Elle Bassett Named Miles-Wye Riverkeeper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Ann Frock
afrock@shorerivers.org
443.385.0511

(EASTON) January 10, 2018

ShoreRivers Announces Elle O’Brien as New Miles-Wye Riverkeeper

ShoreRivers is pleased to announce that Elle Bassett is the new Miles-Wye Riverkeeper.

As Riverkeeper, Bassett will act as the primary spokesperson for the Miles River, Wye River, and Eastern Bay, advocating for their protection and restoration. Bassett will strive to increase environmental awareness through education, outreach, advocacy and restoration; emphasizing the essential role these rivers play in the community, the issues that threaten their health and vitality and the solutions that must be implemented to protect and preserve them. She will work at every level to restore and protect these waterways and to advance clean water policy. Basset will provide on-the-water vigilance and conduct regular patrols on these rivers, ready to combat pollution and serve as a guardian for these living resources.

A native of the Chesapeake Bay area, Bassett says she grew up as a “river rat” and is dedicated to and passionate about clean water. Although new to the Riverkeeper position, Bassett (formerly Elle O’Brien) was with MRC since 2012 as the education and outreach coordinator, introducing local youth to the outdoors through hands-on experiences. She has previously worked on oyster restoration programs, water quality monitoring, and environmental education programming and restoration.

Bassett graduated from Washington College with a degree in environmental studies and a focus on Chesapeake Bay Regional Studies. She recently achieved a master’s degree in environmental education.

Jeff Horstman, the previous Miles-Wye Riverkeeper and new ShoreRivers executive director commented, “The Miles and Wye Rivers could not have a better environmental advocate than Elle Bassett. She is a longtime resident of the area with strong academic and professional backgrounds in environmental outreach. She is passionate and tireless. The residents of these watersheds are lucky to have her as Riverkeeper.”

In November 2017, MRC officially announced its merger with the Chester River Association and Sassafras River Association to form ShoreRivers, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to healthy waterways across the upper and middle Eastern Shore. Learn more at shorerivers.org. For more information or to become involved with ShoreRivers, contact Elle Bassett at 443.385.0511 or ebassett@shorerivers.org.