All of us will look back on 2020 with a mixture of grief and gratitude. Grief over the unthinkable number of people who lost their lives, livelihoods and health to the COVID-19 pandemic. And gratitude to all of those who stepped up in the face of historic challenges to care for the sick, provide needed frontline services, confront longstanding injustices and racism, strengthen our communities and speak unreservedly for the values that connect us.
Through it all, rivers have been essential lifelines, providing the clean water we all need to survive, to wash our hands, to heal. So, when we reflect on this year, we are proud that American Rivers fought boldly for healthy rivers and clean water — everywhere, for everyone.
American Rivers made enormous leaps in 2020. We launched a new five-year strategic plan that places equity and justice front and center. We reconfirmed our commitment to exponentially freeing more rivers across the country from dams and harmful development. And we stood steadfast in defense of bedrock environmental laws — and the benefits they provide to people, wildlife and rivers.
Through your own uncertainty and hardship, you stood by us, recognizing that this work goes beyond saving a hometown river or restoring a mountain meadow. You embraced an enduring vision for our collective future. Thank you for your confidence and loyalty.
Healthy rivers and clean water — everywhere, for everyone.
These eight simple words are a mantra that guides everything American Rivers achieves and will undertake in the future. While these are unsettled times, with your support, we remain unwavering in our determination to fight for healthy rivers and clean water everywhere, for everyone.
For the rivers,