Trout Unlimited Names Clean Water Services Conservationist of the Year

Hillsboro, OR — July 3, 2002 — Fish breathe easier in Washington County's Tualatin River, and the Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited has recognized Clean Water Services for its leadership role in coordinating the river's clean up. 

The Dave Nolte Conservationist of the Year Award was presented by Trout Unlimited at the June 22 meeting in Redmond, Oregon.  It is presented each year to an individual, company or agency in recognition of the outstanding efforts that they have done to protect and restore cold water riparian habitat and native fish in Oregon.

Clean Water Services, formerly Unified Sewerage Agency, was recognized for their innovative programs to restore habitat, plus their overall dedication to improving water quality in the Tualatin Basin.  According to Tom Wolf, Chair of the Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited, "Clean Water Services' progressive action plans have paid off in restoring the river's water quality, quantity, riparian habitat and the native fish that dwell there."

Along with support from ratepayers, and the partnerships of its 12 cities and river and stream steward groups, Clean Water Services has been able to clean and enhance the river where fish and people enjoy it once more.

"As a member of a family that has live in the Tualatin basin for more than 150 years, I have witnessed remarkable changes," Wolf said.  "In addition to creating the technological advancement to meet some of the strictest requirements in the nation, Clean Water Services has become authentic stewards by building awareness of the river's value and educating all of us to become partners in protecting it."

Trout Unlimited also recognized Clean Water Services' Healthy Streams Plan as outstanding and suggesting that it be used as a model for restoring urban streams in the state and the country.

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