River Patrol

What is the River Patrol?

The River Patrol is a volunteer-based program designed to increase the St. Johns Riverkeeper’s ability to monitor the River and waterways in the St. Johns Watershed and to increase the visibility of St. Johns Riverkeeper in the community.  The River Patrol is an on-the-water “neighborhood watch” program that monitors water quality and habitat conditions and reports any problems that are encountered.

Volunteer River Patrol members “adopt” a section of a creek, tributary, or the St. Johns River and agree to monitor that body of water a specified number of times each month.  Each River Patrol volunteer determines their own individual level of commitment.  In addition, River Patrol members occasionally take part in community water-related events and cleanups.

Why is the St. Johns Riverkeeper River Patrol important?

Unfortunately, the St. Johns Riverkeeper cannot be out on the water all the time and is unable to respond to and investigate every problem that arises.  Yet, spills and other harmful environmental incidents occur on a regular basis, and often without the knowledge of St. Johns Riverkeeper or the regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing our environmental laws.  The River Patrol helps us to assist regulators by monitoring our waterways, identifying potential problems and regulatory violations, and reporting them to the appropriate regulatory agency.  Without the River Patrol, many problems would go unnoticed and unresolved.

Who are the members of the St. Johns Riverkeeper River Patrol?

The River Patrol is comprised of St. Johns Riverkeeper members who volunteer to help the St. Johns Riverkeeper monitor the River and its tributaries.  River Patrol members patrol in a variety of boats and watercraft, including sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks.  However, you don’t have to own a boat to be member of the River Patrol!  You can patrol by foot or by bike, observe your surroundings while in your car, or assist other Patrol members in their boats as they make their rounds.

What are the qualifications to be a River Patrol member?

We only ask  that (1) you be a current St. Johns Riverkeeper member, (2) that you fill out the application and volunteer agreement, (3) and that you attend River Patrol meetings and any training that may be offered.  You don’t have to have any particular expertise to participate.  We just ask that you be observant when you’re out on the water or in the travels of your every day life.  If you see possible illegal discharges, pumping from boats, muddy water leaving construction sites, streamside wetlands being filled, or anything that appears unusual, help out by contacting St. Johns Riverkeeper and the appropriate regulatory agency.

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