On October 8th, the Willamette River was awarded the Thiess International Riverprize, an annual award given by the International River Foundation based in Brisbane, Australia. Riverprize recognizes outstanding, visionary and sustainable programs in river basin management and is the most prestigious environmental prize in the world. Portland-based Meyer Memorial Trust entered the contest on behalf of its Willamette River Initiative grantees and partners, a diverse network of organizations working to improve watershed health across the Willamette Basin. Meyer will receive $300,000 to further efforts to improve the Willamette, as well as establish a mentor-ship program to guide restoration efforts on a river outside the US.
Check out the trailer for “Willamette Futures,” the upcoming film from Freshwater Illustrated which details the history, ecology, and conservation potential of the Willamette River Basin.