Little Miami Conservancy
The Little Miami Conservancy is a not-for-profit dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Little Miami River. The conservancy helps settle easements, owns and protects riverfront nature preserves, and provides a balanced approach to economic development and land management.
Our partnership with the Little Miami Conservancy started in RRT’s early years. Since 2011, we have made an effort to use whatever resources we can to support and promote the LMC. We have worked together to share booth space at sport shows, donated to fundraising efforts, had presentations and exhibits in-store to promote a clean and healthy river, and in 2014 we worked with the LMC and Loveland Canoe and Kayak to create and print river maps for the Little Miami River. In 2017 we worked with the conservancy to start a co-sponsored fundraising ad campaign on WVXU radio, increasing the donor base LMC has.
In 2012 and 2013, we worked in joining forces and adding to the conservancy clean river sweep efforts. By 2014, we were ready to host and organize our own efforts. Together with 50 West Canoe and Kayak and River Dogs Paddlesports, we have organized 3-5 events per year to remove trash and debris from the river, spearheaded and led by RRT owner Bryan. Although the river is clean and healthy, because of its often-flooding tributaries this will be a continuing effort and one that RRT is committed to. In the fall of 2016, we hosted the first in-store fundraiser event for the Conservancy with support from brands like Kuhl. “Kuhl Pints” has now raised over $6,500. In this same time frame, RRT worked with their partner Patagonia to secure $21,000 of grants on behalf of the Little Miami Conservancy. These grants will be used for future dam removal, water testing, and further restoring our beautiful river.
Because of our partnership and efforts we have now been the guests of honor and given an “Award of Appreciation” at their yearly dinner in both 2015 and 2016. RRT Owner Emily was voted onto the executive board of the Conservancy in the Spring of 2017. One of her earliest projects was the adoption of a members perks program, providing discounts for LMC membership to outdoor stores like RRT along with canoe and kayak rental businesses along the Little Miami. If you live near or enjoy recreational use of this river, we urge you to contribute to the cause any way that you can, be it donation of time or money. Contact RRT for the next clean-up date or visit the link below to find more information about the conservancy or to make a donation.
