Updates from WV Rivers Coalition

September 2024

Welcome to the Team, Jennie!

Photo of WV Rivers Coalition’s Executive Director sitting at the edge of a pool beneath a rushing waterfall.

We’re excited to officially welcome Jennie Smith as the new Executive Director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition! Since starting on Monday, Jennie has already made a big impression with her passion for protecting our rivers and her warm, approachable leadership style.

As we’ve gotten to know Jennie, it’s clear she’s a perfect fit for WV Rivers. Here are a few fun things we’ve learned about her so far:

  • What’s your favorite spot in West Virginia? As a fairly new resident of West Virginia (I moved here just over two years ago!), it’s tough to choose just one spot because this state is a treasure trove of natural beauty in every season. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall, the crispness of winter, the blooming life of spring, or the lush greenery of summer, there’s always something breathtaking around every corner.

    But if you twisted my arm, I’d have to say the Mon River Trail holds a special place in my heart. This trail has become my personal sanctuary — a place where I can walk, run, or cycle and simply feel connected to the surrounding beauty. I’ve come to love the quiet moments when I spot a deer grazing, catch sight of a cluster of ephemeral flowers fluttering in the breeze, or watch a snake leisurely crossing the trail. Spending time on the trail has helped me get to know not just the landscape but also the incredible wildlife that calls it home.

  • What’s one environmental issue you’re most passionate about? One environmental issue I’m most passionate about is protecting sharks. My love for them began after an unforgettable encounter while diving in the Bahamas. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring and completely changed the way I viewed these often misunderstood creatures.

    My encounter with sharks ignited a lifelong commitment to raising awareness about their importance and advocating for stronger conservation efforts. In West Virginia, our headwaters are the source of major river systems that flow into the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, nourishing countless ecosystems along the way. By protecting our headwaters, we ensure clean, cool, fresh water for communities, wildlife, and downstream environments. We are all one watershed!

  • If you could have lunch with any environmental leader, past or present, who would it be? If I could have lunch with any environmental leader, it would definitely be a long, thoughtful conversation with Dr. Robert Bullard, often referred to as the ‘father of environmental justice.’ His groundbreaking work, particularly his first book Dumping in Dixie, deeply resonated with me because it links environmentalism with social justice in such a powerful way.

    In Dumping in Dixie, Bullard illuminates how environmental hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially in the South, and how this is rooted in systemic inequality. His ability to connect these issues opened my eyes to the broader, intertwined relationship between race, class, and environmental health, which is more relevant than ever today.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Jennie on board, and we’re looking forward to the incredible work we’ll do together to protect West Virginia’s rivers and streams. Feel free to give Jennie a warm welcome at jsmith@wvrivers.org!

Volunteers Remove Over 700 Tires from Tug Fork River!

Our Southern West Virginia Coordinator and our Communications Manager, Mariah and Maggie, pause for a quick selfie during the Tire Tug-of-War in Borderland, WV in Mingo County.

In a remarkable effort, Friends of the Tug Fork River led the “Tire Tug of War 2024,” removing over 700 tires from the Tug Fork River near Borderland, WV. Just days later, the group continued their mission, recovering another 300 tires from a nearby stretch of the river.

These cleanups are part of an ongoing campaign by Friends of the Tug Fork River to restore this vital waterway. Every day, they are changing the story of their river, transforming it into a cleaner, healthier destination for the community. The site of this cleanup will soon feature a new public access point, where future generations will enjoy fishing for bass and paddling along the easy-flowing waters.

We’re honored to join Friends of the Tug Fork River in their incredible work. Learn how you can support their efforts and be a part of this transformation!

Act Now to Protect WV’s Old Growth Forests!

Background image courtesy of Luis Tosta via Unsplash.A young person looks up and reaches toward its branches as he measures an Old Growth tree.

West Virginia’s forests, including the Monongahela National Forest, play a critical role in protecting waterways and providing habitat for endangered species. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing changes to safeguard old-growth forests, but we believe more must be done.

Tell the Forest Service to strengthen their plan to fully protect older trees, prevent unnecessary timbering, and safeguard vital habitats. Public comments are due by September 20, 2024.

Speak up today to protect our forests and water. Click here to submit your comments and then share the Action Alert with five people!

For clean water, healthy forests, and the Hellbender!

🎞️ Ripple Effects Film Series Continues!

Community members gathered under the pavilion at Yankauer Nature Preserve as we watched FernGully: The Last Rain Forest on our 18.5′ foot inflatable blow-up screen!

Our first Ripple Effects film screening is in the books! We had a magical evening watching FernGully: The Last Rainforest at the beautiful Yankauer Nature Preserve, thanks to our friends at the Potomac Valley Audubon Society and the American Conservation Film Festival.

Before the film, we focused on the urgent issue of PFAS contamination in West Virginia’s water. We discussed how community-led, localized approaches are essential to tackling this crisis at the source. Just like in FernGully, where every seed holds the power of creation, so do we. When we come together, our collective actions can create a ripple of positive change.

We are so grateful to Working Films for their support through the Rural Cinema grant, which has allowed us to continue showing films that inspire action.

Save the Date for our next screening or click the button below to see our upcoming film schedule. Watch the trailer for Keepers of the Land today, and then get your free tickets here: https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/rippleeffects

  • What: Keepers of the Land Film Screening
  • When: Friday, October 11, 2024
  • Where: Cool Spring Preserve (1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town, WV 25414)

Take the PFAS Pledge!

Did you know items like firefighting foam, raincoats, cleaning supplies, and food wrappers can contain PFAS, which are often referred to as “Forever Chemicals?”

Join fellow West Virginians in the fight against PFAS contamination! PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” pose a serious threat to our water, environment, and public health. These man-made chemicals are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging and have been linked to cancer, immune system issues, and other health risks.

By signing this pledge, you commit to:

  • Educating yourself and others about PFAS risks.
  • Choosing PFAS-free products.
  • Advocating for stronger protections and accountability.
  • Getting involved in local PFAS Action Plans.

Together, we can break the chain of PFAS contamination and safeguard our communities for future generations! Sign the pledge today!

WV Rivers Coalition is Hiring a Policy Director!

Photo of the WV State Capitol Building in Charleston by WV Legislative Photography.

The Policy Director is a versatile full-time position responsible for leading WV Rivers Coalition’s state and federal advocacy efforts to work towards clean water for all West Virginians and those living downstream.

The ideal candidate will be able to develop, advance, and implement WV Rivers’ policy priorities, manage relationships with elected officials and regulatory agencies, as well as build effective engagement with staff and clean water advocates.

The ideal candidate is based within commuting distance of Charleston, WV.

Learn more about the role and apply to join our team today: https://wvrivers.org/job-posting-policy-director/

Get Creative with WV Rivers Coalition!

Wild & Wonderful Photo Contest

We’re creating a 2025 calendar to celebrate our 35th year at WV Rivers Coalition, and your photo could be featured! Submit your best shot of WV rivers and streams for a chance to win $100 and be part of our calendar. We’ve already received such amazing submissions. Take a look at the link below.

🗓️ Deadline: September 30, 2024

Create The Mon

Whether you’re a photographer, painter, poet, or performer, the Mon National Forest is your muse! Join us for the #CreateTheMon Art Exhibition. Capture the beauty, spirit, and magic of The Mon through your art for our live show in Petersburg at South Side Studios – WV.

🖼️ Deadline to submit: September 28, 2024

Do you need funding for your community EJ project?

Does your organization work on environmental concerns related to air or water quality, stormwater issues, improving food access, local cleanup projects, illegal dumping activities, healthy housing, toxin remediation, or other efforts to address environmental injustices in your community? Are you looking for ways to fund your work that do not require lengthy and complicated grant applications? Funding to support assessment and planning, as well as implementation?

Attend a webinar on Wednesday, September 18 hosted by the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) for information about these new grant opportunities. Register here!