August 2012: RiverUp!

On this month's First Friday Focus on the Environment, I am joined by Elizabeth Riggs of the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) to talk about RiverUp!, an innovative approach to refocusing our attention on the Huron River to restore the health and economic vitality of our community.

Elizabeth is the Deputy Director of the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC), where she has served since 1999. She has been responsible for many important programs, including the Huron River Water Trail and, now, RiverUp!

Elizabeth discusses the origins of RiverUp! and how leaders in the environmental and business community are working together to answer the call of Congressman John Dingell, who called for communities along the Huron to refocus their attention to the river. We celebrate some success stories – like the newly improved superior dam portage – and discuss some current challenges like improving local dams to increase downstream flow where water levels are low.

Elizabeth also previews the HRWC’s vision for future RiverUp! projects, including the creation of a “river corridor” connecting the city and river that will inspire environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Click here to listen to a podcast of the full interview.

Lisa Wozniak,

Executive Director