Riverkeepers work to increase awareness of the conditions of the individual rivers in our region, advocate compliance with environmental laws, and develop methods to address and solve the problems of pollution, degradation and abuse.

Monongahela and Allegheny Riverkeepers and Friends of the Riverfront
The Friends of the Riverfront is proud to actively partner with the Riverkeepers currently working within Allegheny County. There are presently three local Riverkeeper programs that are dedicated to working on specific rivers - the newly established Monongahela and Allegheny Riverkeepers and the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper. Their missions are to increase awareness of the conditions of the individual rivers, advocate compliance with environmental laws, and develop methods to address and solve the problems of pollution, degradation and abuse. The Riverkeeper programs and partners also educate citizens concerning the relationship between sewage and storm water management, sources of pollution and possible solutions, and the benefits provided by our major rivers. Local Riverkeeper programs engage a river constituency through passion, education, outreach and advocacy. Areas of focus may include timely issues such as:

• Water quality/sewer overflows
• Storm water
• Illegal dumping
• Habitat restoration
• Shared use of our public resource

Each week from about March through November, as safe boating conditions permit, various Riverkeeper vessels and "deputized" Riverkeepers search the rivers for sources of pollution, non-compliance and degradation. Riverkeepers also act on tips from concerned citizens, company staff and local officials. Government agency personnel are often invited to accompany the Riverkeepers. Upon recognition of problems or reports received, digital pictures/video will be taken, water samples will be gathered and mapping will occur. The Riverkeepers report their findings to appropriate authorities and will follow up on actions taken.

For more information regarding our local Riverkeeper organizations please contact:

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Farley Toothman
Monongahela River Society
28 Church Street
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370
PHONE: 724-627-6166
EMAIL: toothman@greenepa.net

ALLEGHENY RIVER
Robert Silber
Allegheny Riverkeeper
EMAIL: robertjsilber@yahoo.com

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER
Beverly Braverman
Yough Riverkeeper
Mountain Watershed Association
P.O. Box 408
Melcroft, Pennsylvania 15462
PHONE: 724-455-4200
FAX: 724-455-4201
EMAIL: mwa@helicon.net
www.mtwatershed.com

Each Riverkeeper is an affiliated member of the national Waterkeeper© Alliance. For more information about the national effort being led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. please see www.waterkeeper.org.