The Susquehanna river, one of the oldest existing waterways in the world and a life blood of the Mid Atlantic region, continues to face modern threats. Pollution and politics have long plagued the river. Runoff from encroaching farmlands and a proposed $2.5 billion hydroelectric dam pose risks to the river’s conservation as well as the wellbeing and livelihood of local communities.

The river delivers half of the Chesapeake Bay’s freshwater which ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean. As of today, it also contributes to 40% of the Chesapeake Bay’s nitrogen pollution and 20% of its phosphorus pollution. Mining near the river has also resulted in over 12,000 lbs of toxic metals released into the Bay every day. The river is also an economic lifeline for the surrounding communities, and a source of recreation.

The Susquehanna has been a quiet presence in my life since I was a child. Every time I’ve traveled between Washington D.C. and Philadelphia along one of its viaducts 100 feet above rocky, non-navigable waters, I’ve been struck by the river’s silent splendor; its vastness matched by its constantly changing visual landscape. It’s ironic that some of its most polluted sections today are from the runoff from farmland close to where I live.

My plan is to create a multimedia project that combines portraiture of those who are connected to the river along its 444 miles, and landscape photography and audio recordings from the banks and the waters. I will incorporate historical maps and archival photography to convey how farmland and mining have encroached on the river and caused environmental damage. Through visual storytelling, I will showcase community members, activists and scientists who are dedicated to improving the fate of this waterway. This includes activists fighting against the dam, which according to a local congressman will “uproot families via eminent domain, flood prime farmland, and damage the natural beauty of the landscape.”

My goal is to show that these environmental and political issues, while specific to the Susquehanna river basin, are mirrored by and connected with other ecosystems in the region, ultimately affecting millions of people across multiple states. At the same time, I hope to highlight that environmental conservation and activism efforts of any size in any of its regions can improve the health of the river overall as well as the wellbeing of neighboring communities.

I will seek funding over the next year and plan to work with local organizations such as River Stewards and Susquehanna National Heritage Area to organize a public multimedia exhibition about the river, its future, and the role of community activism in protecting it. As part of the exhibition, there will be a panel discussion that focuses on community members’ cultural and environmental connection to the river, as well as ways for audience members to get involved in conservation efforts. I will also produce zines to be mailed for free to anyone who wishes to learn more about the river.

As a photojournalist who has documented environmental issues such as forever chemicals in water, waste incinerators’ environmental and health effects, and oyster replanting efforts, I have a strong sense of how to portray those affected by and devoted to solving major environmental issues. I have extensive experience effectively pitching stories and fundraising, and I am confident I can secure funding for this project and provide ongoing project reporting. I previously managed international projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Mastercard Foundation, and the World Bank.

Amid the intensity of pollution, the current hydraulic dam politics, and the effects of both on local communities, the Susquehanna deserves a much closer look.

Please contact Caroline directly if you are interested in sharing this story - contact@carolinegutman.com

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