Canadian Canoe Team Joins in 40th Anniversary Celebration of US Clean Water Act
OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Capital to Capitol by Canoe, a group of dedicated Canadian Wildlife Federation volunteer canoe adventurers are arriving in Washington in time to celebrate the 40th birthday of the US Clean Water Act and deliver their message about the importance of protecting our waterways.
During their unique 1800 kilometre journey that launched in Ottawa on September 5th, the paddlers have traveled on rivers, lakes, canals, harbours and bay meeting with local residents and organizations to learn about the waterways, engage in discussions about problems and solutions, and advocate for the importance of clean, healthy rivers. Paddlers include Max Finkelstein, renowned canoeist and author; Clive Doucet, former Ottawa City Councillor; Markus Pukonen, OAR Northwest crew member; Tom Burns and Victoria Astley, sailors from Kalmar Nykel, the Tall Ship of Delware and Jodi Bigelow, Canadian kayaker and 2006 National World Champion.
On October 18th, they will wrap up their expedition with a special guest appearance at the 40th Birthday of the US Clean Water Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, hosted by the Clean Water Network.
"This trip has been a real exploration and discovery about how important our waters are to all of us," says expedition leader Max Finkelstein. "From meeting with the Yonkers Canoe Club to participating at the Philadelphia Tall Ships event, everywhere we went we were welcomed with overwhelming generosity and good will. There is a genuine mutual interest and commitment to safeguarding our waters. It is refreshing to see that our friends to the south share our goal to ensure that our waters are drinkable, swimmable and fishable."
"Supporting the expedition is another great way for CWF to celebrate their 50th Anniversary," says Wade Luzny, Canadian Wildlife Federation CEO and Executive Vice-President. "This expedition is so important because it draws attention to one of the world's most important environmental issues - water quality. Our waters know no borders. The health of our waterways is integral to everyone, particularly the wildlife that call those waters home."
Everyone is encouraged to experience their journey at www.capital2capitol.ca, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CapitalToCapitolByCanoe.
Washington Media Interview and Photo Op: The team will be arriving at the Washington Canoe Club on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 3:00 pm.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
SOURCE: CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Media contacts:
in English, Gord McDougall, 613-880-8589
en français, Pam Logan, 613-222-1405
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