The mission of the Prince William Soundkeeper is to protect water quality and the life it sustains in the Prince William Sound ecosystem. Our goal is to create a positive, lasting legacy for Prince William Sound built on clean water.
Milestones
2001
Informal alliance of PWS stakeholders launch effort to assess feasibility of a “Keeper” or other local grassroots conservation organization.
2003
After almost two years in the making, stakeholders submit a Prince William Soundkeeper organizational proposal to the National Waterkeeper Alliance and are accepted as the 118th Keeper program.
2004
Prince William Soundkeeper incorporates as an Alaska nonprofit and receives 501©(3) nonprofit status from the IRS.
Board of Directors includes membership from all five Prince William Sound communities and Anchorage; board sets goal to raise sufficient funds to hire staff and establish office in one year.
2005
Founding Soundkeeper/Executive Director hired & office established in Valdez.
PWSK is publicly “launched” with a well-attended cruise in the Sound with special guest Robert Kennedy, Jr., President of the National Waterkeeper Alliance.
Water World Campaign brought to successful conclusion with state rejection of permit for floating gas station.
2006
Clean Harbors, Clean Boating Program launched.
EVOS Reopener Campaign results in claim against Exxon for an additional $92 million to remedy unanticipated damages to the Sound from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
2007
Office moved to Cordova, new Soundkeeper/Executive Director hired.
Cordova Harbor Clean Up Event.
Citizen Environmental Monitoring Program Committee formed.
Harbor Master Working Group formed.
Outreach materials developed and visits made to PWS communities to meet with members, harbor staff, local governments and others.
