Conservation, recreation and preservation organizations and individuals are joining together for a Susquehanna River Rally on June 17 in Harrisburg to call for clean water funding as state budget negotiations commence.
There is a water crisis in Pennsylvania, and a united voice of citizens is needed to inspire and enact change at the state level.
Rally organizers said state elected officials have failed to protect the water we drink by failing to protect our waters and streams, and as a result, Pennsylvania ranks third — behind Texas and Florida — for most reported drinking water safety violations.
On June 17, participants will urge state legislators and Gov. Wolf's administration to prioritize clean water.
The health of the Susquehanna River, part of the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail (America's first water trail) and the source of drinking water for more than 6 million people, is threatened by animal waste, pollution in stormwater and eroding soils.
The river is also important because it attracts locals and visitors from near and far and is a vital resource to our communities and a boon to our local economies.
The National Parks and Conservation Association, PennFuture, Choose Clean Water Coalition, the PA Growing Greener Coalition, PA Parks and Recreation Society, The Conservation Fund and Susquehanna Heritage are participating in this event.
Kayaks and canoes are generously being provided by Susquehanna Outfitters, based in Wormleysburg, but participants are encouraged to bring their own kayak or canoe, if they own them.
Special thanks to the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society for their generous donation of voyage passes to The Pride of the Susquehanna and to the PA Parks and Recreation Society for their donation of Hershey Park passes to be given away during the event.
The rally will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on City Island in Harrisburg at the Beach House Area. Questions should be directed to andrew Health by sending email to: aheath@growinggreener.org.
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