Introducing the Rogue Riverkeeper

Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
December 31, 2008


For ten years, the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild)has been a leader in public lands and wildlife advocacy. Part of our success is based upon our readiness to strategically evaluate and adapt our approach to address the most pressing ecological issues. In 2008, we identified a big gap in aquatic advocacy; there is virtually no public oversight for the implementation of the Clean Water Act and its enforcement on the Rogue River. Several excellent entities monitor this area and provide the area with environmental education and fish passage advocacy. However, in the absence of vigilant public oversight, the government has done little to enforce vital water laws. We saw the need, and we took action.

Rogue River Photo: courtesy KS Wild archives

In June, the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international network of water advocates, approved KS Wild as the Rogue Riverkeeper. Lesley Adams, who has served as KS Wild's Outreach Director for the past five years, is transitioning into the new position of Rogue Riverkeeper. Laurel Sutherlin was hired as our Grassroots Organizer to take over outreach and organizing responsibilities.

Public trust waters are among our most valuable natural resources, and the Clean Water Act's provisions for public involvement are critical to the implementation of this cornerstone environmental law. The Clean Water Act itself does not ensure clean water. The law depends on an informed, engaged public to speak up for clean water. The Rogue Riverkeeper will work to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Rogue and its tributaries by engaging and activating river-users, demanding enforcement of water laws, and building a groundswell of community support for, and insistence upon, the protection of this outstanding natural resource.

For more information: www.kswild.org



This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-344

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation. For more information contact:
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
POB 102
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: (541) 846-9273