Willamette Riverkeeper
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Mission Statement
Willamette Riverkeeper works to protect and restore the Willamette River's water quality and habitat, and to make it safe for fishing and swimming. Our programs engage in advocacy, policy, education, research, and hands-on action. We work on a variety of issues throughout the Willamette River basin, from large-scale restoration projects to working to implement the Clean Water Act. WR also works on the cleanup of the Portland Harbor Superfund site, and works to preserve and enhance public lands along the Willamette River and its tributaries.
About This Cause
Willamette Riverkeeper (WR) was founded in 1996 as “Friends of the Willamette River.” shortly after, We became Willamette Riverkeeper, joining Waterkeeper Alliance as the 12th organization nationwide. WR works daily to fulfill our mission to protect and restore the Willamette River through advocacy, education, and research. WR is a multi-faceted organization, implementing programs and enforcing local and national laws, to keep our river clean and our population healthy. We have offices in Portland and Eugene with 7 staff members (Executive Director/Riverkeeper, Restoration Manager, Restoration Associate, Outreach and Education Manager and Development Director, South Valley Advocate and a Staff Attorney). Each and every year WR also gets hundreds of people out on the river, from paddle trips to service projects, in 2019 we engaged over 2,400 volunteers through our programs. Our programming includes: * Clean Water Act Enforcement: WR utilizes the Clean Water Act and science, restoration, and policy work to improve water quality in our communities * Portland Harbor Superfund Site: a contaminated 10-mile stretch of the Willamette River, from downtown Portland to the Columbia, in 2000 the area was designated a Federal Superfund Site and in 2017 the EPA released the Record of Decision. WR is working to ensure the Decision is implemented quickly and effectively. Programming * River Discovery Program: WR organizes and leads monthly community paddle trips on the Willamette River. By connecting people to the river and facilitating on-the-water experiences WR promotes stewardship, and develops a larger community interest in the river. * Habitat Restoration: currently working to improve more than 1,100 acres of floodplain and riparian habitats within the Willamette Basin. This is done in collaboration with multiple partners including private and state landowners and conservation organizations. * River Guardian Program: this expanding program trains volunteers to have a regular presence on the river locating dump sites, abandoned camps, habitat destruction, and other impacts to water quality and habitat. WR Volunteers are trained to monitor an assigned stretch of the river and report back to WR staff any issues or violations. RG also includes monthly clean-ups in 4 cities along the river, engaging volunteers to spend the day cleaning up trash in the water and on the banks. * Research and Species of Interest: WR utilizes the Endangered Species Act to help protect threatened and endangered species. When the ESA is violated, entities like Willamette Riverkeeper can help enforce the law