Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
August 2024
As summer winds down and cool nights settle in, we’re wrapping up a busy season with plenty to share. This month’s e-newsletter includes a reflection from our summer intern, upcoming events and clean-ups, an important action alert, and a major Ohio River Update.
This fall, we’re entering a season of growth and change here at WV Rivers Coalition. Together, we will carry forward the momentum we’ve built. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to protecting West Virginia’s precious waters. This work is made possible with the support from people like you.
A Summer of Firsts: Ceili Allders’s Experience as WV Rivers Coalition’s First Environmental Intern
Ceili stands under a pavilion at Marlinton First Friday, smiling behind the WV Rivers Coalition table. The table is set up with educational materials, including the Enviroscape, a tabletop watershed model used to teach about water pollution and watershed health.
This summer with WV Rivers Coalition was full of new experiences! From learning how to participate in community outreach to sitting in on PFAS and air quality webinars and getting to know the wonderful members of this team, I’m so glad I spent a little bit of time working to protect and restore our rivers and streams.
I went into this internship with very little experience in environmental advocacy and nonprofit work. I didn’t really know exactly what I was getting into, nor did the rest of the team, since this was their first time hosting an internship. One thing I learned right from the start is that everyone involved with WV Rivers cares so deeply for our water and each community in West Virginia. They all work hard in different ways to protect our natural resources, and it was exciting to have an inside glimpse at their work!
I took on a couple of my own projects this summer, too! Touring the Enviroscape (pictured above) around to a couple of different summer reading programs and community events to teach kids about watersheds, pollution, and our impact on water health was definitely a highlight! In July, I hosted a bracelet-making workshop where the beads represented different components of the river. I thought it would be interesting to host something geared towards young adults and was delighted when my target audience showed up as participants. My final project as an intern this summer is putting on an event to celebrate our Clean Water for All mural that will be in Lewisburg at the end of August. It should be a hoot! (More on that below!)
Finally, I’d like to give a big thank you to WV Rivers for welcoming me this summer. I can’t wait to see what you all do next!
Come Be Part of the Conversation on Clean Water in Lewisburg!
C’mon out to the Clean Water Round Table & Social Hour at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center on Friday, August 30, from 4-6 PM.
Come be part of the conversation! On August 30th from 4-6 pm, join us at the Greenbrier Valley Visitor’s Center for a lively Clean Water Round Table. Let’s come together as a community to chat about what clean water means to us, all while enjoying some great music and light refreshments. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer evening with friends and neighbors who care about keeping our water clean and our community thriving. We can’t wait to see you there!
- What: Clean Water Round Table & Social Hour
- When: Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4-6 pm
- Where: Greenbrier County CVB (905 Washington Street W, Lewisburg, WV 24901)
Before Saturday at 5 PM: Tell WVDEP to Strengthen Our State’s Water Quality Standards!
Background image courtesy of Luis Tosta via Unsplash.
The clock is ticking! The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is currently reviewing our state’s Water Quality Standards for 2025 as part of its Triennial Review. The public comment period closes this Saturday, August 17, 2024, and we need your voice!
WVDEP’s proposed updates fall short of what’s needed to keep our water safe. They’re considering adopting only a fraction of the EPA’s recommended criteria to protect us from toxic pollutants. Even more concerning, new “limited-use” designations for impaired waters could hinder efforts to restore our most damaged streams.
Send a comment now to ensure that WVDEP prioritizes the restoration of impaired waters and adopts all necessary safeguards to protect public health. West Virginians deserve clean, safe water — now and for future generations.
As always, we’ve prepared a quick and easy action for you, but we encourage you to personalize your comments. Out of state? Send a comment as someone who lives downstream of WV’s headwaters!
Field Update: PFAS Monitoring on the Ohio River
A view from the jon boat on the Ohio River, where WV Rivers and the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge team up to monitor water quality and protect this vital ecosystem.
This week, WV Rivers’ Ohio River Coordinator, Charlise, conducted an important field operation: monitoring PFAS contamination in the Ohio River.
This monitoring, conducted in partnership with Waterkeeper Alliance, is part of our ongoing work to assess water quality and track the presence of these persistent pollutants.
The day involved navigating logistical challenges, including identifying the most effective monitoring locations. Charlise partnered with a biologist from the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, who provided valuable expertise and guidance. Together, they spent over an hour on the river by boat, ensuring accurate data collection in critical areas.
A highlight of the day, Charlise recalled, was meeting a couple living on a restored sternwheel boat. Their experience of living on the river for the past three years added a unique perspective on the region’s waterways. They generously helped Charlise use a nearby dock for her monitoring work, facilitating the process.
Charlise smiles during a day of fieldwork on the Ohio River, monitoring for PFAS.
During the fieldwork, Charlise observed firsthand the complexity and beauty of the Ohio River ecosystem, including seeing an eagle’s nest, which underscored the importance of protecting this natural habitat.
Despite losing her WV Rivers hat to the river twice, Charlise successfully retrieved it and completed her fieldwork for the day. The data collected is critical to our understanding of PFAS contamination in the Ohio River.
Charlise summed up her experience perfectly during our staff’s weekly recaps: “I had an amazing day on the river, and it brought peace to my soul.”
We’re grateful for her dedication to protecting our waters and look forward to sharing more about our ongoing efforts to safeguard the Ohio River for generations to come.
Bid for Clean Water
Background image courtesy of Jay Young. Bid on this piece in our auction today!
With just over two weeks left, our silent auction is heating up, and now’s your chance to score some fantastic prizes before the bidding closes on September 1. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a craft beer connoisseur, there’s something for everyone in our incredible lineup of items.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amazing prizes you could win:
- Old Town Canoe: Perfect for exploring West Virginia’s stunning waterways, this top-quality canoe could be yours. Imagine paddling down your favorite river, surrounded by nature’s beauty!
- Stay at Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville: Get ready for an adventure-packed getaway! Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or just relaxing in the great outdoors, this stay at Arrowhead Bike Farm offers the perfect retreat.
- Brewery Tour from Bad Shepherd Brewing in Charleston: Beer lovers, this one’s for you! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Charleston’s favorite breweries, complete with tastings of their best brews.
- Art by Talented WV Artists: West Virginia is home to so many gifted artists, and now’s your chance to own a piece of their work. From wood carvings to stained glass, our auction features a variety of stunning art that will add beauty and character to any space.
And that’s not all—there are plenty more unique items up for grabs! Bidding is easy, and every dollar raised supports our mission to protect and preserve West Virginia’s rivers and streams.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit our silent auction and place a bid today: https://givebutter.com/c/WAaDUT/auction
Upcoming Stream Clean-Ups Across West Virginia: Join the Effort to Protect Our Waterways!
Members of the Southern West Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited and WV Rivers at last year’s annual Elkhorn clean-up.
West Virginia’s rivers and streams are the lifeblood of our state, providing clean drinking water, recreational opportunities, and essential habitats for wildlife. However, these vital waterways need our help to stay healthy and beautiful. Our partners across the state have some upcoming clean-ups. These events are a great way to give back to the environment, meet fellow community members, and enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, all clean-up tools will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!
Bluestone Lake Clean-Up (And Cookout After!)
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Bluestone Lake, Hinton, WV
Details: Spend a morning helping to clean up the lake and shoreline at Bluestone Lake. We’ll need all hands on deck, especially those with boats, kayaks, or rafts, to help us reach and move trash. After the clean-up, celebrate your hard work with a cookout by the lake. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer day while making a real impact on the environment.
RSVP: Interested in attending? Email [email protected] or call 304-250-4350.
Clean-Up Day with Plateau Action Network
Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Fern Creek Parking Lot (Endless Wall Trail access #1) along Lansing Edmond Road, near Fayetteville, WV
Details: Our friends at Plateau Action Network are organizing a clean-up day in the beautiful area near Fayetteville. This event will focus on cleaning up local streams and ensuring that the area remains pristine for all to enjoy. Join us for an afternoon of community spirit and environmental stewardship!
Questions: Contact Desirae at 304-520-1426
The Fall Elkhorn Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Elkhorn, WV (meet at the old Elkhorn post office)
Coordinates: 37.385410, -81.413451
Details: Whether you’re an angler or just someone who loves the outdoors, Elkhorn Creek needs our help. This September, join the Southern West Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited to give this treasured waterway the care it deserves.
RSVP: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Elkhorn-Fall-Cleanup-2024-94420
Why Participate?
Stream clean-ups are a hands-on way to protect our water quality and preserve the natural beauty of West Virginia. Your participation not only helps keep our waterways clean but also strengthens the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Plus, these events are a fun and fulfilling way to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
We look forward to seeing you at one (or more!) of these clean-up events. Let’s work together to keep West Virginia’s rivers and streams clean for future generations!
More Upcoming Events with Our Partners
Join us for the 8th Annual RiverFest, celebrating the life-sustaining Buckhannon River! Enjoy a day of river-side festivities, engaging activities, and connect with fellow water enthusiasts. It’s a perfect day out for those who cherish our rivers, community, and the natural beauty of our waterways.
Experience a day of family fun at the Freshwater Folk Festival! Enjoy live music from Billy Jonas, Beaucoup Blue, The Elk River Ramblers, and more. With food, crafts, bounce houses, pony rides, and educational exhibits, it’s a celebration of West Virginia’s vibrant culture and natural history.
Join the WVEC Annual Meeting for a weekend of networking and advocacy! On Saturday, attend a full day of sessions at Tygart Lake State Park, and on Sunday, participate in the WVEC Board meeting. This event is open to all who are passionate about environmental conservation and community engagement.
