April Riverscape

Newsletter
Your river guide to news, tours, & volunteer events 


From The Riverkeeper

Next month we will be calling on you to help us make a very real difference in regard to toxic contamination and the Willamette River. After 15 years of gathering data, conducting rigorous analysis, as well as modeling different cleanup scenarios, the US EPA will release the Draft Cleanup Plan for the Portland Harbor Superfund site in early May. The Draft Plan will indicate the EPA's current proposal for decreasing the risk from PCBs, DDT, oil-based pollutants and other contaminants to human health and impacts to wildlife. 

A 60-day public comment period will officially open following the release of the Draft, and you can send comments to the US EPA for official consideration. We will share our key points, as well as the necessary contact info for the EPA, in our May Riverscape. This is our opportunity to shape the Draft into a worthy Record of Decision, which is the final plan that directs the cleanup process. 

What you can do NOW:

1. Get schooled on Superfund- We're hosting a number of educational outings and events to provide you with opportunities to see the site up close, learn the facts, and the pending cleanup decisions. See our event list below, and register to hop on a guided paddling, walking, or "Happy Hour" jet boat tour.

2. Become a member- This is our 20th Anniversary year, and thanks to your support, we have succeeded in influencing a range of improvements for the river- and yet we have so much more work to accomplish! Please join us in our fight for clean water and healthy habitat on your homeriver. We invite you to participate as a monthly supporter as we work to continue our mission into the next 20 years. 

Simply click to Donate Now- any amount will make an impact! 

For the River, 

Travis 

Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
Super(fund) School

This is your river, and you have a say in how the Portland Harbor Superfund site should be cleaned up! Tour this this reach of the river with us and learn where the Superfund sites are, who is involved in the cleanup, what caused the contamination, what are the cleanup options, and how you can help! 
  
SUPERFUND WALKING TOURS

When: Saturday, 4/30 from 9:00am - 10:15am,    and Monday, 5/23 from 6:00pm - 7:15pm 
Where: meet at Cathedral Coffee in St Johns

Details: Beginning with a fresh cup of coffee, we'll walk in view of numerous sites within the heart of this polluted reach. This is a great way to view a good portion of the Superfund site. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. We will walk about a mile on some uneven pavement, sand, and rock. Please park on the road rather than in the shop's lot.

To Register: email [email protected]


SUPERFUND HAPPY HOUR TOURS

When: Tuesday evening, May 3rd, (2 trips) Early Bird from    5:15pm - 6:30pm, and Sunset from 6:30pm - 7:45pm 
Where: meet at Cathedral Park Boat Ramp in St. Johns
Cost: $10

Details: In partnership with our friends at the Audubon Society of Portland and Occidental Brewing, we're offering two 1 hour tours of the 11-mile Superfund site aboard the Portland Spirit's Explorer Vessel. This is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short time, and get up close to numerous sites. Enjoy a brew from Occidental while we narrate and answer questions.

To Register: payment required, click on the desired time 


SUPERFUND PADDLE TOUR

When: Tuesday evening, May 10th, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: meet at Cathedral Park Boat Ramp in St Johns

Details: Explore a section of this reach by canoe with us. Dress for the weather, bring water, and a snack. We'll step out of our boats on occasion. We also recommend packing a hat, gloves, extra warm/dry layers. Splash wear such as a rain coat and pants with wicking or fleece under-layers is a good bet for staying dry. BYO canoe, kayak, or SUP, or request to use one of our canoes (you must recruit your own paddling partner).

To Register: email [email protected]


River Guardian Spring Clean Up: Saturday, 4/9

Join us on the river for a Spring Cleanup- 
rafts seats still available!

We are teaming up with our friends at the City of Eugene River House Center again to remove debris by boat from the Willamette River, starting at the River House and taking out at the Beltline overpass. Reserve a seat on a River House raft, all equipment provided. A shuttle will also be provided. Space is limited so sign up now! 

To register for this trip, email our South Valley Advocate, Michelle Emmons, at [email protected]

Volunteers Needed- Restoration Work Party: Saturday, 4/23


Earn some river karma- give back to your Willamette River and celebrate Earth Day!

What: restoration work party at Spring Park Natural Area
When: Saturday, April 23rd, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Spring Park entrance, SE Sparrow and 19th Ave in Milwaukie

Come get your hands dirty at Spring Park while learning more about critical wildlife habitat in the city. In partnership with North Clackamas Parks and Recreation Department and the North Clackamas Urban Watersheds Council, we are working together to restore this riverside, urban natural area by removing invasive species and trash. Please arrive dressed for the weather, and wearing sturdy shoes. We'll provide gloves, tools, and snacks.

To Register: Click here!

River Discovery Overnight Paddle Trip- Vineyard + Voyage: 6/11 - 6/12
 
 
Join us on the Willamette River Water Trail for this exceptional River Discovery camping adventure! Learn more about your river, and our work to protect and restore it, while paddling this scenic reach.

We'll cover 33.5 lazy miles of river over two days, launching from Wallace Marine Park in Salem on Saturday morning, June 10th, camping at the lovely Arcane Cellars at Wheatland Winery & Vineyard, and taking-out at Rodgers Landing in Newberg on Sunday afternoon, June 11th.

This trip includes a shuttle service, 3 delicious catered meals, wine tasting, guided educational topics along the river, and live "Parisian Americana" music by French Troubadour, Eric John Kaiser in the evening.

For details, including fee, boat rentals, and registration, visit 

Paddle Oregon 2016- Highlights

We are excited to feature the talented musicians "Jacob Miller & The Bridge City Crooners" as part of our live entertainment line up on this year's trip! Check out their viral music video below. 


We are please to say that registrations are moving right along, so don't wait! Register today at www.PaddleOregon.org. This is your beautiful river, come discover it with us this August 15th - 19th 

But There's More...!

We will soon have a new website with an improved event calendar, so you'll have an easier time tracking opportunities to pitch in and explore your watershed. In the meantime, here are a few more trips to consider. We'll open registration in next month's e-newsletter.
Willamette Riverkeeper | 503-223-6418 | Email 

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