May Day May Day River Alert

Friend,

The past few months of widespread changes to federal funding and budgets will undoubtedly impact the Rouge River. While the resulting scale is still to be determined, we do know that the people, animals, and habitats of the Rouge will bear the weight of decisions largely out of their control. 

Programs that you care about and believe in, like the fish survey, building new rain gardens, and community engagement for habitat restoration, are funded partially or fully through the federal government. In all, 22% of the Friends of the Rouge budget may be impacted.

Given this uncertain climate, your Friends of the Rouge team is working with key stakeholders and the strategic planning team to develop a plan of action to continue to protect, enhance, and restore your Rouge River. We do not anticipate that any plan will succeed in filling the gap of federal grant funding in the near-term. Rather, our response will consider adjustments to programs as we strive to fund critical needs and broaden revenue diversity. We pledge to remain flexible, continuously improve organizational effectiveness, and thoughtfully advocate for data-driven solutions. 

Your support matters. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay informed on policy impacting the Great Lakes and the Rouge River watershed.
• Contact your elected officials to express your support for clean water legislation and funding.
• Volunteer with FOTR to support your community and your River.
• Give. Look in your mailbox. An important letter is arriving any day now. Or you may give online today so that your love paves a way forward for your River.

The story of the Rouge River is one of continued resilience. It’s a story of what industrialization has done to the River. And it’s a story of the thousands of dedicated Friends like you who have worked tirelessly for almost 40 years to save it. We promise that we will never stop fighting for your River. Leaving our Rouge communities behind is not an option. This is our continued commitment to you, to the communities we serve, and to the whole of the watershed.

It’s often said that in the face of absolute adversity, life finds a way. So today I invite you to imagine a clean and vibrant Rouge River that is the center of your community. I invite you to join us in finding a way.

Sincerely,

Ashley Flintoff

Executive Director

Friends of the Rouge