American Rivers names Brett Swift as Northwest regional director

Swift to help American Rivers protect clean water, healthy rivers in era of global warming

April 21, 2009

(Washington, DC) -- American Rivers announced today that Brett Swift is the new director of the Northwest regional office. American Rivers, headquartered in Washington, DC, has offices in Seattle and Portland and has played a lead role in Pacific Northwest river conservation efforts since 1992.

"Brett has delivered many important victories for the Northwest's rivers," said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers. "We are delighted that she is taking on this important new role, and we are confident that American Rivers’ work in the region, and the region’s rivers, will benefit greatly from her expertise and leadership."

Swift has been with American Rivers for ten years, and has served as acting director of the Northwest Region since last July. She has a long track record of river conservation successes. On Oregon’s Deschutes Rivers, she skillfully negotiated a settlement to improve operations of the Pelton-Round Butte hydropower project, including the reintroduction of steelhead above the barriers of the dams for the first time in 60 years. Swift was also instrumental in the removal of Marmot and Little Sandy dams to restore the Sandy River, outside Portland.

"This is a critical time for our region’s rivers," said Swift.

"American Rivers is uniquely positioned to achieve the kind of river restoration and protection successes the Northwest needs to ensure our rivers are healthy, our water is clean, and our communities enjoy and benefit from their rivers, even in the face of global warming."

For more than 15 years, American Rivers has been the leading voice for river conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Founded to restore the region’s once-magnificent wild salmon runs, the Northwest regional office is today known for its effective advocacy on a host of issues from dam removal to water supply to Wild and Scenic River protection.

Through transforming dam operations, American Rivers has been instrumental in restoring well over 600 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat on the Deschutes, Clackamas, Cowlitz and Lewis rivers. American Rivers also negotiated agreements to remove dams on the White Salmon, Sandy and Hood rivers. Today, American Rivers is working closely with leaders in Washington and Oregon to reshape the way water is managed, ensuring that rivers stay healthy while meeting the needs of the region’s communities.

"With global warming shrinking mountain snowpack and bringing more intense floods and droughts, the work to protect the Northwest’s rivers and clean water is more important than ever," said Swift.

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.