This is a guest post by Adam Rissien, Director of Clean Water at the Ohio Environmental Council & OEC Action Fund.

I started working for Ohio Environmental Council in August, one week after the infamous water crisis that left more than 500,000 people in Southern Michigan and the Greater Toledo area without water for over two days. The water crisis was from a harmful algal bloom formation over the City’s water intake, which spiked the levels of a toxin, microcystin, making the water unsafe for consumption. At nearly every meeting I attended the water crisis was brought up, and that hasn’t changed even nine months later.

Last month I attended the Lake Erie Water Conference that had a full agenda of presentations from a variety of professionals in many different fields. Senator Randy Gardner was among those giving speeches throughout the day. Gardner spoke briefly about the water crisis and how the Senate was addressing this issue. Insight to Senate Bill 1 was shared, and Gardner hoped it would be passed by the House and Senate and be on its way to the Governor’s desk in a week.

Senate Bill 1 was indeed passed and signed into law by the Ohio Governor, John Kasich. The new law aims to reduce Phosphorus pollution entering the Western Lake Erie Basin through the Maumee River and other tributaries. Emphasis on agricultural issues in the Western Lake Erie Basin contributing to the harmful algal bloom formations was addressed in this legislature. Sec. 1511.10 prohibits anyone in the Western Lake Erie basin to apply manure on snow-covered or frozen ground, when the top two inches of soil are saturated from precipitation, or when the local forecast for the area has a greater than 50% chance of precipitation exceeding a half inch in a 24 hour period. The legislature also addresses open lake dumping of dredge material in Lake Erie, with concerns of this also contributing to harmful algal blooms. The legislature prohibits the open lake disposal of dredge materials in Lake Erie by July 1, 2020.

The law will take effect on July 3, 2015.

Nearly 5 million people a year, from across the country and around the world, are drawn to the amazing expanse and wild nature of the Grand Canyon. Whether by viewing the incomprehensible beauty from along the rims, descending into the depths of the canyon on foot or atop a mule, or being one of the lucky souls to raft the Colorado River, the canyon speaks to so many people, in so many languages.

But aside from its inspiring views and humbling solitude, there is a trio of threats to the canyon, which spurred American Rivers to name the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon as America’s Most Endangered River in 2015. People across the country who identify with the canyon must understand that the canyon is facing the most severe threats since the Bridge and Marble Canyon dam projects were proposed (and later killed through forceful leadership and loud public outcry) in the 1970’s.

One of these threats may seem unexpected, as it is certainly outside the view of most visitors, but is of critical importance to the experience of enjoying the canyon, as well as the fragile life that lives within it. Between the canyon walls, among the world which author Kevin Fedarko likes to call “the world beneath the rims” lies a different kind of existence – the opposite of the grandeur and expanse that we know as the Grand Canyon, but an alternative one that is tucked into the canyon’s most precious, hidden retreats.

The seeps and springs and waterfalls of the inner Grand Canyon are critical, life sustaining sources of cool, clean water, for dozens of species of plants and animals that call these important places their home. But a potential plan that could include extraction of increasing amounts of groundwater from along the South Rim could dry up these inner-canyon oases permanently. The town of Tusayan, with its population hovering around 550 residents, is considering a dramatic expansion that could include the construction of over 2,000 new homes and over 3-million square feet of commercial space. This project could result in a substantial increase of new facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, a dude ranch, and a European-style spa – roughly the size of Minnesota’s Mall of America. And while that may not sound so bad, there is a critical question that remains unanswered…

Where will they get their water?

While no formal plan has yet to be released publicly about what the Italian development firm, Stilo Group, has in mind for the development’s new water supply, there have been rumblings that they are considering an increase of groundwater pumping, as well as an option to bring water in from afar by renovating an old coal-slurry line, or even to provide water to the town by train or semi-truck. If groundwater is on their mind, they should consider this – nearly two decades of hydrologic study has indicated that existing groundwater pumping at Tusayan is already having an impact on the natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park. Further pumping without a well-conceived, deliberate, and protective groundwater plan is a non-starter, and alternatives must be considered with the protection of groundwater within the park as the top priority.

Some of these treasures include Elves Chasm, Dripping Springs, and Havasu Falls – critical oasis within the canyon, and not just for people to play in or get a cool drink, but also supporting critical flora and fauna in some of the canyon’s harshest environments. These and other reasons are why we are concerned about the overall health of the canyon, and are inspiring the public to make their voice heard, and to encourage the Interior Department to lead efforts to protect the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River for all of us, for all time. By joining American Rivers, you will help us take action on these and other critical issues, while helping us continue to work every day for the permanent and comprehensive protection of our most iconic and cherished landscape. Your involvement is key to leaving this place as it is.

This video by Teresa Poulson with Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism highlights the deep connection the community has with the river, the challenges of balancing current uses and future growth with conservation and sustainability, and provides a snapshot of one town’s efforts to ensure that the river remains vibrant and flowing for generations to come.

American Rivers and the Hispanic Access Foundation are sparking a dialogue among tens of thousands of Latinos across the Colorado River basin, where one-third of the nation’s Latinos live and work, about the need for a healthy Colorado River.

Starting on Earth Day, April 22, congregations from Denver to Los Angeles began screening a Spanish-language version of the award-winning film, “I Am Red” as part of their discussions about protecting God’s creation, the importance of the Colorado River and its tributaries, and the need for conservation.

“The Colorado River connects us all, and when it comes to creating a better future for our communities we’re all in this together,” said Matt Rice, Colorado Basin Director for American Rivers.

“We must build a future that includes healthy rivers and state-of-the-art water conservation for cities and agriculture. By sharing the story of the Colorado River with communities across the Basin, we want to inspire a new generation of river stewards.”

In addition, the Hispanic Access Foundation in partnership with Por La Creación: Faith-based Alliance  will air the video at a conference of Latino faith leaders on May 23 in San Diego.Two hundred pastors are expected to participate, representing more than 3,000 youth from Western states. The video will also air at a June 13 event in Coachella, Calif. with 1,000 Latino youth expected to attend.

“The Colorado River is an integral part of our heritage and way of life, and by taking action now we can make strides in ensuring that future generation can continue to benefit from this tremendous resource,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “The Colorado River supports wildlife, tourism and our agricultural industry, but, demand on the river’s water now exceeds its supply, leaving the river so over-tapped that it dries up to a trickle before reaching the sea.”

American Rivers has named the Colorado River one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers for the past three years.  The river is threatened by outdated water management as well as harmful development projects and pollution in the Grand Canyon.

The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the southwest. Its water sustains over 35 million people and endangered fish and wildlife in seven states. The river drives a $1.4 trillion economy, according to a 2014 Arizona State University study. Dozens of rivers are part of the Colorado River system, including the Green River, Gila River, San Juan River, and the Gunnison River.  Over-allocation and drought have placed significant stress on water supplies and river health.

For more information in English visit www.AmericanRivers.org/Colorado in Spanish visit www.SoyRojo.org.

Today’s post is a guest blog by Susan Culp, our Verde River Coordinator.

I recently was lucky enough to join a U.S. Forest Service trip down the Verde River – a 3-day jaunt with staff from Prescott, Coconino and Tonto National Forest offices. The plan was to paddle from Beasley Flat to Childs River access point – a little over 17 river miles overall. I admit, as a paddling newbie, I looked forward to the trip with a mix of excitement and trepidation, but to my relief, I was not the only beginner, and we all knew that we would all be safe in the capable hands of the USFS river rangers.

As we organized our gear at Beasley Flat, Verde River Ranger Dexter Allen gave an overview of the trip, accompanied by river ranger colleagues Don Sullivan, Mike Roseman, and Brian. By the time we shoved off from Beasley Flat, the flows in the Verde River, which had been a bit higher earlier in the month due to some spring rain storms, had already tapered down to approximately . 2014 was a disappointing year for snowpack once again – extending a long series of years with low snowpack due to prolonged drought conditions and changes in precipitation patterns that we are seeing across the West.

Water levels will often change the nature of river hazards. Lower flows expose more rocks in the channel, making some rapids more difficult to navigate, while tempering others. On the first day, we navigated the safer routes along the Verde River, bypassing the Prefalls Rapid and, after lunch, lining our boats down the Verde Falls. Our first significant rapid – Off the Wall – was managed just fine by everyone. Apart from a few hang ups on rocks through Rock Garden Rapid, we were starting to get a better feel for the boats. We ended our first day at Palisades Rapid, and camped just below.

The next day was our longest on the river – and a big day for whitewater. We crashed through Bull Run, Punk Rock, Bushman, Big Pink and White Flash rapids – all without major mishap (although a few of us less experienced paddlers walked around some of the more dicey rapids). It was also a great day for sighting some of the rare raptor nesting sites, and observing a variety of changes on the landscape that . The canyons surrounding the Verde River provide quality nesting habitat for bald eagles, and Wild & Scenic protection of the Verde River corridor helps to sustain this vibrant population of these magnificent birds.

Our last day flew by, with just a few Class II riffles, and some sketchy meanders through trees, low hanging branches, and reeds. Before we knew it, we were arriving at Childs River access point, to unpack the boats and load up our gear. By the time we reached the end of our trip, flows had declined to about , due to the thirst of upstream communities. Inspite of the ongoing severe drought gripping Arizona and much of the Intermountain West, the journey was a testament to the Verde River’s resilience – and to the advocates who champion it – to keep it flowing for all those who enjoy and depend on the Verde River, well into the future.

A special thanks to the U.S. Forest Service staff and volunteers who participated in this trip, and otherwise made it all come together – Dexter Allen, Don Sullivan, Mike Roseman, Brian (whose last name I sadly can’t recall – sorry!), Jennifer Burns, Omero Torres, Albert Sillas, Julie Rowe, Janie Agyagos, and the USFS volunteers who drove us to the put in at Beasley and back from the take out at Childs. Thank you also to Chip Norton with Friends of the Verde River Greenway for his tips and guidance on the river.

Today’s post is a guest blog by Craig Colten. Craig is professor of geography at LSU, Director of Human Dimensions at the Water Institute of the Gulf, and author of Southern Waters: The Limits to Abundance.

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I was driving across eastern Virginia toward the Dismal Swamp a couple of years ago, and I spotted yet another great landscape irony. On the edge of one of the South’s former great wetlands, farmers were irrigating their fields. Artificial rain was falling on ground that had been the target of drainage plans since the colonial era. What may seem shocking in a place noted for having too much water is an increasingly common practice.

Eastern Virginia is not the only place were agriculturalist no longer have the patience to wait for natural rainfall. In southwest North Carolina, I’ve seen irrigation used in places with 80 inches of rainfall a year! Georgia and Mississippi farmers boosted irrigated acreage by over 45 percent between 1997 and 2012. In Tennessee and South Carolina, the totals leapt over 75 percent. The startling issue is that irrigation demands huge amounts of water and this is increasing competition for water across the region.

The American South has long stood in contrast to the West as a region with ample, if not an overabundance of water. The region’s history is replete with struggles to drain wetlands, fight off floods, and control diseases associated with watery environs. Recent droughts have revealed potential shortages and inspired farmers to install equipment to deliver water on demand. Climate change may exacerbate seasonal shortages.

At the same time that farmers are pumping water onto their fields the region’s cities are growing, creating new demands for water. As we watch California grapple with its water crisis, is it time to begin thinking about sensible water management practices in the South and even national-scale agricultural adjustments?

I think a promising arena of water management lies in the geographic adjustment of crops. In places like Louisiana, where massive sums of money are invested to drain sugar cane fields, are there other crops that need more water and would be better suited to the rich alluvial lands along the Mississippi? Are there crops that can be grown on the flanks of the Dismal Swamp that might not survive in southern California with more years of drought, but would thrive in eastern Virginia even without irrigation?

Water managers need to consider not just water availability, current uses, and how we might stretch the supply to meet future needs, but they need to imagine realignments of water uses to fit the local supplies as part of national demands.

Originally published on Chaco Blog.

We name them after colors: Red, Vermilion, Colorado. Green and White and Black. Bluestone and Yellowstone. We name them after weather: Hurricane, Wind. After size: Little, Rio Grande. After animals: Wolf, Bear, Salmon, Eagle. We call them by their currents: Roaring, Rapid, Rogue. Clearwater, Crescent, Crooked. Sandy, Salt, Sweetwater.

We call them veins, capillaries, arteries. We call them highways, ribbons, lifelines.

Some cultures call them Mother.

Depending on where you live, you might say brook or creek or run. You might say arroyo or stream or wash.

We all say River. They connect us. They run through us.

Our bodies are roughly 60 percent water. Newborn babies are 78 percent. Is it any wonder we are drawn to rivers, is it any wonder we want to return to them again and again?

What do you love about rivers?

Is it the escape into river time when you step into your sandals or grip the oars? Is it the intoxicating smell of sage and red rock in the hot sun? Is it the exhilaration of the rapids or floating in quiet water just gazing up at the sky? Do you love the canyon wrens and kingfishers and ravens smart enough to open your dry bag clips? Is it the red vine maples on the Elwha, the mountain laurel on the Youghiogheny, or maybe feasting from the old cherry tree on the Salmon? Is it rope swings or fly rods or super soakers or skipping stones?

Which river has your heart? Is it a wild one like the Selway? A desert river like the Yampa, or a lush river like the Sol Duc or Congaree? Maybe it’s a river right out your back door like the Charles, the Potomac, the Willamette?

We have a million reasons to love rivers and we know you do, too. This Earth Day, write a love letter to your river. Because sharing the love is one of the best ways to make sure it will keep running and flowing and loving you back.

#WeAreRivers

As I concluded my second week on staff at American Rivers, floating down the upper Flint River in a kayak with Joe Cook, the Coosa Riverkeeper, I couldn’t help but reflect on the meandering path that brought me here. It was almost exactly 10 years ago that I took my first paddling trip, long before I even considered the possibility of becoming a ‘water guy’. Most of the time, we don’t recognize the events that define us until long after they’ve past. As I set out to get acquainted with the river I’ll be working to restore and protect, I couldn’t help but conjure feelings of a blind date.  Would it be love at first sight?

Being new to American Rivers, and to Georgia, I’ve found myself with a lot to learn. I’ve already spent countless hours reading everything I can about the Flint River and water management in Metro Atlanta. Beyond that, I’ve spent years learning about the state of water around the world through work and study. Now it’s time to take everything I know, combine it with who I am, and turn it into some kind of momentum that will evoke positive change for people and the rivers.

In two weeks, not only have I been adopted by a family of inspired, passionate, motivated, and fun people, I’ve also been responsible for creating highly relevant and useful products. I provided advice to seven municipalities on how to restructure their codes and ordinances to ‘unpave’ the way for green infrastructure (turns out blowing up parking lots isn’t a thing yet, but we’re working on it). I’m also working up material on maximizing water efficiency efforts before building new dams and reservoirs. I’ve attended conferences and working group meetings, met amazing people, read so many fascinating reports (seriously), and above all else, I’m a part of integrated water management in action. Could a water guy ask for more?

I was fortunate to float the high waters of spring on the Flint; I saw the river overflowing its banks and gurgling through the often intact and healthy floodplain. Deer, beavers, turtles, fish, birds, budding flowers, massive trees, and (perhaps most importantly) rope swings were everywhere. It’s hard to imagine such a beautiful place Running Dry, but Atlanta is thirsty, the earth is increasingly impermeable, crops need water, and droughts happen. Most of us have emotional connections to the rivers and streams with which we’ve grown up. Mine are mostly in North Carolina: the French Broad, the Haw, the Big Ivy, and the Neuse to name a few. So, the question remains. After finally meeting the Flint River, was it love at first sight? We still have a lot to learn about each other, but we’re off to a great start, and I can’t wait to spend more time with her.

In 2015, we will complete five meadow restoration projects with our partners in five watersheds. This on-the-ground work is part of our conservation strategy that uses pilot projects to build momentum, galvanize partnerships, demonstrate early successes, and ultimately create a fertile framework to accelerate restoration. We have seen time and again how projects can be used to build the technical and collaborative capacity needed to get more done.

We have worked on meadow restoration with seven out of the 10 National Forests in the Sierra and seen exponential growth as a result of building capacity with pilot projects. For example, in the Walker River watershed, one pilot project and the formation of an associated Walker working group has led to five more projects under development. And in the Mokelumne Watershed one project has led to two more that are being pursued by the project team and other collaborators.

The increased capacity for meadow restoration is in high demand. The California drought and Proposition 1 have increased attention on multi-benefit water storage projects in headwaters regions and in floodplains, and the Governor’s Water Action Plan calls for 10,000 acres of meadows to be restored within five years. However, the early phases of a project, including project identification, design and permitting, currently act as a bottleneck to project development due to a lack of experience and expertise. As a result, funding for construction is outpacing the supply of projects, and there are virtually no shovel-ready meadow restoration projects to invest in. This is where AR has played a key role in the 5 projects pictured. During the early stages of projects, AR leads partners in developing a list of priority meadows and supplies appropriate funding and expertise to launch a first effort off the ground. Successes in fundraising, monitoring, and implementation establish a core group of partners and the second and third efforts are always easier.

This summer we will also partner with the US Forest Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to develop a meadow restoration training and mentoring program for USFS and other agency staff.  We will gather lessons learned into a handbook, enable practitioners to gain on-the-ground experience and team them with a mentor for future project implementation. Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job and to use the relationships we have built to launch us into other headwaters issues, and we’ve made great progress toward this goal. The agencies have begun to set strong meadow restoration targets, we have helped develop robust funding streams to support meadow restoration, and we anticipate the training program will build the capacity of land managers and local conservation groups to partner and satisfy the growing call for meadow restoration.

Recently, Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature announced a $1.1 billion drought relief plan for California. But the $660 million allocated for flood management had many observers scratching their heads. We believe that this money could actually enhance water supply, but only if we rethink the flood system.

The governor is absolutely right to be thinking ahead about floods. The epic 10-year Australian drought ended with the two biggest flood years on record. Climate-change predictions of more frequent “pineapple express” storms underscore this threat to California.

But what does this have to do with drought?

Nothing, if the $660 million is spent on traditional flood control projects to harden riverbanks with rock and raise levees. These 19th century-inspired projects are not only bad for the environment, but in too many cases they actually increase flood risk and degrade water quality by encouraging development in floodplains. They also starve salmon and other fish that once grew big on the river’s natural floodplain. It’s no wonder that some of these fish are hovering on the brink of extinction.

California’s flood management system was conceived more than 150 years ago for a very different state and climate. The levees were originally located close to the riverbank to flush Gold Rush mining debris out of clogged channels and to ease the way for riverboats. Now, we are forced to manage Central Valley water resources within the constraints of more than 1,000 miles of aging, poorly engineered levees designed for antiquated purposes.

With the governor’s leadership, however, California is now poised to invest in a new kind of flood management that will protect public safety, prepare the state for future droughts, restore salmon runs and even provide new opportunities for public recreation.

The key concept is “multi-benefit flood management projects.” A typical one would set a levee back from the river’s edge, or widen a bypass to allow high water to spread out on the adjacent floodplain.

Perhaps the best local examples are proposals to expand the Yolo and Sacramento bypasses and to set back levees along the Sacramento River in West Sacramento. Both projects expand areas that can be safely flooded while creating critically needed habitat and recreational opportunities. We know of many other similar “shovel-ready” projects.

This approach is clearly good for flood protection because it steers dangerous waters away from cities and relieves the pressure on aging levees. It’s also good for salmon and waterfowl.

It also increases the water supply. Widening floodplains increases floodwater retention and replenishes underground aquifers, particularly important in the San Joaquin Valley where groundwater levels are plummeting. Capturing floodwater during wet years to recharge depleted aquifers, as nature once did, is one of the best tools we have to ensure adequate groundwater reserves during droughts.

Expanding floodplains also allows more water storage in our reservoirs. Now, flood managers must keep a portion of our extensive reservoir system empty to capture storm flows. In late 2012, only months before the driest calendar year on record, managers were forced to release hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water to maintain a “flood reservation” behind large dams. More downstream floodplains would allow dam operators to retain more water behind the dams, resulting in more water for our use.

Certainly, some levee work is still needed to protect vulnerable urban areas, such as finishing the levees ringing Natomas and improving levees adjoining Land Park and the Pocket. But the old levee system is inefficient and outdated.

We need to modernize our infrastructure and our thinking. One very good way is by investing bond money in multi-benefit flood projects that create more water supplies and habitat while improving flood safety.

Guest post by Roger Clark 

Being named America’s Most Endangered River is a dubious honor. First place in rivers under siege is the last place we want the mighty waters that cut Grand Canyon to be. So when American Rivers asked Grand Canyon Trust to be its local partner in designating Grand Canyon’s reach of the Colorado River the Most Endangered River in America, we jumped at the chance to spotlight the clear and present dangers to the canyon’s precious waters and what we’re doing to stop them.

Among the most serious threats to Grand Canyon’s waterways are uranium mines and commercial developments.

Uranium Mining

Uranium mining started along Grand Canyon tributaries in the 1950s. Dozens of mines were opened and closed within the Kanab Creek watershed, and seepage from Orphan Mine on the South Rim has been polluting Horn Creek for more than two decades.The National Park Service advises hikers not to drink even filtered water from these two creeks and several others where harmful levels of radionuclides are being measured.

In 2010, water samples taken by the U.S. Geological Survey identified more contaminated sites “related to mining processes.” They found 15 springs and five wells that contained dissolved uranium concentrations in excess of the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for safe drinking water.

In 2012, the Secretary of the Interior issued a 20-year ban on new uranium claims on one-million acres of public lands adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park. His decision was the direct result of a multi-year campaign by Havasupai leaders, conservationists, and a coalition including water districts, ranchers, Arizona’s state wildlife agency, sportsmen, business leaders, and elected officials.

However, four preexisting uranium mines continue to pollute water within the withdrawal area. Records show, for example, that highly contaminated groundwater (80 times the limit set to protect public health and the environment) is being pumped from Pinenut uranium mine immediately north of Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Trust and allies are pressuring agencies to require aquifer monitoring and other compliance measures to reduce risks of pollution from uranium mines that continue to operate.

Commercial Developments

In 2010, Scottsdale developers unveiled plans to build a billion dollar tourist resort on the east rim of the Grand Canyon, with a tramway to carry up to 10,000 visitors a day down to the confluence where the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers meet. The “Grand Canyon Escalade” and its associated access road and infrastructure would be built on land controlled by the Navajo Nation. Dozens of Navajo citizens who hold grazing leases within the proposed resort’s 420 acres footprint oppose the project. In 2012, this core group invited Grand Canyon Trust to become part of its Save the Confluence coalition and to join their fight to stop Escalade.

Ten thousand tram-riders a day will demand a highly effective sewage system. In addition to a 4,000 sq. ft. “restroom facility,” Escalade promoters plan to build food and beverage, retail, and other structures at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, just upriver from the Colorado’s confluence with the Little Colorado River. And yet Escalade’s proposed “master agreement” with the Navajo Nation does not include any sewage treatment facilities down by the rivers that host the last breeding area for the endangered humpback chub.

Escalade investors have spent several million dollars to convince the Navajo Nation’s president and 24-member council to approve the secretly negotiated master agreement and developer-written legislation. With support from the Navajo president, promoters predicted full approval by the Navajo Council by the end of 2014. But, due to strong opposition by local Navajo residents and the Save the Confluence coalition, they have failed to find a single sponsor to introduce supporting legislation.

While approval of Escalade is working its way through the Navajo legislative process, Save the Confluence is prepared to block any final approval. More than 30 families intend to file an injunction against the bill’s land transfer without their permission, as required under Navajo law. Hopi leaders, who voted unanimously against Escalade when it was first proposed, are poised to enforce an inter-tribal compact which prohibits development at the confluence without consent of both tribes. And the National Park Service stands ready to challenge the tram’s intrusion into its jurisdiction.

Grand Canyon Trust is pleased to join American Rivers in calling upon all citizens to fight against assaults on Grand Canyon’s sacred waters. The Most Endangered River announcement is a timely reminder that the entire Grand Canyon needs our enduring support to protect.

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Roger Clark is the Director of the Grand Canyon program for the Flagstaff-based organization, Grand Canyon Trust.

It is such a thrill to complete a project! Especially a two and half year collaborative, planning project that involves several organizations, governments and individuals who have spent hundreds of hours in meetings, on field tours and site assessments, and researching and writing detailed information.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Upper Nooksack River Recreation Plan has been finalized and was released to the public today. This new, comprehensive plan will help guide the management of recreation and natural resources along the upper Nooksack River system in Washington state. The plan recognizes and supports the economic and health benefits of recreation, along with protection and restoration of the natural and cultural values of the upper river basin.

Nearly 600 individuals and organizations, including landowners, businesses, paddlers, anglers, hikers, skiers, and equestrians contributed to the Upper Nooksack River Recreation Plan’s development over the past two years, leading to the formulation of over 80 management recommendations. These recommendations are focused on the river corridors of the Nooksack’s North, Middle, and South forks and several tributary streams. Recommendations include improving access to the river, enhancing education and stewardship, maintaining roads and trailheads, and protecting the outstanding values of the river.

The Nooksack River is the lifeblood for local communities that rely on the river for clean water for drinking and agriculture, and for tourism income from visitors drawn to the river’s world class whitewater boating, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and other recreation opportunities. Outdoor recreation opportunities are important to quality of life as well as economic growth in Washington’s Whatcom and Skagit counties and across the state. For example, outdoor recreation trips and equipment contribute $21.6 billion annually to Washington’s economy, $8 billion of which is spent on activities around water, including fishing, boating, swimming and diving.

The recreation plan was developed through a collaborative planning process led by an advisory committee comprised of representatives from American Rivers, American Whitewater, Hydropower Reform Coalition, Mount Baker Club, National Park Service, Nooksack Tribe, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, the United States Forest Service – Mt. Baker Ranger District, Whatcom Chapter of Back Country Horseman of Washington, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department, Whatcom Events (Ski to Sea Race), the Whatcom Land Trust, and Wild and Scenic River Tours. Planning assistance was provided by the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.

For more information about the recreation plan or to get involved, please contact me at wmcdermott(at)americanrivers(dot)org.