Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

To provide the tools, training, education and resources that empower community watershed organization leaders and volunteers to protect and restore rivers and streams, advocate for sound water resource management and policies, and facilitate stewardship and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

Vision

Pennsylvania’s community watershed organizations are effective in their efforts to restore, conserve, and promote the enjoyment of the Commonwealth’s waterways and are well-informed advocates for sound management and policies for healthy streams, watersheds, and communities.

By continuing in the tradition of Pennsylvania’s environmental pioneers and the visionary Environmental Rights Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution (Article 1, Section 27), POWR will:

 

 

  • Ensure Pennsylvania watershed associations are healthy, locally supported, and a benefit to their communities
  • Ensure the citizen champions of Pennsylvania’s rivers and watersheds are well-informed and aware of the value of our abundant water resources and the importance of their management
  • Ensure access to educational training resources including informational publications and websites, dynamic workshops and trainings, networking and capacity building conferences, regional outreach, and meaningful and engaging activities connecting people to resources
  • Support the efforts of leaders, volunteers, and staff of watershed organizations and key partners in working towards of the goal that all of Pennsylvania’s waters meet 1972 Clean Water Act standards
  • Ensure a healthy, holistic, inclusive, and equitable environment that recognizes our far-reaching connections up and downstream

Through passionate determination, POWR will honor the voice of the rivers as they beckon us to ensure their enduring legacy for generations to embrace and enjoy.

POWR and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and POWR joined together, designating POWR as a 509(a) supporting organization of PEC. This agreement offers much to both organizations including expanding the grassroots impact on conservation, as well as increasing organizational efficiencies. Further, it has stimulated an effort to reinvigorate POWR and identify a path forward to greater impact on the environment.

Core Values

Stewardship, Resourcefulness, Expertise, Passion, Integrity, Courage, Diversity, Community