Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
June 2024 E-News
Federal Government Allows Failing Mountain Valley Pipeline To Go In-Service
Image by Grace Terry, taken of Mountain Valley Pipeline’s ruptured pipe being hauled away from Bent Mountain, VA, just weeks ago.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given the green light for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to go in-service. This decision comes after a decade of community-driven advocacy on this damaging and unnecessary pipeline project. The MVP, plagued by numerous environmental compliance failures and resulting legal battles, has seen its costs double and its completion delayed by six years.
Autumn Crowe, our Interim Executive Director, shares a powerful message on this development:
“For a decade, community members have warned about the risks associated with the Mountain Valley Pipeline project, which far outweigh any benefits. This pipeline crossed thousands of rivers and streams, damaging our water resources in the process. The project is far from final restoration when hillsides continue to slip, people lack clean well water, agricultural lands are damaged, and streams are clogged with sediment. These problems will persist long after gas is pumping through it. This pipeline snakes through steep, unstable terrain, and heaven forbid an incident occurs because schools, churches, and community centers are within the blast zone. We will continue to advocate for the safety of impacted communities and the protection of our lands and waters in hopes that no other community experiences the unjust approval of a project like the Mountain Valley Pipeline.”
In light of this news, we invite you to a Community Call tonight at 7 PM. We will discuss the implications of this decision and our ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities and our beloved rivers and streams.
Additionally, we are hosting a Volunteer Celebration this Saturday from 12 PM to 8 PM in beautiful Monroe County. This is a chance to honor the incredible dedication and hard work of our volunteers, who have stood strong in the effort to protect our water, land, and people. There will be food, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow advocates.
Our friends and fellow volunteer monitors at Bethlehem Farms will lead us in a water blessing, and Casey is asking all attendees to bring water that is meaningful to them to include in the ceremony. This could be water from their homes, local streams, or any place that holds significance for them. We look forward to sharing this moment of gratitude and connection with you all.
We Protect Us
Join us tonight, Thursday, June 13, 2024 @ 7 PM on Zoom for a #StopMVP Community Call. Register at the button below.
Volunteer Appreciation Day
We hope to see you this Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 12 PM – 8 PM at the Hans Creek Community Hall in Greenville, WV. More info at the button below.
Congresswoman Joins Ohio River Basin Caucus Amid Growing Support
Heather Sprouse and ORSANCO’s incoming chair, David Flannery, take a selfie outside the U.S. Capitol during Ohio River Hill Day.
Much of West Virginia’s waters flow into the Ohio River — and that water is vital to our well-being and our future. We face serious threats to local water, such as sewage contamination, toxic pollution, and increased flooding. Federal investments, like those made in the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes, protect great waters across the country through habitat restoration, pollution prevention and remediation, investments in recreation economies, and more.
In June, Heather Sprouse, our Community Engagement Manager, met advocates from across the 14-state Ohio River Basin in Washington, D.C. Together, we said to our representatives that the Ohio River Basin deserves the same level of attention. A notable outcome of the day was Congresswoman Carol Miller’s decision to join the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus, a group of decision-makers dedicated to addressing the critical economic, infrastructure, agricultural, environmental, and community challenges in our region.
Heather told us, “There are common-sense solutions to shared problems that we need our leaders to pursue now before they get harder and more expensive to fix.”
The Ohio River Basin Alliance’s restoration and protection plan is soon to be completed. It will be out for public comment and then delivered to the U.S. Congress, with the goal of securing the federal investments needed to implement the plan’s recommendations.
Paddle Camp Adventure: A Partnership for Conservation
Image of children, volunteers, and parents taking a break on the Tug Fork River during Paddle Camp.
Earlier this month, WV Rivers teamed up with Friends of the Tug Fork River and Big Laurel Learning Center for an unforgettable day at Paddle Camp. More than a dozen kids experienced the joy of kayaking on the river, many for the very first time. This immersive adventure was more than just paddling; it was a celebration of conservation and creativity.
Image of Maggie standing behind a table and smiling as a camper prints a bass on his bag.
“There’s nothing quite like watching kids take the water on kayaks for the first time, discovering a newfound love for adventure and our environment,” remarked Communications Manager, Maggie Stange, after the event. “Here’s to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and creating unforgettable memories together!”
During the event, Maggie led a hands-on lino print craft session. She carved a Bass and the slogan “River Protection Starts With Me,” which the kids stamped onto their drawstring bags while Heather Sprouse led EnviroScape demonstrations.
A huge shoutout goes to Friends of the Tug Fork River for their relentless dedication to restoring the river. Their incredible efforts have resulted in the removal of over 13,000 tires, drastically improving the health of their river. In several areas, the riverbed is now regaining its natural, rocky state as the sediment from thousands of tires clears away.
Together, we are making strides in preserving our waterways for future generations. This Paddle Camp was a testament to the power of community, education, and hands-on action in fostering a deeper connection to nature and a commitment to protecting it.
You can learn more about Friends of the Tug Fork River at their website: www.friendsofthetugfork.org
Our Team is Growing!
Charlise Robinson – Ohio River Coordinator
Charlise is an experienced community organizer dedicated to protecting the Ohio River. With a multigenerational family heritage in Kanawha County, WV, Charlise has spent the majority of her life near the Ohio River, deeply understanding its significance and challenges. After witnessing the impact of industrial and chemical pollution on the river and in her own water supply, Charlise committed herself to advocating for clean water with a focus on increasing dialogue in the region about the vital nature of water, not just for industry, but for life itself. As Ohio River Coordinator, Charlise works in the region to increase dialogue and collective action about the vital nature of water for future generations. Charlise is a mother of three and cares for two dogs, Ruby and Juice.
Ceili Allder – Environmental Intern
Growing up along a small creek that flows into the Greenbrier River, Ceili has always appreciated the wildlife and recreational activities supported by West Virginia’s water. She is a rising Junior at Sweet Briar College where she is working towards a BS in Biological
Sciences and a BA in Dance Performance. When not in class, Ceili works as a trip leader with the SBC Outdoor Program and enjoys taking her classmates hiking, camping, and canoeing on campus and throughout Virginia. Her long-term career goals involve ecological field research in temperate deciduous forests such as those across Appalachia. She knows that the ecosystems and natural resources of WV must be protected now if she hopes to study the organisms of this state in the future. As our Environmental Intern, Ceili hopes to learn how to be an effective advocate for clean drinking water, protection of public lands, and other environmental needs of West Virginia communities.
More Upcoming Events
Meet us at the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library for our Clean Water Mural Reception & Round Table on Friday, June 14, at 1 PM.
We’re heading to Cacapon Riverfest! Are you? This Friday and Saturday at the River House in Capon Bridge, WV.
Happy Pride! We are proud to be in community and celebrate with you at Morgantown Pride on June 15 at Hazel Ruby MacQuain Park.
Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you. Our WV Rivers Supporter Survey is still open, and this is your chance to share your thoughts and help shape the future of our waterways. Whether you’re an avid angler, a passionate paddler, or simply someone who cherishes our beautiful rivers, your feedback is crucial.
By completing the survey, you’ll be contributing to our efforts in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of West Virginia’s rivers. Your input will also guide our initiatives and advocacy work, ensuring we can continue to protect these precious resources for generations to come.
