Riverkeeper program pits citizen patrols vs. polluters

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 07, 2002 Source: Lexington Herald-Leader Submitted By: Gina Cates By Lance Williams CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUREAU BOONESBOROUGH - They are one of the unlikeliest trios to ever smash a champagne bottle. But there they were -- son of a family political dynasty, a Backstreet Boy and a college president -- christening a new boat that will be used to help clean up the Kentucky River. The three came together yesterday to help kick off the Kentucky Riverkeeper program. The program, which is sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, will establish a citizen patrol to travel parts of the Kentucky River searching for polluters. The project aims to improve awareness about the river's condition, respond to citizen complaints about pollution and educate the public about protecting the Kentucky River. EKU President Joanne Glasser said University officials were pleased to sponsor the program that could affect the thousands of Kentuckians who depend on the river for their drinking water. "As you know, I am relatively new to the Commonwealth, but I have already sensed that this river is a part of our collective soil, and we forfeit its blessings if we fail to protect it." Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and founder and president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, said the Kentucky Riverkeeper is the latest attempt at reclaiming the environment from the damage done by years of abuse. "The waterways define who we are as a people," Kennedy said. "These are the landscapes that define our culture." The Kentucky program is the latest of more than 80 similar programs designed to protect waterways. Kentucky native Kevin Richardson grew up in the Daniel Boone National Forest near Irvine and learned the value of Kentucky's natural resources. Richardson decided to get involved by establishing a foundation to promote environmental education. "The quality of that water out there is unacceptable and sad," Richardson said. "My mother told me she used to play hooky to go play in the Kentucky River. I want my children one day to be able to play there, too." Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: nikelir Submitted by: geroin9l Submitted by: pasparty Submitted by: Carol Clark Submitted by: Halz Submitted by: Shawn Submitted by: Louise Submitted by: Lemat Submitted by: Greg Guepy Submitted by: Mary Click here to see more comments. Comment on this item. Next Item: Mint Jubilee bash was like a Hollywood party -- only more fun Prev Item: Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson Helps Fight Kentucky River Pollution