Contact: Hawk Hammer, 630-272-3233
American Rivers announced today that Vickie Barrow-Klein is joining the organization as its new Chief Financial Officer. Barrow-Klein has more than two decades of experience in leadership positions at non-profit and for-profit organizations.
“American Rivers is increasing our reach and impact to meet the need for healthy rivers and clean water across the country. We are thrilled to welcome Vickie and I look forward to working with her to ensure American Rivers is in the strongest possible position to achieve our ambitious conservation goals,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers.
Barrow-Klein comes to American Rivers from Planned Parenthood, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President of Finance & Operations, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Management Sciences for Health, Inc, and also served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Rivers are essential to life. They influence our health, economies, and well-being in so many ways,” said Barrow-Klein. “I am excited to have the opportunity to help American Rivers advance its mission to ensure rivers everywhere are clean and healthy, supporting abundant wildlife and thriving communities.”
The CFO search was led by Calibrated Search, LLC.
Barrow-Klein will start at American Rivers on January 27. She will be based in the Washington, DC headquarters.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
Press Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
Washington D.C.- To begin his second administration, President Trump signed a large number of executive orders implementing policies focused on climate and energy. While divergent in their purposes, all of these climate and energy executive orders have one thing in common – they will impact the health of our rivers and our drinking water.
“Everything flows downhill and into a river or stream that someone drinks from. Our water sources will be the ultimate recipients of the impacts of these policies, so it is vitally important that we care about their consequences,” said Tom Kiernan president and CEO of American Rivers. “Clean water is vital to our economic growth, national security, energy dominance, and our health. We cannot regress back to the days when polluters were allowed to devastate communities and our environment.”
“There is nothing more common sense than providing access to clean drinking water for all Americans, no matter who they are or where they live,” said Kiernan. “We look forward to working with the Trump administration and elected leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to achieve the President’s goal of having the “cleanest water in the world”.
Learn more about our plans to defend water security.
Learn more about how these Executive Orders affect rivers.
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
Statement of American Rivers President and CEO Tom Kiernan
Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers issued the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter:
“Jimmy Carter was one of our nation’s great river heroes. He had a personal love of rivers and was an avid angler and paddler. His dedication to river conservation leaves a legacy of healthy, free-flowing rivers that will benefit our nation for generations to come.”
“As Governor of Georgia, Carter was instrumental in protecting the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers. As President, he played a key role in strengthening the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and securing federal protection for the Chattooga. Carter also ensured a legacy of healthy, free-flowing rivers by vetoing construction of unnecessary, destructive dams across the country.”
“One of the best ways we can honor his legacy is to recommit ourselves to the protection of rivers nationwide, so that they may continue to support an abundance of life.”
Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
Washington D.C., – American Rivers applauds the inclusion of $110 billion for disaster relief and recovery in the 118th Congress’ final government funding bill. Signed by President Biden, the investment will help communities impacted by river flooding during hurricanes Helene and Milton and other extreme weather events across the country, while keeping the government funded until March.
“We are pleased that this funding was passed with the support of both parties and that help is now on its way to river communities working hard to find their footing in the aftermath of horrific flooding. This critical investment will help revitalize local economies across the Southeast, help rebuild infrastructure and restabilize rivers now filled with trash and storm debris,” said Peter Raabe, Southeast Regional Director for American Rivers.
With dedicated leadership by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) the disaster relief also includes funding for public land restoration, provides aid to impacted farmers, and makes targeted investments flood control and dam safety programs.
At least 36 high hazard dams failed or were damaged from Hurricane Helene. High hazard dams are dams that in the event of failure would likely cause high value property damage or loss of life.
Other key provisions in the disaster relief bill include:
- Replenishing FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund at $29B;
- Funding critical water infrastructure via EPA’s SRFs and Army Corps Environmental Infrastructure Programs, $3.1B and $1.5B respectively; and
- Directs additional resources to USDA, Forest Service, USFWS, and NPS to support farmers and rural communities rebuild and repair important habitat.
Earlier this year, American Rivers and a group of 131 local, state and national partners have submitted a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to urgently pass emergency disaster relief funding for communities.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org
Contacts:
SELC: Eric Hilt, 615-622-1199 or ehilt@selctn.org
American Rivers: Hawk Hammer, 202-243-7075 or hhammer@americanrivers.org
American Whitewater: Kevin Colburn, 828-712-4825 or kevin@americanwhitewater.org
ERWIN, Tenn. — This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a letter to CSX Transportation, ordering the rail company to stop mining the Nolichucky River for rock and fill. The letter comes after the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of American Rivers and American Whitewater, sued the Army Corps and two other federal agencies for approving CSX’s harmful mining practices in the Nolichucky River Gorge.
In the letter, the Army Corps states that the company is prohibited from performing “any excavation or dredging of material from the Nolichucky River or its tributaries in both Tennessee and North Carolina” until the Corps gets new approvals in place. Importantly, the letter does not prevent CSX from rebuilding its rail line in a responsible and less destructive way.
“From the beginning, we’ve said that CSX should be able to rebuild its rail line in the Nolichucky River Gorge, it just needs to do so in a way that follows the law and doesn’t put the river and the people that depend on it at risk. We commend the Army Corps for stepping in and putting a stop to CSX’s extremely harmful practices,” Patrick Hunter, Managing Attorney of SELC’s Asheville Office, said. “This is a major win for the Nolichucky River as well as nearby and downstream communities.”
In October, CSX began mining the Nolichucky’s riverbed in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina while repairing a rail line that was washed away during Hurricane Helene. Mining the river for rock and fill is much more destructive than trucking materials in from upland quarries, which is standard practice. The unnecessary mining was inflicting irreparable damage to the river, threatening local businesses, and impacting flooding risks for communities downstream.
“After losing so much in recent months it’s been really hard to watch the damage being done to the Nolichucky. These recent actions by the agencies give us hope that the remaining five miles of the Gorge will be spared from cobble mining and other unnecessary impacts. It’s encouraging news for a special place that means so much to so many people,” said Kevin Colburn, National Stewardship Director for American Whitewater.
In the weeks since CSX’s mining practices were discovered, community members, state and local officials, and nearby businesses expressed significant concerns about the impact the company’s mining could have on the river and the communities that rely on it. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation also sent a notice of violation to CSX this week and ordered the company to stop excavation of the river.
“CSX crossed a line that would have jeopardized the health and integrity of the Nolichucky River. We are heartened to see the Army Corps set this boundary and ensure future generations will still be able to enjoy the scenic and natural beauty of the Gorge, while also allowing a responsible rebuilding effort to occur,” said Erin McCombs, Southeast conservation director for American Rivers. “Our nation’s rivers deserve utmost care as a vital resource that we all share.”
The Nolichucky River Gorge is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, described by the Forest Service as “one of the deepest, most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States.” It’s stunning beauty and world-class whitewater rapids attract thousands of visitors from all over the region, making the river a key part of the area’s local economies.
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The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 200, including more than 120 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. southernenvironment.org
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org.
American Whitewater is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) river conservation organization founded in 1954, with approximately 50,000 supporters, 7,000 dues-paying members, and 80 locally based affiliate clubs, representing whitewater enthusiasts across the nation. American Whitewater’s mission is to protect and restore America’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. American Whitewater is based in Western North Carolina, where the organization has helped establish public river access, secure conservation outcomes, and restore flows from numerous dams.
For Immediate Release
November 21, 2024
Contact
Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
Washington D.C., – American Rivers and a group of 131 local, state and national partners have submitted a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to urgently pass emergency disaster relief funding for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton and support key federal programs that aim to improve public safety, reduce flooding, and restore rivers.
“River communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton need our help now. Congress must ensure recovery funding is reliable, accessible, and flexible to meet the challenges ahead as we rebuild with resilience in mind,” said Erin McCombs, Southeast Conservation Director with American Rivers. “These areas need immediate resources to clear harmful storm pollution from streams and funding to assess and remove defunct or damaged dams as these communities work to recover. Every day these resources are delayed comes at a cost.”
These major storms caused failure or damage to dozens of dams within the region, making funding to assess their condition important to remove unneeded and unwanted dams and repair other structures to ensure the safety of communities when the next storm comes.
The letter included the support of businesses, community associations, public health professionals, agricultural conservation districts, farm workers, anglers, and environmental groups.
Additional Funding Requests and Recommendations from the Letter include:
- $100 million for Army Corps’ Environmental Infrastructure Program to assess dams;
- $35 million for EPA’s 319 program to support the implementation of greywater systems;
- $42 million to AmeriCorps to support regional stream debris removal teams;
- $35 million for Forest Services’ Dam Engineering and Management Program to support the assessment and removal of dams within their boundaries;
- $50 million for the National Fish Passage Program to facilitate fish migration;
- $24 million for the National Dam Safety Program’s State Assistance Program to provide states financial assistance to strengthen dam safety.
Recommended Policy Solutions to Prepare for Future Storms
- Congress should address the White House administration request to forgive all or some of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt to ensure policyholders and disaster survivors receive the assistance necessary after a flood.
- Congress needs to reauthorize FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program and eliminate barriers that often prevent communities from accessing assistance.
- Congress should require FEMA and HUD to better integrate programs for affordable housing with healthy floodplain management to meet the housing needs of families and communities who need to relocate to safer ground.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
Contacts
SELC: Eric Hilt, 615-622-1199 or ehilt@selctn.org
American Rivers: Erin McCombs, 828-649-7887 or emccombs@americanrivers.org
American Whitewater: Kevin Colburn, 828-712-4825 or kevin@americanwhitewater.org
ERWIN, Tenn. — The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of American Rivers and American Whitewater, sued several federal agencies on Monday, saying the agencies violated federal law by allowing a rail company to mine the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee.
Recently CSX Transportation, a major railroad company, began mining the Nolichucky’s riverbed for rock while repairing a rail line that was washed away during Hurricane Helene. Trucking in rock from upland quarries is standard practice and much less destructive. Instead, CSX brought heavy machinery into the Nolichucky River Gorge and began removing rock and fill directly from the riverbed. This dangerous and unnecessary method does irreparable harm to the waterway, hurts local businesses that rely on the river, and increases flooding risks for communities downstream.
“We want CSX to be able to quickly rebuild its damaged rail lines, but it needs to do so in a responsible way that follows the law and protects our communities,” Patrick Hunter, Managing Attorney of SELC’s Asheville office, said. “As we recover from Helene, we need to work together to rebuild resiliently. Instead, CSX is making shortsighted decisions that will worsen flooding problems for people living downstream and do permanent damage to this incredible river.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Forest Service have continued to ignore the damage CSX’s mining is doing to the river and the long-term economic and flooding problems it creates for nearby communities. The agencies authorized the work in the Nolichucky River Gorge without holding CSX to any limitations to protect the river and downstream communities. The agencies’ refusal to hold CSX accountable is a violation of federal law.
“We have been pleading with the federal agencies to step in and put protections in place, but they have not acted so far,” said Kevin Colburn, National Stewardship Director for American Whitewater. “CSX’s reckless mining tactics put the remarkable characteristics of the Nolichucky Gorge, and the river itself, at risk. We cannot sit by and simply watch that happen.”
The Nolichucky River inspires pride and has been enjoyed by people in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina for generations. The Nolichucky also attracts thousands of tourists from around the region to experience the river’s natural beauty and world-class whitewater rapids, making the river a key part of local economies in the area. Tourism generates millions of dollars in visitor spending each year in Unicoi County. If the Nolichucky River is irreparably damaged due to CSX’s shortsighted mining practice, those visitors—and their dollars—will go someplace else.
The rugged and pristine nature of the Nolichucky River Gorge led to it being designated as a Wild and Scenic “study” river by Congress in the 1970s. The Forest Service, who described the area as “one of the deepest, most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States,” has also recommended that the waterway be included in the nation’s Wild and Scenic River system.
“This river, with its clean water and abundant fish and wildlife, is a treasure for everyone who lives in the region,” Erin McCombs, Southeast Conservation Director for American Rivers said. “It isn’t fair for one company to put its profits above the health of the river and all of the people and businesses who depend on it. We are disappointed that we have to file a lawsuit to protect this place, but it is vital that we rebuild in a way that supports this river and our region’s water wealth. We hope the agencies put measures in place to ensure that we can all continue to benefit from a healthy Nolichucky River for generations to come.”
The conservation groups’ lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina and asks the court to revoke the work authorizations from the Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service.
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The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 200, including more than 120 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. southernenvironment.org
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org.
American Rivers statement on election of Donald Trump as next President
November 6, 2024
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
(Washington, DC) – Following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, American Rivers released a set of priorities for his administration to protect the rivers on which all life depends, and the clean water that is our country’s greatest source of natural wealth.
“Rivers offer a chance for divided communities to come together around desperately needed solutions. American Rivers looks forward to working with President-elect Trump and all of our elected leaders to make every community in our country stronger, safer, and healthier by investing in clean water and healthy rivers,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers.
Defending our water security: a blueprint to deliver clean water, strong infrastructure, and safe communities outlines four key priorities:
- Ensure America has the cleanest water in the world
- Invest in infrastructure and build smart
- Make America more safe and secure
- Help energy providers lead long-term
“A clean, flowing river is a community’s superpower, keeping families healthy by delivering reliable drinking water, safeguarding homes and businesses from flood damage, and providing economic opportunity and access to nature,” Kiernan said. “But too many communities lack access to safe, clean water and rivers, and that is holding our country back.”
Pollution and poor planning decisions are poisoning our water supplies. Just in the last month, record hurricanes and floods claimed hundreds of lives and devastated communities. Drought along the Colorado River and low water levels on the Mississippi River threaten billions in economic activity.
“There has never been more urgent need for action to protect the rivers at the heart of our nation’s security, economy, health, and heritage. At American Rivers, we are committed to advancing good ideas for clean water and rivers, and stopping bad ones,” said Kiernan. “We are dedicated to working with the new administration and with leaders across the political spectrum at all levels of government to advance positive, bipartisan solutions for rivers and communities.”
Nearly everyone in our country lives within a mile of a river, but too few know what their river provides. Most of our drinking water comes directly from rivers, and natural river habitats support communities, animals, and plants. Farms, ranches, and businesses all depend on reliable water supplies.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
River restoration progress in Portland and Chicago is example for rivers nationwide
Contact:
Amy Souers Kober, American Rivers, akober@americanrivers.org, 503-708-1145
Willie Levenson, Human Access Project, willie@humanaccessproject.com, 503-936-6920
(Portland, Oregon) – The health of rivers in our nation’s cities including Portland and Chicago is on the rebound, but clean water and public health remain at risk unless the nation strengthens clean water protections. A new “Eye on America” CBS News story with Jim Axelrod that aired Monday, October 21 explores lessons from the Willamette and Chicago Rivers.
“The genesis of why Portland can swim in the Willamette River downtown today is thanks to the toolkit of strong federal clean water protections,” says Willie Levenson, executive director of the Human Access Project.
“It’s easy for many to give up on rivers in our largest urban centers,” Levenson says. “A lot of cities are impacted by pollution levels that seem too challenging to solve, and lack of access to the river’s edge. But two of our nation’s cities, Portland and Chicago, are leading the way and writing the playbook for other cities to reclaim their urban waterways for improved river health, public health, and recreation.”
“The Willamette River is Portland’s second largest public space and natural area, and is owned by the citizens of Oregon. A swimmable river is every urban city’s untapped source of livability, and in Portland our river asset is slowly but surely being embraced. Portland was one of the very first cities internationally to successfully manage removing sewage overflow into our river. It is exciting to see other cities following Portland’s lead and to be a part of what has become an international urban swimming movement.”
More than 80 percent of people in our country live in cities, and most live within a mile of a river. Yet many urban rivers and streams are unhealthy and polluted, have been paved over, and used as dumping grounds. This means a large portion of our population lacks access to clean, natural places crucial for health and wellness. Polluted rivers don’t just impact their immediate surroundings — they impact entire ecosystems downstream.
“Portland and Chicago demonstrate that people don’t have to accept pollution, and that there is a big prize at the other end for doing the work to reclaim urban waterways for people and wildlife,” says Levenson.
“It is fantastic to see the progress on rivers like the Willamette and Chicago, and it’s so important that we keep this positive momentum going,” said Amy Souers Kober, Vice President for Communications at American Rivers. “People want safe, clean water because it’s vital for our health. But polluters are working to weaken clean water protections for rivers nationwide, and water infrastructure is aging, increasing the threat of pollution. Voters can ensure we don’t go backwards. We can use our voices at the ballot box and we can support candidates who protect water and rivers.
“Safe, clean, reliable water is a bipartisan issue because it is a basic need and a human right that connects us all. No matter who you are or where you live, each and every one of us deserves clean water and a healthy river.”
Learn more: The Best Cities are River Cities
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
About the Human Access Project
Human Access Project, formed in 2010, is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Our role in the community is catalyzing cultural change around how people feel about and interact with the Willamette River. We want the community to view the Willamette River as an asset, something to be valued and protected. We want to foster and drive a connection between the people of Portland and the river that runs through our community. More information can be found at humanaccessproject.com
Contact:
Jaime D. Sigaran (240) 593-3433
Amy Souers Kober (503) 708-1145
Washington, DC – During Climate Week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a series of climate commitments including critical investments and projects to restore rivers, support fish passage, enhance infrastructure for Tribal Nations, and protect clean water. Building on the Investing in America Agenda and the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, the Biden-Harris Administration leaves a legacy that creates a new formula for success in how our nation strengthens the economy while expanding clean energy and balancing conservation.
In response to the White House announcement, Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers issued the following statement:
“We commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their work to restore rivers and support clean water for Americans nationwide. Too many communities are held back and harmed by pollution, unsafe dams, and outdated infrastructure. The administration’s actions for water and rivers will make our communities safer and healthier, and our entire nation stronger.
“Rivers drive local economies and are the backbone of every community across America. No matter where you live, rivers and streams play a critical role in providing clean, safe, reliable drinking water, supporting businesses, farms and ranches, and giving families access to nature.”
“As a partner of America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, we are proud of the commitments made today and look forward to reigniting on our efforts to turn this vision into reality. Today’s announcement complements American Rivers’ mission to protect 1 million miles by 2030 and half of all rivers in the country by 2050.”
“We are particularly grateful for the Oconaluftee River Restoration project in North Carolina, a project to remove the Ela Dam and eliminate the only physical barrier preventing the Oconaluftee River from flowing freely and reconnect 549 river miles that benefit rare and federally endangered species.”
Key Highlights:
- 10 transformational fish passage projects that bring economic prosperity and opportunity to communities across Arizona, Alaska, California, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington.
- 3 contracts for long-term water conservation for the Lower Colorado River Basin all with the Gila River Indian Community which will provide 73,000 acre-feet of water savings.
- A new water infrastructure investment of $9.4 million for Tribal Nations to address drought relief and receive technical projects including wetland restoration, irrigation, and groundwater monitoring.
- An additional $92 million for Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Program to restore salmon and native fish in the West as well as provide increased water quality, floodplain stability and drought resiliency.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
Contact:
Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
Mike Sertle, 815-238-3017
American Rivers announced today that Michael Sertle is joining the organization as its new Senior Director for the Central Region. Sertle has more than two decades of experience in river conservation and floodplain restoration, with a focus on public and private lands of the Upper Mississippi and Missouri River basins.
“Rivers and the clean, safe water they provide are vital to this region. Mike has deep roots on these rivers and a long track record of success advancing solutions that revitalize river health and strengthen communities. We are thrilled to welcome him to the American Rivers team,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President for Conservation.
“I’m excited to join American Rivers and bring my experience and knowledge of river conservation to the organization,” said Sertle. “Growing up and working on these rivers has taught me to love their uniqueness and appreciate the importance of protecting and restoring these systems for people, wildlife, and future generations.”
Prior to joining American Rivers, Mike served as manager of conservation programs for the Big Rivers Initiative at Ducks Unlimited, covering Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana, and oversaw conservation program planning, budget management, and habitat restoration.
Previous positions include regional biologist at Ducks Unlimited, where he delivered conservation programs in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, and researcher at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center where he studied endangered wildlife, waterfowl migration, and wetland carbon sequestration.
Originally from the Driftless area of northwestern Illinois, Mike spent most of his life growing up on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.He received a B.S. from Western Illinois University in zoology and an M.S. from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in wetland ecology.
Mike is based in the St. Louis area and begins at American Rivers on September 9.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
Washington, DC – Today, the United States Senate and Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported the S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 out of committee on a vote of 15 to 4. This bill contains provisions to accelerate permitting for energy upgrades and grid expansion to increase reliability of and reduce emissions from our electric grid. If left unchecked and unchanged, this bill could create disparate imbalances for rivers and people.
The following is a statement from Tom Kiernan, President and CEO, of American Rivers:
“American Rivers is deeply committed to balancing the protection of rivers and waterways with the safety and responsibility of meeting the nation’s growing energy needs.
We applaud Chairman Manchin’s commitment to get the language right on hydropower today and pledge to work with the committee and Congress to find common ground to include much needed hydropower reforms to build a more efficient licensing process under FERC. American Rivers will continue our advocacy to ensure S. 1521, the Community and Hydropower Improvement Act is passed. This bipartisan bill strengthens permitting by FERC, increases tribal engagement and oversight, and promotes healthy habitats and federal coordination in decision making.
We call on Congress to support S. 1521 to advance common sense hydropower solutions. Congress has a unique opportunity to find common ground on the role hydropower plays in addressing climate change while also restoring free-flowing rivers.”