June 1, 2006 – The first report of the Ottawa Riverkeeper, a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance and international grass roots advocacy organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was released in Ottawa on June 11, 2006 to significant local and national public interest.

The report, available in English and French, is the first ever-comprehensive report on the health of the Ottawa River System. It is unique because no other group is studying and reporting on the cumulative impacts of pollution and development on the river system. As such, no comprehensive report on the state of the Ottawa River has ever been published.

“Earthlore Communications is pleased to have volunteered the design and production of this first report. As a company and individually we feel strongly in supporting environmental initiatives such as the Riverkeeper organization… and all the more appropriate that this is happening in our backyard”, says Don Runge, partner in the firm.

Sid Lee, Earthlore’s Creative Director adds, “We are pleased with our design approach. The strength of good information graphics is clarity. Our approach to this project was to infuse an element of passion and visual drama to the page”.

Ottawa Riverkeeper led locally by the untiring efforts of Meredith Brown, the official Riverkeeper and the report’s author is a small organization, now. But with a prestigious volunteer board of directors, it packs a wallop when getting the attention of local and federal environmental policy makers. Robert Kennedy Jr. has a reputation as a resolute defender of the environment and currently serves as President of the organization.

Waterkeeper Alliance connects and supports over 1576 local water keeper programs to provide a voice for waterways and their communities worldwide. Here in the Ottawa Valley and Ottawa River watershed Riverkeeper is spearheading three important programs:

River Watch: a program designed to build a network of citizens and stewardship groups interested in the health of the Ottawa River.

Pollution Hotline: (1-888-9keeper) A resource for people who have questions or concerns about the Ottawa River.

River Patrol: During the months of June through September the Riverkeeper patrols the Ottawa River.

For more information about Riverkeeper or a copy of the Report please contact Meredith Brown, keeper@ottawariverkeeper.ca

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