Save The River’s mission is to restore, preserve, and protect the Upper St. Lawrence River now and for generations to come through advocacy, education, researc,h and stewardship.

Our Vision

We envision a healthy Upper St. Lawrence River that provides swimmable, drinkable, fishable water, is home to a thriving range of native species, and supports economic activity.

Our History

Save The River was founded in 1978 as a nonprofit environmental organization opposed to the expansion of winter navigation on the St. Lawrence River Seaway. 

Since then, we’ve transformed into the leading grassroots advocacy organization working to protect the Upper St. Lawrence River. As the region’s only environmental watchdog group, we take an active role in River policy issues. 

Over the years, Save The River has fought to:

• Stop winter navigation
• Stop expansion of the St. Lawrence Seaway infrastructure
• Pressed for better spill response planning
• Sought public accounting of shipping accidents
• Campaigned for better water level management

In 2004, Save The River was designated the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance. Learn more about our advocacy work, outreach campaigns about River issues, and Riverkeeper trainings. 

Grassroots Advocate

We are a member-based organization representing more than 4,500 individuals and families who live, work, and play along the River. Our members include local year-round residents, business owners, summer residents, and vacationers from both the American and Canadian sides. To learn more about our membership and benefits, visit our membership page. Additionally, we represent and inform over 15,000 social media followers. Follow us on our socials for the latest news and events here.