Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
July 2025
We’re Cleaning Up this Season — on the River and Behind the Scenes
Scenes from the New River Conservancy x West Virginia Rivers Coalition Clean Up. Dave Bassage, Kate Leary, and Delegate Evan Hansen carry a fridge on their raft down the New River.
Earlier this month, we teamed up with New River Conservancy and an awesome crew of volunteers to haul nearly 1,800 pounds of trash out of the New River. A fridge, a port-a-john, 30 tires… you name it, we pulled it. Big thanks to everyone who showed up for the river and helped make it a cleaner, safer, more beautiful place.
At the same time, we’re doing a little clean-up of our own over here. Within the next couple of weeks, WV Rivers is migrating our email system from SalsaLabs to EveryAction.
What does that mean for you? Not much… except that our emails, action alerts, and event pages might look a little different soon. But don’t worry, it’s still us. We’re just making changes to help us reach more West Virginians and people who care about clean water and healthy communities.
How you can help: Open our emails, click through when something interests you, reply with questions or ideas, and take action when you can! Your engagement helps keep our messages landing in inboxes — and not spam folders — as we settle into this new system.
Thanks for sticking with us as we grow to meet the needs of our team, programs, and communities.
-WV Rivers Coalition
Out of Service in the Mon Forest, Please Leave Us a Message
Members of WV Rivers Coalition meeting with the US Forest Service in the Mon Forest. In the photo on the right are Than Hitt, Kristopher Hennig, Mike Jones, Chad Landress, Shane Jones, Carrie Decker, Kyle Tasker, and Michael Owen.
Earlier this month, members of the WV Rivers team received a behind-the-scenes look at the thoughtful work required to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of our Monongahela Forest thanks to the US Forest Service.
The Forest Service’s aquatics and restoration teams generously shared insights and walked us through their annual monitoring and long-term planning efforts, taking us on a tour of watershed restoration projects, both in progress and completed!
The Mon Forest is a place of deep value — ecologically, culturally, and recreationally. And it’s also a place where strong partnerships matter. We look forward to deepening our collaborations with the US Forest Service team on our shared goals of conserving our headwaters, restoring ecosystems, and supporting resilient landscapes that can withstand the changes to come.
Tell us what you think! Share your concerns and ideas about permanent protections for Mon Forest Headwaters in the survey linked below.
Meet Our New Contractors in the Mon Forest
Community Engagement Manager Carrie Decker snapped this photo during our watershed restoration tour of the Mon Forest.
We’re excited to welcome two new summer contractors, Josh Zerkel and Keyra Barnhouse, who are supporting our “We Catch Business” campaign through West Virginians for Public Lands. From the Mon Forest to our state and local parks, public lands stimulate local economies across West Virginia. This campaign invites businesses to celebrate and champion the public lands that help them thrive.
Are you a local business owner who loves public lands? We’ve got a free sticker for you to display and show your support. It’s a great way to spark conversations with customers and neighboring businesses about how public lands boost our communities. To get yours, just email Mike Jones at mjones@wvrivers.org.
Josh and Keyra are also working on building business and landowner support for our ideas to provide permanent safeguards for 16 waterways in the Mon Forest.
Josh joined WV Rivers in the spring of 2025 as a part-time contractor to build business support for the West Virginians for Public Lands and for the Monongahela National Forest Headwaters Campaign to permanently safeguard 16 waters in the Mon Forest. With over a decade of experience in networking and relationship building within the specialty outdoor retail and recreation-based tourism businesses in Appalachia, he has leveraged this experience to build support for our public lands.
Outside of his work with WV Rivers, Josh works full-time as a sales rep for Burton Snowboards in the southeastern U.S., and is an avid fly fisherman and bow hunter. He also serves on the board of directors for the West Virginia Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, continuing his commitment to public land and wildlife conservation. He lives in Monongalia County with his wife and two children.
A native of Webster and Nicholas counties, Keyra grew up swimming, hiking, and working in the Monongahela National Forest and in the Mon Forest Town of Cowen. She obtained an AS and BS in Environmental Science from Mountain State University and a Masters in Science Education from Clemson University.
Her experience includes teaching science in private and public schools, Plant Protection for the Dept of Agriculture, Litter Control Chairman for WVDNR, and as a park ranger at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. She currently works with the Mayor’s office in Cowen as their AmeriCorps VISTA, building capacity through economic development and tourism. When not working, Keyra enjoys activities that allow her to spend time outdoors and with her family.
We are so thrilled to have Josh and Keyra this summer!
Big News: Federal Government Turns Funding Back On for WVDEP’s PFAS Action Grant
Aerial photo of Harpers Ferry, one of the communities where community engagement will be utilized to create PFAS Action Plans to address PFAS contamination.
Last year, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection was awarded a federal Government-to-Government (G2G) grant to implement community-driven solutions to PFAS contamination under the new PFAS Protection Act. WV Rivers is a partner on that grant, and as usual, we hit the ground running.
We assembled a Design Committee comprising local partners, hired and onboarded three part-time community ambassadors in the Eastern Panhandle, and initiated outreach efforts statewide. Then, federal funding was unexpectedly paused, and we had to halt all our activities relating to the grant.
Now, we’re excited to share that the grant has been restored. We’re rebuilding quickly: re-engaging our Eastern Panhandle partners, hiring a new Northern WV Coordinator, and planning community meetings.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” don’t break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks. Tackling this contamination crisis takes coordination, persistence, and trust. We’re excited to be a partner on this grant, ensuring community members have a voice at the table when confronting this persistent contaminant.
Grassroots Advocacy Pushes Southern WV Water Crisis Into Spotlight
Photo of the “Guyandotte River Grayfish” Mural by Roger J. Peet, which was funded by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth. This mural is located in Pineville in Wyoming County, West Virginia.
We’re seeing new signs of progress in Southern West Virginia’s water crisis because communities have spoken up and continued to advocate for clean and safe water for coalfield residents.
Last week, Congress passed an amendment to a bill directing the EPA to report on drinking water issues in Southern WV. That bill is still moving through the legislative process and heading to the House floor.
The week before, the WVDEP held an informal meeting with impacted residents, thanks to local advocacy.
Additionally, last week, WV Rivers staff had two important meetings. One with senior WVDEP leaders and another with the WV Rural Health Association Board to amplify community voices and ensure that these conversations progress toward concrete solutions.
So far this year, WV Rivers has worked alongside local partners and community leaders to advocate for clean water in both Washington, D.C., and the West Virginia State Capitol. Together, we’ve conducted legislative drops, distributing key information to policymakers and elevating the voices of those most affected by ongoing water concerns across the state.
“We’re committed to keeping this momentum going — supporting impacted communities and making sure they’re not left behind,” Southern WV Coordinator Mariah Clay stated.
hank You for Speaking Up for West Virginia’s Fish and Wildlife!
An example of selenium contamination in creek chub observed by US Geological Survey researchers in the Mud River downstream from the Hobet 21 mine complex.
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is proposing to weaken protections against selenium pollution — a toxic byproduct of coal mining that harms fish and waterfowl — at the request of the coal industry.
Instead of cleaning up their pollution, industry wants to rewrite the rules to allow more selenium in our streams. Their proposal would raise the limit from 8.0 to 9.5 micrograms per gram in fish tissue, despite the fact that we know selenium builds up over time and causes serious deformities, such as crooked spines in fish.
However, the issue is far from over. Hundreds of West Virginians contacted DEP to voice their concerns, and WV Rivers submitted technical comments in opposition to DEP’s proposal. Please watch this space for updates, and thank you!
Watershed Symposium Returns for Watershed Groups, by Watershed Groups
Join the West Virginia Watershed Network for the 2025 Watershed Symposium.
West Virginia’s local watershed groups do a lot with a little, and the WV Watershed Symposium is a space just for them to connect, share, and celebrate all that hard work.
Happening October 17–18 at Battler’s Knob, this year’s symposium brings together watershed organizations from across the state for hands-on learning, peer support, and idea-sharing. Expect field tours (including a paddle on the Tygart River), breakout sessions on communications, fundraising, reducing bacteria in streams, and updates from those working on the ground in restoration and policy efforts.
We’re also lifting up outstanding groups through this year’s Watershed Awards. With five $500 prizes supported by the ML/RD Justice & Peace Fund, categories include restoration, education, advocacy, recreation, and a special spotlight on emerging groups. Nominations are open to everyone, even if you’re not attending, and are due by September 2.
If you’re part of a watershed group, this gathering is for you. Register here.
If you’re someone who values clean water, help us recognize the people protecting it by submitting a nomination.
Funding Available for Watershed Projects and Advocacy Campaigns
Members of Friends of the Tug Fork River, a mini-grant recipient, and community members stand in front of the river at the site of the new access point in Borderland, WV.
Need a little funding to bring a big idea to life? WV Rivers’ Mini-Grants are here to help.
These small but mighty grants support community-driven projects that protect water, improve public health, and advance equity in West Virginia. Whether you’re planting trees, testing water, engaging neighbors, or launching a new local effort, this is a great opportunity to get support for the work you’re already doing or dreaming up.
The next round of grant applications closes on August 15, so now’s the perfect time to prepare and submit your application. Click the button below to learn more!
Leave a Legacy of Clean Water: Join Our Free August Webinars
Discover how planned giving empowers you to leave a lasting legacy of clean water.
Your legacy can help protect West Virginia’s waters for generations to come. Join WV Rivers on August 19 at 12 PM or August 20 at 6 PM for a free Planned Giving Webinar to learn how you can make a lasting impact through our Lasting Ripple Circle.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your legacy or already planning ahead, this session will guide you through simple steps to support clean water and healthy communities — no great wealth or legal background required.
35 Years of Advocacy — And We’re Just Getting Started
WV Rivers is celebrating 35 years of commitment to conservation & community. We hope you will join us. Design by Hannah Hedrick with Spore Print Press.
We’re just over a month away from gathering at The Confluence on Friday, September 12, to celebrate 35 years of clean water advocacy, grassroots power, and community connection. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just joined the movement, this evening is for you.
Enjoy live music (from Ryan Brandenburg and The Leftovers Stews!), local food, inspiring speakers, and a powerful look at how far we’ve come and where we’re going next. Tickets are free, but required to attend, so make sure to RSVP today!
Looking to make an even bigger impact? We are still welcoming event sponsors to help keep this celebration free and open to all! Explore customizable sponsorship options and see how your support can champion clean water for the next generation at wvrivers.org/35thanniversarysponsorships.
Let’s celebrate together! See you in Hico!
