2006 River Rally "Love Letters"

"I wish to thank River Network for providing an opportunity to experience my first River Rally 2006. I have gained so much insight and understanding of watershed education that in turn provided an opportunity to articulate the many questions and misunderstanding that I have developed since the beginning of my position, particularly the EPA and State policies. I truly believe the experience at the River Rally will influence how our infant water program will begin to develop and initiate it's water quality monitoring in the near future to protect not only our tribal members, but also our precious water resources." - Genevieve McGeisey, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

"Congratulations on planning, staging and bringing off this conference in spectacular style. What an impressive demonstration of the talent, diversity, commitment and vigor of the river conservation movement, coast to coast. This was truly an inspirational and celebratory event. I was proud to be a part of it. River Network is a first class operation. See you in the Gorge." - Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law, Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic Vermont Law School

"River Ralliers - Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed my first rally. The impression left on me by the content, diverse and well-delivered, was surpassed only by the quality of the many conversations and new connections made with so many interesting people from around the country. And of course, there was the music, totally unanticipated for me, but a wonderful highlight on an already wonderful experience. Thank you all for making it happen. Looking forward to seeing each of you next year, if not sooner." - Alan Girard, Project Manager, Heart of the Chesapeake Project, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

"You are probably being deluged with emails of congratulations but I want to go ahead and offer mine anyway and ask that you pass my kudos on to all of your colleagues. The Rally was absolutely first rate. You guys have got it down to a science but yet it remains fresh. That's a tough thing to pull off. Not only does everyone come away from the Rally armed with new tools but it also charges everyone's batteries in preparation for our own individual and collective struggles. Thanks so much for making American Rivers a part of it!" - Andrew Fahlund, Vice President for Conservation, American Rivers

"I wanted to thank you very much for a wonderful River Rally, my first. I know you met many new people over the weekend, as did I. I was just so impressed by the energy at the Rally, the enthusiasm that everyone had for their own work and the enthusiasm they expressed for other's work. My watershed partnership, under The Nature Conservancy is just getting started, but it's going to be great. I know this after the weekend with everyone at River Rally. Thanks so very much." - Sally Harold, Conservation Manager, The Nature Conservancy

"Ya' at eeh (Greetings) Friend, Great to network with those concerned to protect our most precious resources, WATER. Appreciate the scholarship and opportunity to meet new people. Look forward to the next Rally." - Amos Johnson, Navajo Nation

"This year's Rally was the best ever! There were basic workshops for the younger organizations and those newer to the field, but their RN staff did a great job making sure that there was something for the more experienced groups too. I now sit at my desk inspired and reinvigorated. On behalf of our Rivers across the nation, I thank you. As we are all more effective when we are inspired and invigorated. 372 days to Rally 2007! 'Till then...Rally ho!" - Jennifer Coffey, Director of Watershed Management, Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association