Future of Spokane River topic of January Spokane City Forum

Living in a city with a river running through it often poses issues that create a seemingly perpetual juggling act. Front and center are elected officials, citizens and environmentalists, throwing and catching balls, with no firm answer on how to balance use of the river, development and protecting our natural resources. At this month’s Spokane City Forum, two people involved with the Spokane River will share their perspectives on how best to preserve it for future generations. Bart Mihailovich, Riverkeeper for the Spokane River, and Dick Denenny, former Spokane Valley City Council member, will present “Preserving Spokane’s Natural Treasure,” Wednesday, January 19, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Spokane. Konnie Clary, program manager for Spokane City Forum, said the the monthly Forum events have been designed to offer useful information for the whole community. “Our goal is to bring various people from all walks of life together, to find common ground and solutions to issues facing our city,” she said. “Our dynamic board is extremely diligent in their commitment to creating a more vibrant community through the sponsorships they bring in and the speakers they help secure.” Started in the 1990s as an outreach of First Presbyterian Church, Spokane City Forum is an independent nonprofit organization, with a staff of one and a board comprised of diverse professionals throughout the Spokane area. Past speakers have included local, regional and national professors, university presidents, doctors, authors, radio-show hosts, diplomats and more who have provided insight and thoughtful reflection on issues that directly impact the heart of Spokane and, in turn, the larger community and the world. Both of the January guests bring interesting backgrounds. Mihailovich’s insight comes from growing up in Butte, Mont., where he was ingrained with a deep appreciation for the natural resources around him through his family’s recreational habits and conservation ethics. In 2007, he and fellow Eastern Washington University student, Paul Dillon, started Down to Earth, an environmental news and perspectives blog, which eventually grew into the current Down to Earth NW site. Mihailovich and Dillon have also taken to the airwaves with their weekly Down to Earth radio show on KYRS. In August 2010, Mihailovich accepted the role of Spokane Riverkeeper, taking the reins from Rick Eichstaedt, Spokane River lawyer at the Center for Justice. Eichstaedt had pioneered the Riverkeeper presence in Spokane, upon CFJ’s acceptance into the International Waterkeeper Alliance, just a year prior. Now in his new post, Milhailovich’s focus is Spokane River clean up, pollution prevention and stream flow issues, although he continues to discuss all aspects of environmental awareness on his radio show and consult for DTE. Mihailovich also serves on planning committees for Earth Day Spokane and Spokane River Clean Up. Denenny, recently named the 2010 Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year by the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, has tirelessly worked for improvements to the city of Spokane Valley. In addition to his integral role in the new county wastewater treatment plant project, Denenny has served two terms on the City Council, and 7 years on the Spokane Transit Authority and Spokane Regional Health District boards where he was instrumental in the new valley public transportation routes and the valley sewer system respectively. He is also a 20-year Rotary Club member/board member and board member for both Spokane Valley Partners and the Inland NW Chapter of the Red Cross. Denenny is the owner of Richard H. Denenny and Co., an insurance brokerage and consulting firm, A short ballet performance by two local high school students, Anna Swenson and Seneca Montgomery, will precede the speakers.