Rivers Run Through This

Can you imagine if the Ohio River and its tributaries had legal rights? While speculative, the idea isn't necessarily far-fetched. This month marks the one-year anniversary of residents in Toledo, Ohio, bestowing Lake Erie with its own bill of rights. In 2014, Ohio declared a state of emergency after about 110 people fell sick from an algae bloom and about half a million area residents were instructed not to drink tap water for three days. Unhappy with existing state and federal environmental protection, area activists got creative. Click here to view the full article!

A plan to renovate the Roundhouse at Hazelwood Green into a new public space was reviewed at a City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission public briefing today. Located in the city of Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood and situated along the Monongahela River, Hazelwood Green is envisioned to become a world-class model for sustainable development encompassing a mix of offices, research and development, light manufacturing, housing, retail, public green spaces, trails and transportation. To read the full article, click here!

The Ohio River watershed is dotted with thousands of small dams. Many are remnants of bygone days of grain mills and the steel industry, which used dams to pool water needed during production. The dams are no longer needed. And, because they can be a safety hazard to boats and a barrier to fish, there are efforts to remove them and restore free-flowing rivers. But not everyone is ready for it. Click here to view the full story!

The George and Miriam Martin Foundation tells prospective applicants to send a brief letter describing how a grant will help your organization preserve streams and wetlands. There are no deadlines and no formal grant guidelines. Grants have ranged from $1,000 to $200,000. Previous funded projects can be seen at http://themartinfoundation.org/grantHistory.htm
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