Spokane Riverkeeper

Climate change poses an urgent challenge, affecting water quality, river health, and the ecosystems that depend on clean, flowing water. This election season, several ballot initiatives will challenge existing efforts to address these critical issues. Learn more about the pertinent initiatives and why we are opposing them in the latest Below the Current article from Water Protector Katelyn Scott https://lnkd.in/gPrAJrCi

Today, we're celebrating the impact Spokane Riverkeeper has made on the community. We’re proud to share our Annual Report, highlighting the strong foundations Spokane Riverkeeper has made for protecting and preserving our beloved Spokane River. From removing tons of trash to advocating for cleaner waters, our work is only possible because of supporters like you. Together, we’re making a real difference. Check out our full report and see how your contributions help a healthier river for everyone: https://lnkd.in/gKGDEpwR Let’s continue to make waves for positive change!

I am so honored to be featured in the Loyola Law Magazine this year, as Spokane Riverkeeper’s first Water Protector. This opportunity has been nothing short of a dream come true. When I applied for law school, my personal essay was about finally feeling like I’d found myself in a raft on the river at 14. I’m so grateful to come full circle and have found my place again protecting the Spokane River. Read the article and more about what brought me here: https://lnkd.in/gtS5GPFC

Over the summer we have collected crayfish to have tested and analyzed for mercury levels. This community science project is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding mercury pollution in the Spokane River, and Columbia Basin more broadly. Read more about the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gBCHDffY

The research project I have been leading for the last 3 years was covered by KHQ local news in Spokane Washington tonight. It’s been wonderful working with the Spokane Riverkeeper to monitor mercury throughout the Upper Spokane River watershed. Check out the news story here!

“In the summer months, water conservation is more important than ever to protect the health and flow of the Spokane River … We hope that with awareness, water conservation practices will become a cultural norm for the entire region to support clean and abundant flows in the river for future generations. By reducing our water usage, we can help maintain adequate flow levels in the river, which in turn supports cooler water temperatures and healthier ecosystems.” - Katelyn Scott, Water Protector Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSt7K4Pq

We are proud to co-signed this important letter to Congress raising concerns about the urgent issue of 6PPD and its harmful impacts on our environment. This chemical, used as a preservative in all tires, has been linked to significant ecological damage, particularly affecting aquatic life.

We’ve been monitoring the water temperatures all summer across the river. Waterkeeper Jule Schultz shares his perspective on the trends we’re seeing.

These small group events are really great opportunities to meet new friends and learn about all kinds of different issues along the river! We’re so excited to share these special events with our community and learn more about your connection to the river and thoughts on the issues around our basin

Quick shoutout to the Spokane Riverkeeper! 🐟 This past Friday I had the opportunity to attend my first volunteer River Cleanup with the SRK crew. I had a blast connecting with their staff, further learning about the river's ecology and history, as well as picking up all sorts of trash in and around the river. Seriously. All sorts. Started as a 501c3 back in 2009 by a group of passionate Spokane area conservationists (through the Waterkeeper Alliance), the Spokane Riverkeeper does everything from promoting river cleanup events, conducting sediment studies and water temperature monitoring, along with supporting community science studies on endemic aquatic species of the river. I couldn't be happier that the Spokane Riverkeeper exists here in Spokane as a vigilant guardian for the river and it's tributaries. It's needed! If in Spokane and curious to learn more about all the work that they do, check out their site below: https://lnkd.in/g7jmTHN4 Cheers to the River! 🐟