NAME & PROFESSION: Matt Perry, President and co-owner Riverside Outfitters.
JAMES RIVER ORGANIZATIONS: Friends of the James River Park, James River Outdoor Coalition, James River Association.
WHY YOU LOVE THE JAMES: It’s incredible, natural beauty that changes with the seasons. Diversity of recreation options. Nature dictates the character of the river — not men and dam release schedules. It’s a collective backyard for us all in a time when “apart” seems to be more prevalent than “together.”
HOW YOU HELP THE RIVER: Help people fall in love (or back in love) with it. Advocate publicly for its protection and conservation. Donate time and money to river-based causes. Clean up litter. Dislodge severe strainers. Ensure my kids understand its importance and magnificence. Keep it company every chance I get. Deeply appreciate it.
WHAT WOULD YOU IMPROVE OR CHANGE: Spread the love from two or three areas of high-density river use (Belle Isle, Pony Pasture, Huguenot Flatwater) to five or six areas of lower-density use (including better access and parking at Bosher’s Dam, Powhite or maybe the Pump House).
James River News Hub 
Three cheers for Matt and Riverside Outfitters! They generously support the river and make it a fun, safe place for visitors.
Thanks Matt and Riverside Outfitters, for making Richmond a great place to live and visit. If you haven’t taken a raft trip here yet, what are you waiting for?
Maureen, Friends of James River Park