom's of Maine will share these stories to inspire other people to take action, and the winning entrant will win a new Toyota Prius Hybrid!
How to Enter
Now through October 31, 2008, you can create and upload your own, original video that demonstrates how you are making a positive impact on the rivers in your community.
Here are the simple steps to enter:
- Document a local river story on video
- Log onto Video Contest and complete the entry form
- Visit YouTube to set up a free account and confirm login information
- Go to YouTube Groups and click to join River Stories Group to submit your entry.
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2009 National River Rally - Call for Workshops Deadline Approaching!
09/24/08
Deadline to submit River Rally Workshops - October 24, 2008!
The 2009 National River Rally will be held in the Chesapeake Region May 29 - June 1 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, downtown on the harbor. If you'd like to present a workshop, click here for more information.
Nominate a “Most Endangered River” Today
09/23/08
American Rivers is soliciting nominations for the 2009 America's Most Endangered Rivers report. Nomination deadline is October 27, 2008.
Integrated Watershed Protection Assessment now available online
08/29/08
Assessment survey. This Assessment enables nonprofit organizations and government officials to evaluate the strengths of and learn new ideas for further integrating their current watershed protection/restoration processes.
The most recent issue of River Voices also serves as a companion to this Assessment.
(Note: You do not have to Log In to take the survey)
RIVER NETWORK SEEKS PRESIDENT
07/11/08
After 13 years of dedicated service, River Network President Don Elder is leaving to pursue new opportunities. River Network is now seeking an experienced, self-directed and motivated President who is passionate about protecting our environment and prepared to lead an established, national conservation organization to new levels of reach and impact.
Click here for more information.
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WIN A RIVER TRIP!
07/10/08
For the third consecutive year, River Network and Busch beer are partnering to protect rivers in Oregon and Washington.
To celebrate outdoor recreation on our rivers, we will award 24 lucky winners with rafting adventure trips on the Skagit, Wenatchee and White Salmon rivers in Washington, and the Deschutes and Upper Klamath rivers in Oregon, plus offer a guided fishing trip in Oregon.
From now through August 15, 2008, adults 21 and older may register online at www.buschwhitewater.com for a chance to win these premium Northwest adventures. No purchase necessary. Must be a resident of OR or WA.
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Understanding the Clean Water Act Online Course Launched
06/30/08
River Network is proud to announce the resurrection of our on-line course – Understanding the Clean Water Act! You can now explore the course at your convenience at www.cleanwateract.org.
The course is a companion to our book, The Clean Water Act Owner's Manual. Course content is structured to help you:
· isolate specific water quality problems
· identify possible solutions
· develop and leverage existing programs
· build effective outreach tools
The goal is to help you better understand: 1) laws established to protect our rivers, and 2) the power you have to exercise this knowledge to protect the rivers you love!
The course is appropriate for staff, interns, volunteers and board members interested in learning more about the force of the Clean Water Act and related tools. Even Clean Water Act old-timers will likely find something to ponder in the local stories, digging deeper and resources sections. If you train staff or volunteers on the Act, you’ll also find some special training tools to help you get your points across.
Over the next year, we’ll regularly add new content and technology to the site – so keep checking back. We’re considering adding more quizzes, slideshows and activist testimonials, and would welcome your feedback and ideas as well!
To share your thoughts, contact Merritt Frey.
Would you also like to have these references at your fingertips? Order the 2nd Edition of our Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual, available at River Network’s online Marketplace.
Brand new River Network Solar Flare Deflectors now available!
05/21/08
Natural Earth tone 100% Organic cotton cap features embroidered River Network logo on front, "Connecting People, Saving Rivers" on back. Get yours today at Marketplace.
I went to River Rally and all I got was...wait, I forgot to get a t-shirt!
05/20/08
Post-Rally T-SHIRT SALE! Only $10! 2 for $20!!
Already spilled spaghetti sauce on your new shirt and wish you could get another one? Did your officemates say "Hey, you got to go to Rally and you didn't even bring back some souvenir shirts for the rest of us?"
Well, now you can fully complete your wardrobe and make your staff happy. Don't delay- go to Marketplace today!
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2008 National River Heroes Awards
05/04/08
2008 River Heroes honored at National River Rally. Every movement has its own heroes—those who set the standard for the rest of us in achievement, selflessness, and inspiration. Too often, individuals and groups involved with natural resource conservation fail to celebrate their hard-won successes.
The National River Heroes, a peer-nominated award inaugurated in 2002, annually celebrates rivers and recognizes individuals in the watershed movement who: Provide leadership; Inspire the work of others; Utilize innovative strategies and techniques to achieve significant results; Foster the growth and sustainability of a watershed community.
To date, thirty-three outstanding individuals have been honored as National River Heroes.
The 2008 National River Heroes are:
Dr. David Baker, Director Emeritus, National Center for Water Quality Research at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio
Bernie Dahl, Immediate Past President, Banks of the Wabash, Inc; and Professor at Purdue University, West LaFayette, Indiana
John Tippett, Executive Director, Friends of the Rappahannock, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Robert Ruffner, Executive Director, Kenai Watershed Forum, Soldotna, Alaska
Rob Hutsel, Executive Director, The San Diego River Park Foundation, San Diego, California
In addition to the River Heroes, River Network selects one individual each year to receive the James R. Compton Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a life-long commitment to river conservation.
The 2008 honoree is JoAnn Burkholder, Professor of Applied Aquatic Ecology at NC State University, North Carolina.
Click here to read more about this year’s River Heroes.
Tom's of Maine generously supports the River Heroes Awards and Banquet. Thank you!
Check out our new Water, Energy and Climate Change website!
05/03/08
River Network's newest website - Water, Energy and Climate Change -- has just launched. Click here for information on how to save energy by saving water, and for links to valuable reports and presentations. Our site is still rapidly growing, so be sure to visit often.
IM Rivers-Major Discount for River Network Partners
05/01/08
For the past year, River Network has provided assistance to Wansoo IM and Vertices, LLC to develop an easy to use, interactive internet mapping application using Google Maps API and federal and state Internet GIS services. Dozens of groups have tested this system in their watersheds.
Now, it is ready for you to use in yours!
What can you do with IMRivers? Imagine this: You are out on the river and see a violation. You take a photo or video, capture waypoint coordinates using any GPS unit and upload the digital file with your notes directly to your IMRivers mapsite -either directly on the river via a wireless connection or when you get back to the office. Within minutes, agency officials, stakeholders, the media and the public can see what is going on. The violation's time and place are precisely documented and recorded. Just like that!
How much does it cost? Click here for more information, including case studies from Hurricane Creekkeeper (AL), Muddy Water Watch Citizen Patrols (NC) and Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (CT).
River Rally Registration is Now Open!
03/12/08
We're headed to the Great Lakes! The 2008 National River Rally will be held May 2-5 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, OH. Be sure to join River Network and over 500 of our friends for multiple days of education, inspiration and celebration.
Dates of Note:
- Feb. 1: Registration Opens
- Feb. 8: River Hero Nominations Due
- March 13: Scholarship Applications Due
- April 15: Last day to register before $50 Late Fee
Lodging will be assigned on a first-registered/first-served basis. Rates, rooming options, workshops, ancillary events and much more are now available on the River Rally Webpage.
See you in Ohio!
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River Rally Registration is Open!
02/01/08
Have you been waiting to register for the 2008 National River Rally? Now is your chance. Just go to the Rally website today!
River Network is growing!
01/14/08
River Network is very excited to announce the arrival of FIVE new staff to our wonderful organization.
Mary Ellen Olcese Mary Ellen is joining River Network's staff as Mid-Atlantic Program Manager. She will lead our efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Region and Mid-Atlantic states, bringing more than twenty years of organizational development and fundraising experience to our expanding programs, the past eight as an independent consultant providing professional services to local nonprofits, including many watershed and river groups working on Chesapeake Bay issues.
Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, Mary Ellen's early years were consumed with an athletic career as a competitive swimmer on the national and international level, achieving national champion and world record status in the 400 Individual Medley. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and received a Masters degree in Education from Boston University. Prior to moving to the Eastern Shore of MD in 1987, she coached college swimming for 10 years at Northeastern University, Springfield College and Eastern Michigan University.
Mary Ellen resides in St. Michaels, MD with husband, John and daughter, Maura, Oscar the basset hound and Gil the cat. In her free time, she enjoys working outside- particularly gardening, running and traveling to unique places.
Merritt Frey Merritt is joining River Network's staff as the Western Clean Water Act Project Manager. She will be based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and brings over a decade of Clean Water Act experience on the federal and state levels to her new position, with a focus on water quality standards, pollution control permits and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
Merritt has most recently been the Executive Director of the Utah Rivers Council. Under her leadership, the organization became a leader on Clean Water Act advocacy, proposed and passed important legislation on water conservation, pushed Wild and Scenic Rivers protection forward in the state, and doubled annual major donor giving.
Before taking over at the Council, Merritt worked for the Clean Water Network and the Natural Resources Defense Council organizing more than 1000 groups to influence Clean Water Act policy in Washington, DC. At the Clean Water Network, she also developed an expertise in specific Clean Water Act tools such as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) permitting and TMDLs.
Merritt was a recipient of the W.C. Kenney Foundation's Leadership Grant ('05-'07) and was recently appointed by the Governor to the Utah Water Quality Board. If you can believe she has any spare time, she is an avid angler and backpacker.
Julie Noble A recent graduate of Portland State University with a BS degree in Geography, Julie joins River Network as our newest Partnership Program Intern. Julie will coordinate online resources for our Partners, provide assistance to the Partnership and other programs, and lead a major project to update the online National Directory of River and Watershed Groups.
Growing up on the Hudson River and taking weeklong adventures with her family all along the river in their little lemon yellow skiff, her pride and respect for all rivers grew into a passion. After living on the banks of the Hudson, Merrimack, Charles and Danube rivers, Julie fell in love with Portland, and now calls the Willamette Basin home. When she's not helping save rivers, Julie likes to take advantage of bike-friendly Portland, collect vinyl records and work on her friend's online database of urban wild food sources.
Bevan Griffith-Sattenspiel With a keen interest in global warming, Bevan joins River Network as our Saving Energy by Saving Water Intern. He will be working closely with Don Elder as we launch this exciting new program nationwide this year, and also helping develop online materials and a new Water-Energy Use Calculator.
Born and raised in Salem, OR, Bevan spent the past few years in Los Angeles, where he attended Occidental College, graduating in May with a BA in American Studies-Environmental Emphasis, and interning for New America Foundation's Political Reform Program. After attending the Alliance Toward Harnessing Global Opportunities' UN Forum on Climate Change, Bevan realized 1) he really wanted to do environmental work, and 2) his true home is in the Northwest. Besides learning more about water, energy and global warming, Bevan's main interests include surfing and snowboarding, which in Oregon you can do both in the same day!
JR Ralston JR joins River Network as our newest Staff Accountant. After 16 years working as a corporate controller, JR decided to swim in the nonprofit world. Before graduating from the University of Oregon with a BS in Physical Education, and gaining a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University, JR spent her youth in Oakridge, OR, with the Willamette River for a backyard and the Willamette National Forest for a playground. She even had a summer stint with the Forest Service as an "owl hooter". When she's not crunching numbers, JR enjoys running, bird and wildlife watching, fishing and camping.
Building Watershed Capacity in the Chesapeake
01/07/08
Picking up the reins from Pat Munoz, Mary Ellen Olcese, (our new Mid-Atlantic Program Manger), will be leading River Network's expanding efforts in the region, with a particular focus on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. Surrounded by Virginia and Maryland, the Bay's watershed covers 64,000 square miles and parts of six states (NY, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, plus DC). More than 150 rivers and streams drain into the Bay.
Federal, state and local governments, academic groups, foundations, and environmental nonprofits have been supporting restoration and protection programs throughout the Chesapeake Bay for more than two decades. These efforts have produced significant results in the health and productivity of the Bay, its tributaries, and the ecosystems that compose the larger Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Today, however, the Bay is still substantially impaired in terms of pollution, and much less productive than it used to be because of runoff from urban areas and farms, increasing population and new development, over harvesting, and invasion of foreign species.
River Network's recent surveys of the needs of river conservation groups in the Chesapeake Bay...Read More
Turn Holiday Shopping into Donations for River Network!
12/01/07
If you could give River Network up to 26% or more of every Holiday purchase you make this season (or any day of the year for that matter) … would you?
That’s exactly what happens when you join the online community called iGive.com. It doesn’t cost a cent to join and once you’re a member, every time you shop at over 680 stores in the Mall at iGive.com, River Network gets a percentage of each purchase you make-at no cost to you!
So sign up today and let your shopping make a difference!
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Now Accepting River Hero Nominations
11/30/07
The National River Heroes Award celebrates rivers and those who protect them by recognizing some of our victories and honoring those who provide us with leadership and inspiration along the way. Deadline for Nominations is Feb. 8, 2008 (deadline based upon the postmark).
The Nomination Form and relevant information can be here.
Support River Network with your Holiday (or any other) shopping
11/29/07
Looking to give the gift of rivers while supporting rivers? Look no further! Go to Marketplace today and get discounts on Tim Palmer's Rivers of America 2008 Calendar and photo book, Your True Nature river journals and postcards, river scene note cards, River Rally t-shirts, publications and more. You can even make a donation to River Network. Thanks!
2008 National River Rally Call for Workshops
10/12/07
River Network is now accepting workshop proposals for River Rally 2008, to be held May 2-5 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, OH. The River Rally is a unique learning and training opportunity for professional and volunteer river and watershed leaders. Now is the chance for you to pass along your knowledge and expertise in one (or more) of the nearly 100 workshops that will be offered. Scholarships are available to workshop presenters.
Proposals should be submitted online by 5 pm (Pacific Time) Nov. 8, 2007. Decisions regarding workshops will be made no later than Dec. 31, 2007.
Click here to submit an application or for more information.
10/01/07
The Rivers Awareness Partnership is an exciting new partnership between Tom’s of Maine, River Network and American Rivers.
Tom’s of Maine is generously providing $1 million in support over five years to our organizations to enhance awareness, understanding and, ultimately, protection of rivers nationwide. Read more
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Tom & Kate Chappell visit San Francisco and Portland, OR to Announce Tom’s of Maine Rivers Awareness program
10/01/07
Tom and Kate Chappell, Co-Founders of Tom’s of Maine will travel to San Francisco, California and Portland, Oregon to announce the company’s Rivers Awareness Program with their partners -- River Network and American Rivers. The announcement will include a pledge of $1 million over 5 years to the River organizations. The Chappells will participate in more than a dozen events with retailers, non-profit partners, local river activists and the media. They will also discuss the company’s values, how they align with consumers and their 37 year commitment to green, safe, effective natural products.
Rivers Awareness is Tom’s of Maine’s second 5 year River partnership – Tom’s has a longstanding commitment to valuing rivers based on the company’s first statement of belief that “ . . . both human beings and nature have inherent worth and deserve our respect.” www.tomsofmaine.com/about/statement.asp
Here’s your chance to meet Tom and Kate Chappell, the co-founders of Tom’s of Maine, and staff from American Rivers and River Network. Learn about the wonderful natural products from Tom’s of Maine and get free samples!
San Francisco, California:
1) Store event at Elephant Pharmacy (Los Altos)
When: Monday, October 1, 4:30-6pm
Where: Elephant Pharmacy, Los Altos, 4470 El Camino Real
Phone: 650-472-6800
2) Store event at Elephant Pharmacy (Walnut Creek)
When: Tuesday, October 2, 4:30-6pm
Where: Elephant Pharmacy, Walnut Creek, 1388 S. California Blvd
Phone: 925-658-5300
Portland, Oregon:
1) Store event at New Seasons Market
When: Friday, October 5, 4:00 to 6:00pm
Where: New Seasons Market, Arbor Lodge, 6400 N Interstate Ave, Portland
Phone: 503-467-4777
Hope to see you at these events!
Check out RN Spotlight for more on this exciting new partnership!
