National Rivers Month: Reflections on Progress and Challenges Ahead
June is National Rivers Month! Summer is upon us and long days on the river have begun. Whether you walk a local riverwalk, fish, kayak, canoe, swim, or even just float, this is the time of year to get out on your favorite river!
There’s a lot to celebrate about rivers this month. Here are some highlights:
It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Chattooga River becoming a Wild and Scenic River!
When Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 the Chattooga was specifically identified as one of 27 rivers across the country to be studied for possible future inclusion in the new National Wild and Scenic River System. Following the study, it was concluded that the Chattooga was indeed eligible and on May 10, 1974, the Chattooga River became the first river in the Southeast designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Read More…
New drinking water standards were recently introduced by the EPA to protect against “Forever Chemicals”
EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently spoke about the impacts of years-long contamination of our nation’s waterways by manufacturers of forever chemicals. Administrator Regan also highlighted the efforts of many citizens, scientists, EPA staff, and officials at all levels of government to hold these polluters accountable as well as enact regulations to protect against these harmful chemicals. Learn More…
Our team is making great strides in the California Headwaters
California relies on its headwaters in the Sierra Nevada to provide a steady clean water supply to downstream users, essential habitat for native species, and recreation for nature lovers. Restoring Ackerson Meadow in the California Headwaters will also provide multiple benefits for climate resiliency, water quality and supply, flood attenuation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. Learn More…
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While there is a lot to celebrate, there is also still a lot to be done to ensure the health of our rivers and to protect clean water. A Supreme Court decision last summer gutted protection for streams and wetlands, dramatically narrowing the scope of the Clean Water Act and undoing protections that have safeguarded the nation’s waters for over 50 years. This decision erased critical protections for tens of millions of acres of wetlands which threatens the clean drinking water sources for millions of Americans.
To better understand how this Supreme Court decision will impact your clean water, we asked a friend to help tell the story. Meet Splashy! An eager small stream who wants you to know how this ruling cut protections for streams like him and how it has put your clean water at risk.
Splashy Speaks Up for Clean Water
Meet Splashy, an eager small stream who wants you to know how a recent Supreme Court ruling that cut protections for streams like him, is putting your clean water at risk.
Splashy and the gang are here to teach you all about how small streams and wetlands are connected to your clean water. You will likely learn something new, and you might just fall in love with a little blue drop of water.
As for me, I’ll be spending most of my summer out on the James River in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, creating memories with friends and loved ones during group paddles and river hangs. I also love to take time and ground myself by sitting and listening to the water as it makes its way downstream. It helps remind me that rivers have life within and around them — life that depends on them. Rivers count on you and me to be their voices and advocate for their health and well-being. So, I encourage you to spend time near your local waterways this summer and learn a little about them. Does your drinking water come from a river? What is your state doing to protect streams and wetlands? How can you get involved in your local river community?
Let me and Splashy know what you’ve learned in the comments down below!
