Redband Rally Supports Spokane Riverkeeper 

Since its creation in 2017, the Redband Rally Campaign has worked to raise awareness for the Redband Trout and rally the community to protect and keep the Spokane River clean. That effort received a big boost last week, with the Spokane Indians donating over $23,000 from the Redband Rally Fund to the Spokane Riverkeeper.

"We are grateful for all the work done by the Spokane Riverkeeper in support of the Redband Rally," said Spokane Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. "This donation gives them the practical tools to continue their mission of restoring and protecting the Spokane River for future generations."

Spokane Riverkeeper will use the latest grant for:

A) 14-foot raft and trailer to be used for on-the-water litter removal and public outreach

B) Heavy-duty trailer to replace the organization's current light-duty trailer, which hauls thousands of pounds of river trash and debris each year

C) Money to fully fund a 'Summer on the Water Intern' who assists with the Riverkeeper's work

D) Pair of inflatable kayaks for on-water outreach in the Spokane Valley during low flows and as a safety measure when engaging the public on the river

"The Spokane Indians have been incredible partners and share our vision of a clean and healthy Spokane River where native fish, like the Redband Trout, can thrive," said Jule Schultz, Waterkeeper for the Spokane Riverkeeper. "We appreciate the team's commitment to this community and their ongoing support of our efforts."

ABOUT THE REDBAND RALLY

During the 2017 season, the Spokane Indians Baseball team, together with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and City of Spokane introduced the Redband Rally Campaign in honor of Spokane's signature fish, the native Redband Trout. This campaign is designed to bring awareness to the Redband trout and the Spokane River and rally the community to protect and keep the river clean. The Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdnerii) is a beautiful, unique and important species of fish in the Spokane region, and was one of the first foods of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. To create a visible presence and to honor the native Redband trout, the baseball team introduced a new logo that is featured on apparel, signage, headbands and artwork. We believe that the Redband trout embodies the ideals of our team and its players: hard-fighting, resilient and adaptive under ever-changing circumstances.

ABOUT SPOKANE RIVERKEEPER

Spokane Riverkeeper is a vigilant guardian and advocate for the Spokane River and its watershed. The mission of the Spokane Riverkeeper is to protects, preserves, and restores the Spokane River for future generations. We envision a Spokane River where wild native fish thrive in the basin, pollution is eliminated, and the community is engaged in the River's protection.

The Spokane River is a cherished being to all citizens of the region’s many communities. This value is a matter of equity and justice for communities and the River itself. As a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance movement, Riverkeeper’s first priority is to defend the river against pollution and hold all polluters accountable. We use the Clean Water Act as a primary legal tool for our work. We also use education and collaboration as a primary way of communicating the values of and protecting the Spokane River.

ABOUT THE SPOKANE INDIANS

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane Valley, Wash., and are the reigning Northwest League Champions. The Indians have played at Avista Stadium—home to the MultiCare Kids Bench Seat and Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Military & Veteran Ticket—since 1958 and have been a proud member of the Spokane community since 1903. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Front Office and Team Store are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.