Protect Our Rivers and Streams
Reckless pollution and overdevelopment already threaten our beloved streams and rivers, from Neshaminy Creek and the Wissahickon to Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers. Now, elected officials are pushing for the elimination of the Keystone Fund; which has directed millions of dollars toward projects to reducing pollution, protecting critical open spaces, creating and improving parks, and revitalizing our waterways and riverbanks.
Many rivers and streams categorized as unsafe
If you know Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers, you know what’s at stake. From the rocky outcrops of the Wissahickon to the restored Nine Mile Run in Pittsburgh, our local streams and rivers are tranquil and beautiful. We go hiking, fishing or for a walk along their footpaths; our kids explore the stream banks and ride their bikes on adjacent trails; and they’re great places to get away from it all. Our streams and rivers improve our quality of life, and make Pennsylvania a great place to live.
Unfortunately, our waters are threatened by pollution and encroaching development. Many of our local streams have been categorized as unsafe for fishing, swimming or other activities by state environmental officials.
Time is running out to protect our rivers and streams
To make matters worse, elected officials in Harrisburg and in Washington, D.C., are pushing proposals that will weaken protections and eliminate programs - like the Keystone Fund - that clean up our waterways, prevent pollution and preserve our streams’ beautiful shorelines. If we don’t act quickly, we’ll lose these important protections—and our beloved local streams and rivers will pay the price.
With our activism and advocacy, we can protect our streams
We’re bringing together Pennsylvanians from all walks of life to protect our streams and rivers. All of us — hunters, hikers, anglers, tourism businesses and Pennsylvanians across the state — have something to fight for.
Our staff have been knocking on doors in local communities to educate Pennsylvanians about what’s at stake. We’re also testifying in Harrisburg, educating lawmakers, and shining a spotlight in the media on the need to maintian the Keystone Fund and protect our rivers and streams.
If enough of us speak out, we can ensure that our rivers and streams remain protected. Join our campaign by sending your legislators a message today.
Urge your legislator to protect our rivers and streams by defending the Keystone Fund.
Key Facts
- The Keystone Fund has directed millions of dollars toward projects to reduce pollution into Pennsylvania's rivers and streams, including protecting critical open spaces, creating and improving parks, and revitalizing our waterways and riverbanks.
- 15,000 miles of streams and rivers — including segments of Neshaminy Creek, the Wissahickon, the Monongahela River, and more — are considered too polluted for fishing and swimming.
- Your action and support can help us protect our rivers and streams and stop Gov. Tom Corbett from eliminating the Keystone Fund —in the same way our member-supported lawsuit won the largest penalty against an illegal water polluter in state history.