We recognize that we live and work on the unceded, sacred homelands of the Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe, and Nez Perce Tribe. Since time immemorial, these tribes have lived and cared for these grounds. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present, and emerging. We show gratitude to the land, river, and peoples who have been fishing, hunting, harvesting, and gathering here for generations. We give thanks to the legacy of the original people and their descendants and pledge to honor their stewardship and values.
The Spokane River is a cherished being to all citizens of the region’s many communities. This value is a matter of equity and justice for communities and the River itself. As a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance movement, Riverkeeper’s first priority is to defend the river against pollution and hold all polluters accountable. We use the Clean Water Act as a primary legal tool for our work. We also use education and collaboration as a primary way of communicating the values of and protecting the Spokane River.
We advocate for resilient solutions informed by science, grounded in nature, & powered by community.
In 2009 the Spokane Riverkeeper was formed as a project of the nonprofit organization, Center for Justice by a small group of lawyers fed up with polluters abusing the Spokane River. They recognized the hands-on approach that values a presence on the river and uncompromising advocacy. Over the years, our work stopped numerous forms of pollution and set the initiative on getting the Spokane River cleaned up and protected.
In March of 2020, the Center for Justice closed its doors and the Spokane Riverkeeper formed a Board of Directors and became its own, independent nonprofit organization. We are now free-standing with a 501(c)(3) Number, a Board of seven leaders, and a staff of four making us the premier leader in Spokane River issues.
Left to right: Rick Eichstaedt, Bart Mahailovich, Jerry White Jr,
Previous Waterkeepers
2009: Rick Eichstaedt
2010-2013: Bart Mahailovich
2014-2023: Jerry White, Jr.
The job of a Riverkeeper is one of tireless commitment, passion and love of the community we serve. We acknowledge our past Riverkeepers and are grateful to each of them for leading us. We extend our deep appreciation to our former leaders. We also acknowledge Patty Gates and former board chair Josh Abel for creating the systems and structure that have made our recent growth possible. Thank you!
WATERKEEPER ALLIANCE
Waterkeeper Alliance (WKA) is an environmental organization founded in 1999, responding to a growing movement of organizations with the name Riverkeeper, Baykeeper, Soundkeeper, and other related "keeper" names. The original Riverkeeper was organized in New York in 1983, as a response to the destructive industrial pollution that was destroying the Hudson River.
Today, WKA unites all Waterkeeper organizations; coordinating and covering issues affecting Waterkeepers that work to protect bodies of water around the world. It's the fastest growing grassroots environmental movement in the world, spanning six continents. Each Waterkeeper organization is devoted to the preservation of specific watersheds. Spokane Riverkeeper is an affiliate member of the WKA.
Our Fleet of Boats:
We actively patrol our River with a fleet of various watercraft. Meet our watercrafts and the story behind each one!
