Columbia Riverkeeper

Columbia Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. We envision a Columbia River that unites people to fight for clean water, abundant fish and wildlife, and our climate. Our team is made up of scientists, community organizers, lawyers, and communications specialists that work every day to protect clean water and our climate.

We unite people to fight for clean water and our climate.

Columbia Riverkeeper teams with river communities and works in solidarity with Tribal Nations to advocate for environmental and climate justice. We combine legacy advocacy, grassroots community organizing, free educational programming, and creative communications strategies to engage and center the communities most impacted by toxic pollution and climate change.

Together, we make a difference for everyone who relies on the Columbia River. Our areas of focus:

Clean Water
Every person has the right to eat Columbia River fish and shellfish without fear of toxic pollutants. Today, this is not a reality. We take polluters to court, expose threats to water and health, and fight alongside Tribes and impacted communities to hold governments accountable and protect clean water for all.

Climate & Energy
From oil trains to fracked gas pipelines, fossil fuels threaten the Columbia and our climate. We organize, advocate, and win against dangerous energy and false climate solutions, while advancing clean, just transitions.

Salmon Recovery
The Columbia once produced more salmon than any river on Earth. Today, populations are a fraction of their historic size. We advocate for salmon and the cultures that rely on them. Together, we can and must restore abundant and harvestable salmon.

Science & Education
We inspire people to love, use, and learn about the Columbia River. From water quality testing to environmental education, we emphasize education that not only teaches about problems on the Columbia, but also illuminates solutions to empower people to take action and make change.

Clean Up Hanford
The Hanford Nuclear Site is the most toxic place in America. We work in solidarity with Yakama Nation and other Tribes to demand a just cleanup, stop new nuclear threats, and ensure community voices shape Hanford’s future.