Big Muddy Speaker Series

Presentation by  Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper co-founders – Rachel Bartels, Director of Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper, and Bob Menees, Attorney with Great Rivers Environmental Law Center

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

• 7 p.m. presentation (6 p.m. Social Hour)
• Les Bourgeois Vineyards Bistro in Rocheport, MO
• Google Map – Directions Below

The Bistro Restaurant is now closed on Tuesday, but the bar will be open. You ARE welcome to come early, bring some food and gather with friends before the presentation. Speaker Series attendees are welcome after 5:30 p.m. 

Hosted by Missouri River Relief

The origins of the Waterkeeper movement date back to 1966, when commercial and recreational fishermen, many of them veterans, united to save the Hudson River in New York. Their outspoken, citizen-led advocacy ensured that laws were enforced and that their river, livelihood, and the health of their families were all protected. With this, the first Riverkeeper was born.

In 1999, Waterkeeper Alliance was founded to support the growing number of Waterkeepers, Riverkeepers, Baykeepers, Coastkeepers, etc. popping up to protect local waterways across the country. Today, Waterkeeper Alliance is the largest and fastest growing network of clean water advocates in the world.

Waterkeepers are the voice for the rivers and defenders of the fundamental human right to clean water. These water wardens patrol local waters, identify and investigate pollution, monitor water quality, work collaboratively to address river issues, advocate for compliance with clean water laws, and prosecute those who willfully violate them. Through community engagement and education, their goal is to energize local communities around water issues and empower you to protect your right to drinkable, fishable, swimmable water.

The Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper, co-founded by Rachel Bartels and Bob Menees of the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, is focused on the Great Rivers Region of Missouri and Illinois. The organization was founded in 2018.

Directions

• 14020 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO
• Take I-70 to the Rocheport, MO, exit (Exit #115). It’s the first exit east of the Missouri River.
• Head north toward Rocheport.
• After about a mile, turn left at the sign for Les Bourgeois Bistro. Follow the signs to the Bistro. You will probably need to park in the lot above the Bistro and walk the trail down.
• The presentations are held in upstairs in the restaurant. The restaurant is no longer open on Tuesdays but the bar is! You are welcome to bring your own food or snacks.