Communities Continue to Fight to Protect America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024
Our collective fight for justice is ongoing and long from over, but with the strength and leadership of community, change is possible. This drives my work. And this is the foundation of thought for America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024 emphasizes urgent threats to clean water across the nation. By amplifying the work of Tribal Nations, local river advocates, and community leaders – who continue to stand at the forefront of the fight for clean water – this report galvanizes public action to stand with communities in protecting our nation’s rivers and all the life they support.
As we continue to advocate for water justice, it’s critical to celebrate the wins, and the frontline communities that make them happen.
Several weeks ago, my colleague and I had the immense honor of joining our Tijuana River partners, Surfrider and Un Mar de Colores, at the Unite to Heal our Coast rally in Imperial Beach, California. The rally allowed folks to gather, connect, strengthen community, and have their voices heard. Above all, it celebrated the people who continue to fight for justice for the Tijuana River – one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2024.
Our time spent in Imperial Beach left me feeling deep heartache and anger for the communities most impacted by decades-long environmental injustices. Yet, it also inspired me. The resiliency of the community and steadfast frontline leaders – all fighting for the waters and the people – left me re-ignited with hope and reminded of why we do the work we do.
Further north in California, the Yurok and Hoopa Valley Tribes have been defenders of the Trinity River for generations. Their advocacy impacts are immense, from the river to the courtroom, and their leadership has been critical to the river’s survival. The Hoopa Valley Tribe recently filed an intent to sue the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Fish and Wildlife. Their violations against the Endangered Species Act through unlawful, ongoing operations of the Trinity River Hatchery put Indigenous livelihoods at risk. As the fight for Tribal rights and water justice carries on, we continue our support.
In Alaska, the Kobuk River may be among the most action-packed listings of 2024. The river gained major wins from the Biden Administration early on, eventually leading to the Department of the Interior’s decision to block permits for the construction of Ambler Road. Though celebrations were short-lived – after Sen. Dan Sullivan hastily added a new amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that puts the Kobuk back at risk – partners refuse to give up.
In the wake of the Most Endangered Rivers release, many decision-makers have also stepped up to heed the calls for action and address community concerns.
Just recently, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took a major stride toward water justice by signing an Executive Order to establish the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership. We applaud Governor Lee for this critical step in protecting the Duck – a national treasure of immense economic and biological value. And we celebrate Harpeth Conservancy and other local partners for their ongoing advocacy for the river, all of which make initiatives like this possible.
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In Connecticut, representatives from Stanley Black and Decker have met with local organizations and American Rivers to discuss concerns and solutions for the Rainbow Dam on the Farmington River.
Officials in Arizona have taken major strides to protect the Santa Cruz River through support of the creation of the Urban National Wildlife Refuge. So far, Sonoran Institute and other leading local advocates have gained resolutions of support from the Tohono O’odham Nation, the City of Tucson, Pima County, Santa Cruz County, and more. The local coalition’s efforts emphasize the power of collaboration and community solidarity – for the benefit of people and nature.
Furthermore, Rivers of New Mexico – ranked #1 due to a Supreme Court ruling that stripped federal protections of virtually all the state’s streams and wetlands – illustrates exemplary community and municipal collaboration. Tribal Nations, frontline communities, local organizations, and local and state municipalities have worked diligently to address the major gap in water protections across the state. New Mexico’s progress serves as an example in effectively supporting communities through state-wide clean water protections advocacy.
We know that Life Depends on Rivers℠ and there are direct correlations between the health of rivers and the health of people. The Tijuana River is perhaps one of the most glaring examples of this, as the ongoing pollution crisis continues to wreak significant harm to the health and wellness of residents on both sides of the border. Though the river’s designation on the list of Most Endangered Rivers has garnered increased binational attention and interest from federal decision makers, mere attention is not enough. We urge elected officials to take the necessary actions to fund and streamline construction of critical infrastructure solutions needed to protect the river and coastal communities, including a state of emergency declaration.
Vincent Fernandez, an acequia mayordomo and community leader in New Mexico stated, “Without this river, we would not be able to survive.” This is a reality shared by communities across the nation.
When rivers are hurt, people and the planet are hurt. But we know that we are stronger together. We thank our partners, river advocates, and Indigenous communities who continue to stand at the frontlines of the fight for environmental justice. Without you all, there is no movement, but in community, there is hope for change.
We hope you will support American Rivers and our partners by taking action for the rivers that they, and we all, rely on.
America's Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024
Learn more about the Most Endangered Rivers of 2024