Columbia Riverkeeper’s successful formula combines strategic legal advocacy, community organizing, creative communications, and education.
We work in solidarity with Tribes, partner with people who live and work along the Columbia, and celebrate the impact of people coming together to fight for what they love.
Here are a few of the year’s highlights by the numbers.
Originally published in Columbia Riverkeeper “Currents” Issue 1, 2025
Climate & Energy
2,000 Columbia Riverkeeper members and supporters who urged the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality to reject an air pollution permit for the Zenith Energy facility in Portland, OR.
13 proposed bills defeated in the Oregon Legislature that would have paved the way for new nuclear energy.
2 lawsuits filed that aim to protect the Columbia River and family farms from pollution and spills by the proposed NEXT diesel refinery.
Clean Water
400+ Columbia Riverkeeper members and supporters who advocated that the Washington Legislature reject an industry-backed bill to weaken clean water protections. (And clean water won!)
3 Clean Water Act lawsuits settled in 2025, which will prevent illegal toxins and other pollution from flowing in the Columbia River.
3,000 elementary and middle schoolers who learned to identify safe fish to eat from the Bonneville Dam area
Salmon Recovery
30,400 acre feet of water every year wasted by the Lower Snake River dams, enough to meet the residential needs of over 240,000 Washingtonians, according to a report commissioned by Columbia Riverkeeper and developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute.
1,400+ Columbia Riverkeeper members and supporters who spoke out in support of a draft report showing real solutions to replace irrigation and municipal water systems after Lower Snake River dam removal.
16 nonprofit organizations that joined Columbia Riverkeeper’s legal and technical comments to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council calling for the Fish and Wildlife Program to include more robust and specific conservation and recovery measures.
Science & Education
35+ events Columbia Riverkeeper hosted or partnered in to inspire people in Columbia River communities to speak up for clean water, salmon recovery, and climate action.
120 water quality samples collected at Columbia River beaches.
580 students who experienced free environmental education along the river and at Water Jam during spring school trips led by Columbia Riverkeeper’s Science & Education program team.
700 pounds of garbage volunteers collected at Columbia Riverkeeper’s Earth Day cleanup event.
Cleanup Hanford
3600+ Columbia Riverkeeper members and supporters who advocated for improvements to the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s proposed Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup plans.
1000+ students and community members reached through Columbia Riverkeeper presentations on ways to make a difference with Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup.
50+ students from school districts on and near the Yakama Indian Reservation who participated in a one-of-a-kind school trip, organized by Columbia Riverkeeper and Yakama Nation, to tour the Hanford Reach and learn about the Hanford Nuclear Site.
