Boyce, VA: Shenandoah Riverkeeper Jeff Kelble gives the “All Clear!” this spring as he continues to monitor the health of the fish in the Shenandoah River system with the help of hundreds of volunteer fishermen. But Kelble reminds us that we’re not out of the woods yet.

Take Action! Keep Fracking out of George Washington  National Forest!

Our National Forests were set aside to protect drinking water for American citizens and to provide a playground for us to hunt, fish, camp, hike, bike and to enjoy natural places.

Thanks to the work of Vicki Blazer and other US Geological Survey collaborators, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of what may cause fish health decline and intersex in the Shenandoah River system.

Many of our members who enjoy Virginia rivers have been following the trespass case on the Jackson River. We certainly have been. The court’s ruling hasn’t exactly clarified the situation. The judge ruled cautiously by stating that the fishermen (defendants) have less of a claim to the river bottom than the landowner (plaintiff). The full meaning of the ruling is still the subject of considerable debate.

Am I the only person who enjoys looking at water?

Well, that’s a trick question because I already know that the answer is NO. You might be someone who cranes your neck when driving over a bridge just to see what the creek looks like underneath. Or someone who seeks water on your vacation. Or you would love to own (or do own) riverfront property. Right here at home, the Shenandoah River is our first choice when we look for a place to spend a summer day or to take our families camping or boating. 

Water sooths us. And it nourishes us, quite literally.