Conservation

ORF's primary goal is to protect and restore the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its tributaries. Involved on several fronts, we provide critical analysis of policies, procedures, and projects to influence better land and water management of the Ohio River and its watershed. As a part of our activities, we promote public involvement and scientific review of watershed management practices and initiatives.

If you would like assistance from or collaboration with ORF on any issue you may have that will affect the condition of the Ohio River please don't hesitate to contact us.

Ecosystem Restoration

Ohio River Foundation stands at the forefront of efforts to develop a comprehensive Ohio River ecosystem restoration program. ORF is working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, state agencies, and experts from around the watershed to improve upon the Corps of Engineers' Ecosystem Restoration program for the Ohio River. In November 2002, Ohio River Foundation released A Framework for Ecosystem Restoration of the Ohio River and its Watershed, which details ways to improve restoration programs proposed for the Ohio River. Other groups, federal and state agencies, and experts from around the watershed are now working to implement some of the report’s recommendations. If you would like a copy of this document, download the .pdf file (339Kb).

ORB Plan - sept. 19 (32mb)

Water Quality

Significant improvements in water quality have been achieved in the Ohio River watershed due primarily to passage and enforcement of the Clean Water Act (CWA), since its passage in 1972. However, threats continue from stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, mercury deposition from coal-fired plants, and millions of gallons of untreated sewage that flow into the river each year from sewer overflows. At ORF we are working hard by calling for stronger enforcement of the CWA, and developing and promoting strategies that can reduce pollution of the Ohio River. More...

Stormwater and Rain Gardens

Communities throughout the Ohio River watershed are searching for ways to confront the growing problems created by stormwater. Flooding and deraded water quality are the chief threats posed by this source of non-point pollution. A few communities in Kansas City, Minnesota, and Michigan are attacking this problem head-on with an innovative approach: rain gardens. For the Ohio River watershed, ORF is now finding partners to bring this important development tool to local communities in the fight to control stormwater and improve water quality. More...

Navigation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of maintaining and controlling navigation on the Ohio River and its navigable tributaries. As a part of this mission the Corps is also entrusted to protecting the Ohio River environment. It is this focus that Ohio River Foundation is involved with the Corps, as we try to redirect the Corps to strike a balance between navigation and environmental protection. More

Community and Organizational Assistance

ORF assists organizations and communities along the river and around the watershed, in their respective efforts to protect water quality and their riverfronts. We provide 404 permit comment guidance and information to parties on how to protect riverfronts, rivers, and sub-watersheds from unwanted development. Additionally, we discuss with municipalities efforts to protect and restore riverbank habitat.

Riversmart

RiverSmart is a nationwide education program that promotes clean water, healthy rivers, and how simple things we can do around the home can help improve America's rivers. Pollution isn't just from industry, we all pollute, so we all have a responsibility to pollute as little as possible. If you'd like to know some things you can do to protect our rivers and reduce pollution around the home, download "Ten RiverSmart Tips" (you'll need acrobat reader, available from Adobe) or call 513-460-3365 to have a copy mailed to you. A copy of the news release announcing Ohio River Foundation's RiverSmart Campaign is available here.

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