Terry Backer during his time as Long Island Soundkeeper
Above Photo: St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman, Waterkeeper Alliance CEO Marc Yaggi and fellow 2024 Terry Backer Award winner Tofazzal Sohel, Bangladesh’s Khowai River Waterkeeper
At the 2024 Waterkeeper Alliance Water and Climate Global Conference, our own Lisa Rinaman was honored by receiving the Terry Backer Award.
Terry Backer, the first Long Island Soundkeeper, was – and remains – one of our movement’s most iconic activists: dedicated, spirited, determined, charismatic, and effective. But most importantly, he was loved.
In celebration of our collective efforts towards drinkable, fishable and swimmable waters worldwide, the Terry Backer Award commemorates Terry’s legacy and honors fellow Waterkeepers who embody his spirit and dedication to protecting the environment.
Lisa Rinaman at the Waterkeeper Alliance Conference
This recognition is shared with our entire St. Johns Riverkeeper family of dedicated, passionate and generous professionals, members and volunteers.
Thank you to Jen Lomberk the tenacious Matanzas Riverkeeper and fearless Waterkeepers Florida Chair for nominating Lisa and for generously sharing her talents with us all.
Here’s to all our Waterkeepers around the world fighting tirelessly for the water we love.
Terry’s legacy continues to inspire us all and fuels our fight for clean water.