The above picture is of Oregon's Tualatin River. If you go read the past the first few sentences of the attached article, it becomes apparent that the Tualatin was only recently far from this idyllic scene.
The article explains how a careless attitude led to the nadir of the River, and how it slowed to small trickle that a human could stand over. Not only did the negligence of the River's health directly hurt its apperance and flow, it also turned into a disgusting liability for the surrounding area. The article describes how the river was siphoned as a drinking water source, while simultaneously used for dumping municipal and industrial waste.
However, the story of Tualatin River is one that is working towards a happy ending! It serves as an example of how "environmental gains can go hand in hand with — not conflict with — economic prosperity." I know that much environmental good is waylaid because of monetary concerns, but looking to the Washington County's decision to enforce the Clean Water Act, it is apparent that cleaning up your own mess leads to economic benefits.
By elevating the health of their natural resources to a level of Municipal awareness, the people living along the Tualatin have not only restored the beauty that once was, but have also discovered a touchstone for the entire community, a pride in their lovely environment.
~~Danny Gibson
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