I was honored to have been invited to speak about Riverkeepers Ohio to a group of people at an event held by Laura Sirot at the NTR Canoe Livery last Saturday.

One of the questions posed was, “what would I like to see from those in office to help our cause”? My simple answer was and is…

“First, put some teeth behind violations to our waterways. For example: if you spill a 1000 gallons of oil in the Tuscarawas there should be fines over and above paying for the cleanup.

Second, push for proactive actions to curb violations. Much of the “permitted” discharges are monitored and reported by the person responsible, sort of an honor system or the fox watching the henhouse.

Thirdly, support grass roots environmental action people and groups. Instead of tying up everything in bureaucracy and big solutions, support the people and groups that are “doing, not just talking and employing simple solutions for complex problems.”

There is so much more and I would love to bend anyones ear that is interested. I look forward to other such opportunities…