“Taking Classrooms to the River” “Taking Classrooms to the River”
Mission Statement
RiverTrek is a non-profit educational organization whose primary mission is to show rural students and the public that our inland waterways are a significant component of our local, regional and national infrastructure as well as the historical record. On one hour riverboat cruises, RiverTrek demonstrates that sustainable management of this resource is vital to the health of the Inland Waterway Transportation System and the Public Beneficiary.
Introduction
We would like for your company to consider supporting RiverTrek. The organization has a six year history of hosting students and citizens of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. Additionally, RiverTrek has provided educational and transportation services to Public and Private Institutions. RiverTrek is in its second phase of becoming a vital presence on the Inland Waterways. The project has raised over $500,000 and has earned over $400,000. The involvement of insightful contributors is needed if RiverTrek is to complete its development as a River Institution and a memorable educational program.
Background / Need
Since its inception in 1998 several elements have been completed.
*Three RiverTrek programs between 1998 and 2001 demonstrated a need for and the feasibility of a traveling program.
* Established an Internet presence.
* Began year round operation in Sept. 2002 annually covering over 4000 miles of waterways.
* Received final 501(c)(3) status from I.R.S as a non-profit public educational charity.
* Introduced over 60,000 students and public to the importance of the Inland Waterway Transportation System.
As we begin the application stage for public and private grants, it is imperative that we raise matching funds. With matching funds the chances of being awarded grants will significantly increase. RiverTrek is proceeding with program expansion to enable greater number of passengers carried, online curriculums and resources, and increased community services. At this point of development our needs are two fold:
Operations Office: P.O. Box 4522, Chattanooga, TN37405 O. 423-265-4522 F. 423-265-7316
Administration Office: 720 Teri Leigh Cove, Humboldt, TN38343 O. 731-784-4632 F. 731-784-8355
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The Vessel - Pictures are available at www.rivertrek.org.
The Chattanooga Star riverboat, an authentic side paddle wheeler, is 65' long, 24' wide and is U.S.C.G. licensed for 145 passengers. The main deck is fully enclosed and climate controlled. The upper deck is partially covered by a canopy offering light weather protection. The boat is equipped with two restrooms, and is handicap accessible with assistance. The forward cabin houses displays relating to river history, modern transportation, and sustainable resource management. The forward and stern cabins provide panoramic views with seating for sixty. The second deck has 360° viewing and seating for sixty-five.
Usage
RiverTrek offers low cost school tours and public cruises in rural areas in six watersheds. The riverboat experience connects the public to the entire Inland Waterway System. The vessel has become a familiar sight in dozens of river communities. Additionally transportation services have been provided to colleges, universities, industry, media, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Propeller Club.
Development
The website needs to expand to include grade level interactive resources and teacher resources with curriculums, lesson plans, classroom experiments and printable materials.
The onboard displays need to be updated and versatile for regional information and current events.
The vessel needs modification to meet the unique operational requirements of RiverTrek.
Administrative organization needs expansion to meet sustainable objectives.
Budget
RiverTrek will require an investment of $1.275 million to complete Phase 2. To reach realization of this total, less than half, but over $500,000 needs to be raised for the project from individuals, businesses and the river industry.
Conclusion / Funding Request
The RiverTrek project meets a needs/resources model for non-profit organizations. It features inter-organizational cooperation, public/private participation and a commitment to full utilization of RiverTrek resources. It offers clear benefits to those interested in local, regional and national waterways education and management. Having demonstrated the feasibility of the project, RiverTrek now seeks the funds to ensure the project’s success. We respectfully request that you consider a contribution or corporate sponsorship to help RiverTrek “Take Classrooms to the River”.
Thank you for your time. Please visit our website at www.rivertrek.org. Should you have any questions or would like additional information please contact: Captain Mike Hosemann or Captain Pete Hosemann.
captmike@rivertrek.org Cell: 423.653.3557 captpete@rivertrek.org Cell 423.653.3558
Operations Office: 423-265-4522
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Education and Community Services
RiverTrek has ongoing programs and/or relations with:
The RiverHeritageMuseum, Paducah, KY
LandmarkPark, Dothan, AL
Oxbow Meadows Environmental LearningCenter, Columbus, GA
Columbus Historical Society, Columbus, MS
Ohio River Run – Participants include:
ThomasMoreCollege
University of Cincinnati
University of Northern Kentucky
Marshall University
The Rivers Institute at Hanover College
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Propeller Club
Tall Stacks, Cincinnati, OH
Convention and Visitor Bureaus in dozens of communities
Educational Cruises
On one hour cruises in each local area the Captain points out resources and services such as local terminals, support industries, inflows and outfalls, the benefits of limited dredging, how jobs are created and maintained, careers and opportunities related to the waterways, all while presenting the principles of sustainable resource management. RiverTrek demonstrates that Economics and Ecology can be mutually beneficial.
The RiverTrek program offers transit cruises to the public between many of its ports-of-call and Lock cruises, where possible. This is a unique educational opportunity for area citizens.
Students and the public are encouraged to ask questions, examine onboard displays and visit the RiverTrekwebsite.
Community Programs and Services
RiverTrek participates with the 981 mile scientific research Ohio River Run. The vessel is used as a traveling platform providing living space for 14 researchers, space for temporary laboratory set-up and towing ability for a smaller research boat.
In June 05, MarshallUniversity conducted marine science classes and research onboard.
RiverTrek is currently in discussions to contribute to the development of similar programs on the A.C.F. and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterways.
RiverTrek has provided the means for groups such as the U.S. Propeller Club and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offer informative tours for Legislators and policy-makers of locks and waterway related projects.
RiverTrek offers the Captains for Speaking engagements and programs.
Water quality testing equipment (a $7000 donation by YSI, Yellow Springs, OH) is being installed on the vessel. This will provide for unprecedented continuous data collection throughout the scope of RiverTrek travels. The results will be posted on the internet for public and private usage including university research.
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RiverTrek Frequently Receives Prominent Media Attention
Pittsburgh Tribune Review 
The Cincinnati Post 
The Dothan Eagle
ColumbusLedger-Enquirer, GA EvansvilleCourier & Press
Delta Democrat Times -- Greenville, MS
And dozens of local television stations from Pennsylvania to Florida.
Please visit our website, www.rivertrek.org to see a selection of online media coverage.
