Spokane Riverkeeper

Spokane Riverkeeper is a vigilant guardian and advocate for the Spokane River and its watershed. The mission of the Spokane Riverkeeper is to protect, preserve, and restore the Spokane River for future generations. We envision a Spokane River where wild native fish thrive in the basin, pollution is eliminated, and the community is engaged in the River's protection. The Spokane River is a cherished being to all citizens of the region’s many communities. This value is a matter of equity and justice for communities and the River itself. As a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance movement, Riverkeeper’s first priority is to defend the river against pollution and hold all polluters accountable. We use the Clean Water Act as a primary legal tool for our work. We also use education and collaboration as a primary way of communicating the values of and protecting the Spokane River.

Protect: We enforce and shape water policy and standards, report Clean Water Act violations and litigate when necessary so the Spokane River can be a source of clean and abundant water. Connect: We engage a broad cross-section of our community through volunteerism, education and science to create deep connections between the community and our river with the hope that more people will love and protect the river like we do. Restore: We work with volunteers and partners to monitor and improve water quality, water flow, and riparian ecosystems to uphold the inherent value of the Spokane River to the human and non-human communities in the region and support the restoration of native salmon and trout. Listen: We participate as active listeners to identify needs, desires, and dreams that our diverse communities have for a healthy river system. Organizational Health: We sustain our organizational health by running efficiently and effectively with diversified funding and community support.