Hello Folks -
Well, here we are, November of 2021, I hope you are all doing as well as can be.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had a lot going on, from the Great Willamette Cleanup events in October, to our legal and policy work to curb the development of a massive poultry farm very close to the North Santiam River. Add to that dealing with aspects of a large sewage spill in the suburbs of Portland, and pushing the cleanup of Portland Harbor and river access in that area, and hopefully you can get a sense of the scope of our work.
What has caught my attention over the last year is how much you all take part. While we’ve all been dealing with the various elements of the pandemic, WR has still been able to forge ahead
with the important work of our mission. Our volunteers made a real impact in numerous ways. A huge thanks to all of you for your continued effort, and willingness to take part.
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Our many members help to keep us afloat during this challenging time as well. Thank you very much to everyone who contributes financially to our work. As we look ahead, I am encouraged about the opportunity that we will have to advance work for clean water and healthy habitat during the rest of this year, and beyond.
As the fall leaves coat the riverside this month, I have hope for this river and am inspired to do more. Thanks so much again for your support!
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
Photo 1: Fall on the Willamette River.
Photo 2: Wild turkeys spotted at Norwood Island, a Willamette Riverkeeper property.
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Eugene Trashy Tuesday on 11/9: Our team will be starting Alton Baker Park Boat Ramp for an on the water cleanup. Details and registration is available here.
Corvallis Trashy Thursday on 11/18: Our team, along with Oregon State Parks and City of Corvallis are working together for an on the water cleanup event. Details and registration is available here.
Webinar Series:
We are hosting a three part webinar series with the Willamette Riverkeeper team! All events will be hosted on Zoom and begin at 7 pm. You can find more details and register here.
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11/11 - A Talk With Our Legal Team: Join with Eli Holmes, our staff attorney, and Travis Williams, our Executive Director who will be discussing our work throughout 2021.
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11/18 - Restoration and River Guardians: Join with our Restoration and River Guardian teams to discuss our successes on the river in 2021.
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12/2 - A Talk With The Riverkeeper: Join Riverkeeper and Executive Director, Travis Williams for a conversation about the accomplishments of Willamette Riverkeeper in 2021, what you can expect in 2022. He will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tickets on Sale Now! |
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We are thrilled to host our annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival virtually on Thursday, December 9. Doors at 7 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm. Join us for our unique film program that aims to inspire environmental activism and a love for nature.
General Admission: $25
Group Admission: $40
Dinner and a Movie for 2 (21+): $80
Raffle: All tickets include 1 raffle entry for our Willamette River-Lover Package. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase from November 29 to December 9 at 11:59 pm - stay tuned for details!
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Willamette Week's Give!Guide campaign has officially begun! Give!Guide is the annual effort to raise funds for, and draw attention to, the good works of 200+ local nonprofits throughout the Portland Metro area.
Donate today and receive some amazing incentives from our partners:
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$25+ Donation: A free essential oil roll-on and 20% off coupon for use at the Mountain Rose Herbs Bridgeport Village Aroma Bar
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$150 - $499: A mixed 4 pack of Wyld CBD Seltzer Water or 1 bottle of Wyld CBD Gummies
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$350+: The first 18 donors who give at this level will receive a set of North Drinkware Glasses and a bottle of 2018 Alchemist Pinot Noir from Union Wine Co. (The glass is 6 oz. handmade stemless wineglass, in the bottom of the glass, is a 3D scene of the Willamette Valley and Mt. Hood featuring Amity Vineyards.)
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$500 - $999: A mixed 12 pack of Wyld CBD Seltzer Water or Variety pack of Wyld CBD Gummies
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$1,000+: You will be entered into a raffle to win a River Camping Package with items from Next Adventure, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Paddle People (including a kayak, paddle, PFD, tent, sleeping bag, backpack, dry bag, and other assorted goodies)
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DONATE ON BIG GIVE DAYS AND YOU COULD WIN...
11/4: Two-night stay and breakfast at Salishan Coastal Lodge.
11/10: Four 6-month coffee subscriptions to Nossa Familia
11/18: Four $250 gift certificates from Atlas Tattoo
11/24: A Trek bike package from Portland's Trek Bicycle stores
11/30: Ten $100 gift cards from Kuto AND tickets, swag & more from the Trail Blazers.
12/8: Two $500 gift cards from Powell's Books
12/16: An electric bike giveaway from Splendid Cycles!
12/22: Five $200 gift cards from John's Marketplace
12/30: Oregon Get Away Package from the Oregon Cultural Trust
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Photo of two people paddling: Johnny Childers |
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2020 Forest Fires – Preliminary Injunction
In one of Willamette Riverkeeper’s three lawsuits to prevent reckless post-fire logging throughout the basin, on October 27, 2021, we had a preliminary injunction hearing in federal court in the District of Eugene. The preliminary injunction sought to immediately stop all logging except for trees that are determined by qualified U.S. Forest Service specialists to pose an “imminent danger.” You can support our legal team’s efforts to push back here.
Photo: Cascadia Wildlands
Urban Renewal Project on the Willamette River Ignores Protecting Wildlife & Water Quality
For decades, the City of Springfield has invested resources in evaluating how to redevelop one of the last urban acreages on the Willamette River. In August 2021, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to prospective developers, which ignores wildlife and stormwater protection. City suggestions for the site’s use are not a small undertaking – they potentially include a 12 story hotel, a 55,000 square foot event center and an 800 vehicle parking structure… all likely adjacent to a new baseball stadium and a soccer stadium. Willamette Riverkeeper is pushing the City to take our concerns seriously. Our letters can be viewed here.
Zenith Oil-By-Rail
On September 20, Willamette Riverkeeper, along with Columbia Riverkeeper, filed a Motion to Intervene in support of the City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services at the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). This intervention will support the City’s effort to defend its August 27, 2021, decision to deny a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) to Zenith’s oil-by-rail storage and transfer facility as inconsistent with the City’s comprehensive plan policies focused on climate, equity, pollution, and seismic hazards.
Putting profit over people, Zenith appealed the City’s LUCS denial to LUBA. Despite the City standing up for climate and community values, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) subsequently issuing a proposed denial of Zenith’s Title V air pollution permit, Zenith refuses to accept any outcome where it does not get exactly what it wants.
We will continue to keep you updated as all of these progress.
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Getting Dirty for Good at the
Great Willamette Cleanup
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Our 13th Annual Great Willamette Cleanup was a success! We worked with 401 volunteers at 25 events from Portland down to Eugene. Together...
WE REMOVED
121 YARDS OF TRASH
AND 477 NEEDLES!
Thank you to the many partners that made this possible, Horseshoe Lake Hops Farm, Portland Parks and Recreation, Wyld, City of Keizer, City of Eugene, City of Oakridge, River Road Neighborhood Association, WKCC, Oregon State Parks, City of Corvallis, Northwest Canoe Tours, City of Westfir, Southtown Neighborhood Association and so many more!
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To those who financially support these efforts, and to the volunteers who have supported with their time - THANK YOU!
Our cleanups will continue throughout the winter in Corvallis and Eugene, keep an eye out for upcoming events here. For folks in Portland and Salem areas, we'll be back in the spring.
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Recently Willamette Riverkeeper was able to establish an Endowed Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation. We started modestly to get the fund established, and over time we plan to grow it in order to support our stewardship of our riverside lands, and for our overall work.
We would like to thank the several generous donors who responded to our earlier announcement about our intentions. You all made a significant difference in our ability to establish this fund!
Because we are just getting started, we can always use additional support in growing this fund over the years. If you have any interest of have questions about how you can help the Willamette Riverkeeper Fund, please email Travis. Again, thanks so much!
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Paddle. Camp. Repeat. Tees! Our newest t-shirt design is now available for just $25! These tri-blend tees come in a women's or men's fit, with the option of blue or gray. Purchase yours today!
Maps! We have a limited supply of Willamette River maps. You can purchase digital copies on the Willamette Water Trail website, as well as paper copies (waterproof of course) of the Upper and Lower Willamette River.
Willamette Water Trail Patches, we're selling them for just $5!
Coffee! Named for the 187 miles of the Willamette River, Pastor John's Blessed Beans, Roast #187 is available for purchase - 2lbs. for just $35.
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