What is Wind River Alliance?
Wind River Alliance is a cross-cultural, community based organization dedicated to the health and protection of the Wind River watershed. Wind River Alliance was formed in the Fall of 2001 by concerned community members in order to address the threats and challenges facing the Wind River watershed. Wind River Alliance is a non-profit organization funded by grants and by donations from our members and supporters.
The mission of Wind River Alliance is to promote a healthy Wind River watershed, and by that, assist in restoring justice and health to our communities.
Wind River Alliance has identified the following goals and objectives:- To promote education and understanding of a healthy watershed.
- To encourage and empower residents to participate in activities and policy-making that promotes the health of the ecosystem.
- To facilitate communication among individuals, cultures, institutions, governments and communities with a common concern for a healthy watershed.
- To advocate for policies that protect or restore the watershed and the communities that depend upon it for sustenance, livelihood, recreation, and spiritual and aesthetic benefit.
- To promote research and disseminate information regarding the watershed, its management and health.
- To recognize and address cultural, political, economic, and racial inequities affecting the Wind River watershed.
Until June 2003, Wind River Alliance was purely a volunteer organization. During the summer of 2003, we were lucky to have Jason Baldes as our first staff member. Jason had a very productive summer, establishing our office, organizing activities (see story on page 2), and spreading the word about Wind River Alliance. In the fall, Jason had to return to college in Colorado. After a lengthy search, Wind River Alliance has hired two new staff members, an executive director (Ty Mack) and a community outreach coordinator (Kenneth "JT" Trosper) (see Meet the Staff). With motivated and committed staff, Wind River Alliance is looking forward to playing a strong role in the protection and restoration of the Wind River watershed.