American Whitewater is a lean, non-profit organization able to take on national issues as well as solve hundreds of local river issues. American Whitewater’s success depends upon the many volunteers working hard to protect the beauty and integrity of their local whitewater rivers. Tom O’Keefe is one of those volunteers that seems to be everywhere a river issue pops-up in the Pacific Northwest. His academic background (river ecology and research in salmon restoration at the University of Washington) resonates in his comments on
· federal legislation for hydropower licensing,
· wilderness designation and river protection in the Skykomish drainage, and
· local river access issues.
· Streamkeeper pages are models for other volunteers
· Provides regular updates on www.AmericanWhitewater.org
Tom has been instrumental in moving the dialogue forward for access to the Skykomish, Sultan, Cispus, White Salmon, and many other Northwestern rivers. He is also a tremendous resource for other volunteers. As if this is not enough, O’Keefe has recently secured software donations from Microsoft to help keep American Whitewater offices current.
American Whitewater’s success is dependent on volunteers working closely with technical staff. Tom O’Keefe exemplifies the essence of volunteerism. PNW boaters, be sure to thank Tom O’Keefe for all his hard work and … offer to do his shuttle!