The Eastern Hellbender Gets a Second Chance
The hellbender won! A federal judge set aside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2019 denial of Endangered Species Act protection for the eastern hellbender salamander and instructed the agency to make a new decision consistent with law. An ancient species, the eastern hellbender is known by colorful names like “snot otter” and “old lasagna sides,” and is on the brink of extinction due to pollution and habitat destruction. Now, the hellbender is back on track for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Waterkeeper Alliance and Waterkeepers Chesapeake.
Welcome, Leda Huta, Our Next Executive Director
Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Leda Huta, a proven leader in coalition building and an expert in fostering organizational impact and excellence, to be our new Executive Director. Leda begins her new role on Sept. 18.
Leda comes to Waterkeepers Chesapeake from the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC) where she led the national 400-group coalition since 2006. While at ESC, Huta transformed the organization from a watchdog group to a proactive and inclusive movement addressing the root causes of the biodiversity crisis. Leda’s long-term experience in setting strategic direction, advancing advocacy programs, and supporting coalition members will be a great asset for Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s 17 Waterkeeper members.
We thank Acting Executive Director Robin Broder for her successful stewardship of the organization during these past several months of transition and know she’ll continue to provide excellent support going forward.
In Defense of Water Awards & Reception
We invite you to our 2023 In Defense of Water Awards & Reception on Thursday, September 28 at Patagonia Baltimore! You won’t want to miss out on celebrating our 2023 awardees, meeting our new Executive Director Leda Huta, and hearing our special guest speaker EPA Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz!
We are thrilled to award our 2023 Waterkeeper Outstanding Win (WOW) Award to Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis, and to recognize Patuxent River community advocate Richard Dolesh with our 2023 Water Warrior Award.
We thank Patagonia Baltimore for generously hosting our event at their fabulous new store at 700 S. Caroline Street, and offering awesome Patagonia merchandise for our giveaway!
Clean Water Act Playbook & The Climate Boot Camp
It’s more important than ever that we empower everyone to take action when they experience water pollution in their communities. That’s why we’re excited to have our Clean Water Act Playbook for Frontline Communities (CWAPlaybook.org) included in the new Water Systems curriculum of the FREE online Climate Boot Camp created by EcoActUs.org. Our coal ash video with Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujok is also featured, along with Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman in two videos. EcoActUs is a project of Climate Reality and the Harvard Alumni for the Climate and Environment. This self-paced, free course starts this week. Register at EcoActUs.org.
WKC in the News
Take Action for a Water & Climate-Friendly Farm Bill, August 2023
Waterkeepers Chesapeake Urges EPA to List PFAS as Hazardous, August 2023
40 Groups, Over 800 People Call on Maryland to Uphold Strong Water Quality Protections at Conowingo Dam, August 2023
Debate Resumes on Conowingo Pollution Problems, Tim Wheeler, Bay Journal, June 22, 2023
Celebrating Our Waterkeepers for Our 10th Anniversary
All this year, Waterkeepers Chesapeake staff, Board and Waterkeepers are celebrating 10 years of harnessing the collective power of our local Waterkeepers to protect clean water and our communities. We want to thank you for your support over the years, helping us build an effective regional organization that makes a difference supporting Waterkeepers and ensuring clean water for all of our communities. Check out our special 10th Anniversary page and our impressive timeline of successes. We invite you to consider a special anniversary donation. We have an ambitious annual goal of $100,000 and we’re 37% the way there — your donation of any amount will help us reach it!
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