River Keepers advocates sustainable use and promotes a renewed vision for the Red River of the North.

Description:
River Keepers advocates awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the Red River; advocates riverfront development projects; encourages and promotes river usage; helps develop economic opportunities in the river corridor; encourages development of recreation amenities in the river corridor; educates residents on the river environment; addresses safety concerns regarding the river corridor; and assists in providing cultural opportunities at the river's edge.

History:
River Keepers grew from a desire to rediscover the Red River's heritage, and to teach people to again appreciate the Red as a living river. In earlier decades of Fargo-Moorhead history, people used and appreciated the Red River for a variety of activities. In later years, people lost that appreciation for the river which is the dominant geographical feature in the community and began to consider it a liability to avoid.

In 1989, believing that it was time to promote a "new attitude about the river," and explore ways to develop the river as a recreational site, a team of architects called the Red River Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT), produced an intensive review and analysis of the resources along the Red River that flows through the cities of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN.

R/UDAT proposed the creation of an organization to act in the position of River Keeper. They also proposed plans to educate people about maintaining the ecological health of the river, ideas for expanding the river's recreational use, and plans to build a "rediscovered" riverfront area in the downtown Fargo-Moorhead area. These visions could be accomplished through the actions of a River Keepers organization, the Fargo and Moorhead governmental offices, and by educating the public to be stewards of the river.

Contact people:

Christine Laney, Project Coordinator, (701) 235-2895, (email) Bob Backman, Executive Director, (701) 235-2895, (email)

Office fax number: 701-235-7394

Address:

325 7th St. S., Ste 201 Fargo, ND 58103-1846 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.riverkeepers.org

Directions:

From Main Avenue in Fargo, turn south. Go about 3 blocks. River Keepers is located on the 2nd floor of Parkside Building on the west side of the street (across from Island Park).

Overall Experience   
Knowing that contribution was made and effort was apprectiated.

Knowing that others were able to enjoy a pleasant experience and feel good about river recreation and stewardship of the resource. posted on February 13, 2005