Water Protection Network meets in DC
October 29, 2019
By Georgia Ackerman
Washington, D.C.–The Water Protection Network (WPN) met in DC this week. WPN is a coalition of organizations working to ensure that America’s water policies and projects are environmentally and economically sound. WPN members advocate for water resource planning that utilizes natural and economically sustainable methods as well as protects and restores our nation’s rivers, coasts, and wetlands for people and wildlife.  
I attended the full day summit followed by a day of Capitol Hill meetings with Dan Tonsmeire, who served as Riverkeeper at Apalachicola Riverkeeper from 2004-2018. Other Waterkeeper Alliance members were also present.
Dan and I had several meetings with members of Congress to discuss both the current status of the Apalachicola River Basin along with WPN’s congregational priorities. We met with Representative Dunn and staff members. Dan was also able to meet with Senator Rubio’s staff.  Apalachicola Riverkeeper has been a long-time member of WPN. Additionally, Dan has served on several WPN committees.
One summit highlight was Helen Light’s presentation. Helen is  a retired wetland scientist of the US Geological and widely recognized for her research on the Apalachicola River and its floodplain forest which began in the 1970’s. Helen explained her research on the drying of the Apalachicola River floodplain caused by reduced freshwater flows and channel erosion.
If you’d like to hear more on the presentations or meetings, feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Georgia Ackerman serves as Riverkeeper and Executive Director at Apalachicola Riverkeeper.Â
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