While it could be said that the proverbial writing was on the wall for some time, the Sassafras, Chester River and Mid-Shore Riverkeepers, and their affiliated organizations, were getting a pretty clear message over the last three years from their major institutional funders that these three, very similar enterprises must consider consolidation for the best possible mission delivery.
As a result of this welcomed nudge, representatives of each group began to meet eighteen months ago to discuss the logistics of this somewhat complicated merging of functions and governance. But inevitably the most exciting part was when these organizations could start to see the raw power that could be achieved by the change. Not only regarding protecting their beloved river sheds but also have a far greater presence in Annapolis and the halls of Congress to pursue their advocacy work.
It fell on Jeff Horstman, the current director of the Mid-Shore Riverkeeper Conservancy, to manage the process which ultimately led to the creation of ShoreRivers. And he will become its executive director at the beginning of the new year.
The Spy felt it was a good time to sit down with Jeff and talk about how the process, as well as the delicacy and sensitivity needed as these three very different cultures with very similar goals, become a new nucleus.
This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about the new ShoreRivers please go here
Bob Ingersoll says
Jeff:
Your discussion with the Spy explaining the intricacies and inner workings of the merge between the three organizations was both eloquent and inspiring. Just last night, we had the final board meeting of the Chester River Association, where we as a board signed all the necessary papers to lay her to rest and tie the organization’s future to the new ShoreRivers. We also went over all of the many duties of the newly created Chester River watershed board, which retained most of the members of the last board of CRA. As a member of the old board, and a member of the new board of ShoreRivers, I am both excited, and looking forward to fulfilling the full potential of our combined organizations. I believe it is going to be of great advantage to all of the watersheds represented by the new ShoreRivers, and am proud to be working with such a fine staff, board of directors, and Executive Director.
Bob Ingersoll
Chestertown