The 2009 Spokane River Forum is coming up this week and DTE is here to get you geared up for the big event.  You won't want to miss out as citizens, agencies, tribes and elected officials gather over the course of two days to consider our water future.  At the end of last week, over 130 people had already signed up.  “Mining, logging, agriculture and transportation is what brought people and prosperity to this area. Our parents used the Spokane as a working river to support these needs. Today, we expect more. We also want to recreate on the river, have a world class fishery, and protect our habitat. That requires making difficult choices and striking a delicate balance," said Rob Lindsay, the Forum Board President. If you want to be part of this balance, sign up now.  Registration is still open.  

“A public phone survey showed almost three quarters of our area residents visit the river at least once a year, and close to 90% want the river protected for future generations," said Andy Dunau, Executive Director, in a recent press release

In order to familiarize yourself with the forum and what you will be expecting - have a read through the recently released draft program guide, which includes an agenda and the names of presenters for various sessions and panels.  Here is a little background information on the two keynote speakers.

Day 1 Keynote: Tim Nyerges (University of Washington) and Piotr Jankowski (San Diego State) will present how they will begin a stakeholder process in Idaho and Washington to support regional decision making around water supply. These efforts have the full support of state leaders in Idaho and Washington.

 Day 2 Keynote: Steve Fleischli, President of Waterkeeper Alliance. River Keepers is one of the fastest growing grassroots movements in the country to protect water resources (quality and quantity). Founded by Robert Kennedy Jr., initial national recognition came from clean-up of the Hudson River. Internationally, they are in over 162 communities. Steve made his mark with efforts that led to a two billion dollar clean-up of storm water and other pollutants adversely affecting Santa Monica Bay.

 For any questions, please contact us at info@spokaneriver.net or 509-535-7084.

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