Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

OUR VISION

We work for DRINKABLE, FISHABLE AND SWIMMABLE in the waters of the Susquehanna River and watershed. Since 2006, we've stood guard over the Lower Susquehanna, patrolling, testing, teaching and fighting for clean water. We've never relied on government funding, only on people who believe this river... this resource is worth protecting. 

Without your support, our vital programs are at risk of being shut down.

Every person deserves rivers that run clear, communities that grow strong, and a Bay that breathes life into everything around it.
Your support during Extra Give Lancaster helps fund our programs and initiatives. 

OUR IMPACTS NEAR YOU

Conowingo DamIn Advocacy

The Conowingo Dam Crisis
LSRA was a major player on the team that reached an agreement which puts the River and Bay first. After 18 months of hard-fought negotiations (and 15 years of waterkeeper insistence), a $341 million dollar settlement was reached on October 2, 2025. These funds will fuel restoration projects and institute environment protections for the river (and bay) for the next 50 years.

This is a huge milestone, but it’s also just a beginning. We will continue working through the licensing process and advocating every step of the way to make sure these commitments deliver real, lasting results for the River and Bay.

Where are the funds going?

Shearers Creek, Manheim

Keystone Protein Settlement & Restoration
For years, Keystone Protein Company released excessive nitrogen pollution from its poultry plant into a tributary of the Susquehanna River, dumping more than 350,000 pounds over legal limits and harming waterways that flow to the Chesapeake Bay. In 2019, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association filed a lawsuit under the Clean Water Act to hold the company accountable for its ongoing violations. 

In 2021, a federal court agreed, ruling that Keystone had violated its permit hundreds of times. The case not only forced the company to face penalties but also helped fund local stream restoration projects, improving water quality and protecting community health. LSRA assisted with the restoration of both Conowingo Creek and Shearers Creek, both deeply affected by the pollution. Learn More: Keystone Protein Settlement  

Sample Collection on the Little Conestoga CreekIn Public Health

Our Water Watchdog Program Is Expanding
Since launching in 2023, our Water Watchdog Weekly Bacteria Monitoring Program has grown from a small pilot into a trusted public health resource for the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed.

What began with 35 volunteers testing 15 sites has expanded to 50+ volunteers monitoring more than 20 locations each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All testing is processed in our in-house laboratory, so results are shared quickly — right before the weekend.

As more people learn about the program, community demand keeps growing. Paddlers, anglers, and families are asking for more testing throughout the watershed, eager to know when their local waters are safe.

To keep pace with this momentum, we rely on continued support to maintain our lab, purchase supplies, and empower volunteers. Together, we’re creating a cleaner, safer future — one water sample at a time. Learn More: Water Watchdogs.

Learning On-SiteIn Education

Fostering the Next Generation of Stewards 

Each year Lancaster County students attend LSRA Field Experiences. Our dedicated team of educators work with teachers to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience through these hands-on programs. Focused on the new Pennsylvania science standards, students paddle the river by kayak, collect data from local streams, and so much more.  

This year we introduced 1500 students to experiential environmental education programming from 5th grade through college, many from Lancaster County schools. Our goal is to expand these opportunities so even more students can grow curiosity, understanding, and a lifelong connection to their watershed.  

We keep program fees low to ensure that every student has the chance to explore and learn outdoors. Your support helps make that possible by funding educator time, supplies, and the experiences that inspire the next generation of river stewards.