Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
December 2025
Celebrating Our Community, Our Progress, and the Path Ahead
As we close out the year, we want to thank you.
Every action you’ve taken — signing a petition, showing up to a meeting, sharing information with friends, or simply staying connected — strengthens this statewide movement for clean water. You’re part of a network of people who care deeply about West Virginia’s waters, and with your help, there is only growth and progress ahead for our movement.
Below is a look at what we’ve accomplished as a community, and what’s ahead in 2026. Thank you for being here.
Welcoming Our New Technical Advisor: Scott Mandirola
Please join the WV Rivers team in welcoming Scott Mandirola to our team!
We’re excited to welcome Scott Mandirola to the WV Rivers team as our Technical Advisor on Water Policy & Regulations.
Scott brings decades of experience in water quality standards, environmental management, regulatory policy, and agency leadership — including serving as:
- Director of WVDEP’s Division of Water and Waste Management
- Deputy Secretary of WVDEP
- Chief Science Officer
- Liaison to the Legislature, EPA, USACE, ORSANCO, and more
He began his career working in water labs and at the Connecticut Department of Health Services. Scott holds a B.S. in Chemistry/Geology from Keene State College and lives in Elkview with his family.
His expertise is already strengthening how we support communities, watershed groups, and partners statewide — including supporting our team through the December Legislative Interim Session and our federal response to the new proposed definitions for Waters of the United States.
Mini-Grant Spotlight: Students Raising Trout — and Becoming Stewards
Snapshots from the classroom at Midland Trail High School of trout eggs and students observing them develop!
Thanks to your support and action, we funded a mini-grant for Midland Trail High School to launch Trout in the Classroom with WV DNR and Trout Unlimited.
And we have great news from the students:
“We received our eggs on 11/20, and as of today 12/3, our trout eggs are hatching! The students are so excited for this project. We’ll be touring the Bowden hatchery in Elkins on the 17th so they can see a full-scale operation!”
This hands-on project teaches students about water quality, ecosystems, climate impacts on cold-water species, and what it means to care for the rivers and streams they’ll one day release these trout into.
This is our impact — creating the next generation of clean water advocates.
Reminder: The deadline for our first round of mini-grants in 2026 is on January 15.
Take Action: Three Key Issues Need Your Voice
We know, it’s the holidays, but these are three actions we need you to take and share with five friends and neighbors this season!
1. MVP Boost — Tell FERC No New Pressure + Pollution in WV
FERC is reviewing the MVP Boost proposal. Your voice matters in protecting communities from added air and noise pollution. Comment Deadline: Dec. 19.
2. Protect Waters of the United States (WOTUS)
Proposed changes would make it easier to pollute and destroy small streams and wetlands. Add your name to defend our headwaters. Comment Deadline: Jan. 5.
3. Support Wild & Scenic Protections in West Virginia
Help elevate the importance of safeguarding iconic rivers for future generations. Our goal is 1,000 signatures by March 2026!
The Ohio River Restoration Act: Now Is the Time
The PFAS Action Plan meeting in Northern WV brought together community members, Town Councils, the Ohio and Brook County Solid Waste Authorities, and Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates to talk through grant funding, filtration options, and next steps for cleaner, safer water.
This year, we helped build momentum for the Ohio River Restoration Act, an opportunity to secure major federal investment in clean water, restoration, and pollution reduction across the Ohio River Basin.
Now, we need your help to get West Virginia’s congressional delegation to sign on as co-sponsors.
And at home, we’re gearing up for the 2026 WV Legislative Session, where we’ll be supporting a state resolution recognizing the Ohio River as a national priority. More updates soon!
December Interims: Selenium Standard Weakened
The WV State Capitol in snow.
During the December Interim Committee meetings, the Legislative Rulemaking Committee weakened West Virginia’s water quality standard for selenium.
While the change cites EPA methods, WV’s revised standard is less protective than what EPA recommends.
As Executive Director Jennie Smith told Mike Tony with the Charleston Gazette-Mail:
“Science must be applied consistently, and selectively relaxing one standard while ignoring others undermines both scientific integrity and public trust.”
We’ll continue tracking this closely during the legislative session — and we’ll need your voice.
Get Ready: 2026 Legislative Session Advocacy Training
Let’s talk about our priorities, tips for talking to representatives and their staff, and how your personal story can make a difference!
WV Rivers Advocacy Training Series
January 29, 2026
7:00 PM ET
Virtual (Zoom)
Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or gearing up for the 2026 session, this free training will help you feel prepared and confident. You’ll learn:
- How WV Rivers organizes for clean water
- What major issues to expect in the upcoming session
- How to meet effectively with your legislators
- How to share your story in a way that moves policy
Register and join us — your voice matters.
Questions? Email wvrivers@wvrivers.org.
What Watershed Groups Need — And How WV Rivers Helps Meet Those Needs
Shop the WV Rivers Winter Sale: big savings, bigger impact. 50% off discontinued/low stock gear + 35% off our special edition 35th Anniversary tee.
This year at the WV Watershed Symposium, Senior Scientist Than Hitt surveyed watershed groups across the state about their biggest science and technical needs. Their responses were clear:
- More support for water monitoring and data interpretation
- Help using GIS and mapping tools
- Access to a wide range of data — from hydrology to biology to climate
- Specialized trainings like QAPP development, AMD treatment, and stream science
Groups also stressed how important partnerships are — and named WV Rivers as a key source of science support.
This is why your support matters. When WV Rivers has more resources and people, we can provide more technical help, more training, and more science capacity to the local groups protecting streams in their own communities.
A stronger WV Rivers means stronger watershed groups statewide.
📘 Want to dive deeper?
Read the latest edition of WV Rivers Science News for charts, findings, and full survey insights.
What Watershed Groups Need — And How WV Rivers Helps Meet Those Needs
Volunteers monitor and track water quality.
This year at the WV Watershed Symposium, Senior Scientist Than Hitt surveyed watershed groups across the state about their biggest science and technical needs. Their responses were clear:
- More support for water monitoring and data interpretation
- Help using GIS and mapping tools
- Access to a wide range of data — from hydrology to biology to climate
- Specialized trainings like QAPP development, AMD treatment, and stream science
Groups also stressed how important partnerships are — and named WV Rivers as a key source of science support.
This is why your support matters. When WV Rivers has more resources and people, we can provide more technical help, more training, and more science capacity to the local groups protecting streams in their own communities.
A stronger WV Rivers means stronger watershed groups statewide.
📘 Want to dive deeper?
Read the latest edition of WV Rivers Science News for charts, findings, and full survey insights.
Thank You for Being Part of This Work
Happy Holidays from the WV Rivers team. Wishing joy and warmth for you.
Every policy win, every student project and community partnership, every restored stream — it all happens because people like you care.
Whether you showed up at an event, sent a comment, talked to a neighbor, or simply stayed informed, you’re part of a statewide movement for clean water and healthy communities.
We’re proud to do this work with you.
Here’s to a strong start in 2026.
