Our Board has over 15 years experience making positive changes for the rivers and floodplains on the Northshore. Help us take the next steps to support our rivers.
What we Do and why we do it.
Why
The late 20th Century saw great strides in improving the health and water quality of the Northshore’s rivers. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Florida Parishes began rampant development resulting in lowering water quality and pollution advisories for swimming and fishing. It has become apparent the area needs a full time advocate for the rivers. Northshore Riverwatch will fill that need.
We Track Government Permits
One of the most difficult parts of River Advocacy is tracking Government Permitting including USACE 404 Wetland , 401 Water Quality Certification, LDEQ Discharge Permits, Scenic Rivers Permits, and many other agencies. We keep on top of Public Announcements and send the information to relevant civic organizations and other interested individuals. We assist in providing public comments on projects.
Education and Outreach
Northshore Riverwatch is building an education program to include talks, lectures, outings, and public outreach. An educated citizenry is an empowered citizenry. Northshore Riverwatch partners with other groups for education outreach.
We Advocate for Smart Development
For decades, developers have used their full time representatives to push their projects with no or little concern for the rivers, floodplains, and community. A handful of people were fighting for better development practices but were mostly outgunned at the meetings. Northshore Riverwatch is the organization needed to balance development with the healthy environmental needs of the community.
Enforce Water Quality Regulations
From the Federal Clean Water Act to State and Local regulations, we help protect the rivers as a watchdog of wastewater treatment plants, fill in floodplains, and other actions. Northshore Riverwatch holds the agencies accountable to their own regulations. Over the past 15 years members of our Board of Directors have helped force upgrades to polluting treatment plants, improve local floodplain regulations, and pushed LDEQ Enforcement
Recreation
Whether you like fishing, boating, swimming, or just sitting on the bank, Northshore Riverwatch is looking for increased recreational opportunities on our rivers. The best way to protect and restore the rivers is to have more people enjoying the benefits of clean water and access.