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Under the umbrella of Friends of Casco Bay, Casco Baykeeper is a founding member of WATERKEEPER® Alliance, an international environmental movement that began on New York’s Hudson River, where commercial and recreational fishermen united to save the river from polluters. The Waterkeeper concept evolved from gamekeepers in Great Britain who were responsible for maintaining private trout and salmon streams for wealthy landowners. The American interpretation of this role safeguards our waterways for the entire population. As Casco Baykeeper, Joe Payne takes a unique, "work-with" approach in his efforts to find solutions to problems facing the Bay. Collaborating with fishermen, businesses, government agencies, citizens, and other stakeholders, Joe advocates for solutions that are pragmatic, scientifically sound, and effective. "We can't be complacent just because Casco Bay looks good. Our citizens will have to make hard decisions in the near future about pipelines across the Bay, sewage discharges, and the loss of aesthetic, recreational, and economic uses of our ocean resulting from current abuses." -Joe Payne, Casco Baykeeper L.L. Bean Honors Casco Baykeeper  Are you one of the millions of people who receives L.L. Bean's catalog? If so, check out the spring issue for a feature of our own Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne, winner of the 2009 L.L. Bean Outdoor Hero award. Or even better, see the announcement now - and learn more about Joe's work - at L.L. Bean's website.
This national award is given to people "who by their words, attitude, and actions have helped connect people to the world around them." Joe was selected as one of six 2009 award recipients for his effective work to restore the health of Casco Bay over the past 18 years. Learn more about this award.
(pictured above: Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne with his wife, Kim Payne) 
President Clinton Addresses Waterkeeper Alliance At the Waterkeeper Alliance's annual conference this June, President Bill Clinton addressed the gathering of more than 180 Waterkeepers. "The thing I love about what you do is that you do," he said. "You don't just talk about it. Your mission is important." The Waterkeeper Alliance is a coalition of advocates working to protect water quality around the world; our own Casco Baykeeper, Joe Payne, is a founding member of the Alliance. Read more about President Clinton's speech here.
What does it mean to be a Waterkeeper?
Waterkeepers - whether Baykeepers, Riverkeepers, Soundkeepers, or Bayoukeepers - all share the same mission: to defend their water bodies by responding to citizen concerns, advocating compliance with environmental laws, and working to resolve pollution problems that threaten their waterways.
The Board of the Waterkeeper Alliance reviews and licenses every program that seeks to call itself Waterkeeper. As a founding member of Waterkeeper Alliance, Friends of Casco Bay helped develop the quality standards that each program must meet. Here are a few:
1. A recognizable person to serve as a full-time, paid public advocate for the water body. That individual is an “aqua-cop” committed to enforcing environmental laws and standards. A Waterkeeper uses whatever tools are appropriate, from personal persuasion and public opinion to government intervention or litigation. 2. Members whom the Waterkeeper represents.
Members provide the grassroots constituency that may be called upon to influence polluters, media, state agencies, and politicians. In addition, they help provide operating income and, most critically, give the Waterkeeper organization legal standing. One of the strongest tools a keeper has is the Citizen Suit provision of the Clean Water Act, which allows Waterkeepers and others acting for the environment to sue polluters. The Clean Water Act gives “any citizen” the authority “to commence a civil action” against an entity (including the federal or state government) that is violating “an effluent standard or limitation.” In a court of law, the Waterkeeper literally speaks for the organization’s individual members.
3. A boat with the Waterkeeper name clearly labeled to ensure on-the-water recognition.
That clearly-identified presence may be as modest as a canoe or as imposing as a high-speed patrol boat, whatever mode of transportation is best suited to maintain on-the-water vigilance.
4. An office where the Waterkeeper conducts fundamental tasks.
Tasks that are required to support the program include bookkeeping, strategic planning, and fundraising. A Waterkeeper cannot be a government employee.
5. A phone number citizens can call to report pollution incidents or concerns.
The Waterkeeper answers questions, speaks at public meetings, and talks with people around the Bay. The phone number represents response, advocacy, and enforcement. Contact information for alternate phone numbers or hotlines provides coverage even when emergencies occur after hours. Fund the Baykeeper Program Support the Baykeeper's advocacy work on behalf of the Bay. To donate, please click on the button below and write "Baykeeper" in the designation box once you get to the billing page. Thank you! 
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