Media Items Archive

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Blackwater River, West Virginia’s prized waterway renowned for its recreation opportunities and wildlife, joins the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024. Threatened by a highway project, urgent action is needed to safeguard this regional treasure.

The Blackwater River is threatened by the currently State-preferred (but not yet adopted) route for a major four-lane highway, known as Corridor H, that would cross all of the river’s headwater streams with major construction activity at each. This route was designed 30 years ago, with little thought to preserving the Blackwater River’s unique cultural, historic, and environmental integrity.

“It would be a grave mistake on the part of the West Virginia Division of Highways and Federal Highway Administration, and a major disservice to local communities, to threaten the Blackwater River and simultaneously hinder the growth of the thriving outdoor recreation economy in this area,” said Olivia Miller, program director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. “To those who know and love Tucker County—the Blackwater Canyon is the heart and soul of this region. To rob present and future generations of the opportunity to fully experience these special places and reap their many benefits is a huge error in judgment.”

The route would pass across a large former strip mine that has not been reclaimed, underlain with a honeycomb of mine tunnels that are filled with acid mine drainage pollution. Construction in this area would be a recipe for disaster for water quality and stability of structures as mine tunnels collapse and spill polluted water into the river.

“The highway route would have severe negative impacts on the area’s unique cultural, historic, and environmental integrity, as well as the livelihoods of many people who live, work and recreate in the area,” said Saundra Goss, owner of Sirianni’s Cafe in Davis.

American Rivers and partners are joining community members and businesses to insist that the Federal Highway Administration mandate an alternative Northern Route–one that would safeguard river health and enhance the heritage, character, and economies of local communities.

“Anyone who values the Blackwater River should speak up in support of the northern route,” said Thomas resident and Tucker County local, Rachelle Davis. “A Blackwater avoidance alignment will help protect the river and the Blackwater Canyon, which are important to area residents and visitors alike. We can preserve our rich heritage and resources and still meet the goals of state and federal highway authorities,” Davis added.

The Blackwater River flows 34 miles through the High Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia, draining 142 square miles. The Blackwater River region is a popular outdoor recreational resource and destination for a growing sustainable tourism economy. The Blackwater is fed by the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls State Park and Big Run Bog, a National Natural Landmark on the Monongahela National Forest. It is designated as a West Virginia Critical Resource Water for its exceptional ecological, recreational and aesthetic values. The river corridor is home to the endangered Cheat Mountain salamander, Virginia big-eared bat, northern long eared bat and Indiana bat, the rusty patched bumble bee, and the rare West Virginia northern flying squirrel, eastern brook trout, and eastern hellbender. 

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.   

Other rivers in the region listed as Most Endangered in past years include the Ohio River (2023), Southern Youghiogheny River (2020), Potomac and Coal Rivers (both in 2012).  

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria:

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

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^SM. www.AmericanRivers.org

San Diego, CA – The Tijuana River Watershed, the ancestral and current homeland of the Kumeyaay People and a vital lifeline for millions on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border, faces a mounting threat as pollution chokes its waters, endangering public health and undermining local economies.

Decades of neglect and inadequate wastewater infrastructure have led to grave violations of the Clean Water Act, resulting in ecosystem degradation, beach closures, and widespread illnesses. Despite community efforts and recent progress, significant obstacles persist. American Rivers and partners called on President Biden and Congress to immediately invest in infrastructure to clean up the river and address one of the most significant environmental justice issues in the United States.

“Clean water is a universal need and a shared value. But pollution in the Tijuana River is making people sick. No families should have to worry about getting sick from polluted water, and no children should grow up on polluted beaches. It is long past time for action,” said Kristan Culbert with American Rivers.

For over a century, the Tijuana River Valley has borne the brunt of toxic waste and raw sewage, polluting waterways and imperiling both humans and wildlife. Daily transboundary flows, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and seasonal rains, carry untreated wastewater, industrial toxins, and urban debris downstream, contaminating coastal waters and endangering communities on both sides of the border.

“For too long, the sewage in the Tijuana River Valley has harmed public health, our local economies, and our ecosystems. This designation reaffirms what our communities already know too well – toxic pollution is flowing into the Tijuana River every day and we need the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to be expanded as quickly as possible. Recently, the San Diego Congressional delegation secured significant funding that can be used to make improvements to the treatment plant, and we’re continuing to push for additional resources. Our work is far from over. We’ll keep fighting for the health of our communities and waterways,” said California Congressman Juan Vargas.

Mario Ordoñez-Calderón, Executive Director of Un Mar de Colores, speaks passionately about the impact of coastal pollution on communities: “Our mission is tied hand in hand with the youth and residents of the South Bay as our work is deeply rooted in providing youth from underserved communities with access to the healing that clean coastal environments and blue spaces offer. It’s heartbreaking to witness the health risks posed by pollution, affecting our children’s ability to safely enjoy the outdoors. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the rivers, oceans, and nature without compromising their health. I hope this designation supports the relentless and decades-long community-led efforts and presents a crucial opportunity to restore and protect our coast, watershed, and communities for generations to come.”

“It’s no longer a matter of avoiding the water to stay safe. The pollution has become so inundated that it’s now in the air, it’s in people’s homes, schools, and places of work.  It’s impacting every aspect of community life.  Residents should not have to risk their own health and futures by stepping outside their door, opening their windows at night, or introducing their children to the wonder of the river or ocean where they live.  This designation, combined with the many collective efforts of community members and leaders to address this crisis, offers a powerful opportunity to come together to heal our coast, watershed, and communities.”  – Sarah Davidson, Surfrider Foundation

“By definition, ‘endangered’ designates a serious risk. The Tijuana River has impacted the lives of countless community members from Mexico, the United States, and Indigenous Peoples for decades.” said Courtney Baltiyskyy of YMCA of San Diego County. “It is not just the river that is endangered, but also cultures, livelihoods, family homes, and the unique identity of the region. In working together to convey what is possible to address the pollution crisis, we may envision a vibrant future where children, families, and visitors can splash and play safely again.”

The Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution (CIS), vetted by the EPA and impacted communities, offers a viable path forward. However, the project remains underfunded, with the International Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP) requiring significant investment to address deferred maintenance and prevent future crises. Congress and the Biden Administration must prioritize border water infrastructure, fully fund the CIS, and explore additional avenues to secure lasting solutions. Without decisive action, border communities will continue to suffer, ecosystems will degrade, and vital industries will falter.

“While it gives me no pride that the Tijuana River is receiving this unfortunate distinction, it will help bring critical attention to this environmental catastrophe and public health threat,” said Congressman Scott Peters. “The sewage crisis has plagued the river for far too long — harming the environment, public health, tourism, our national security, and residents’ quality of life. We are finally beginning to turn the page on this crisis, thanks to advocacy efforts like this, and soon, the story of the Tijuana River will hopefully be one of triumph, not tragedy.”

The Tijuana River winds 120 miles through northwest Baja California and the Tijuana Estuary in southern California, serving as a critical corridor for over 2.8 million residents across the border. While the U.S. portion remains largely undeveloped, extensive development characterizes much of its Mexican counterpart. The Tijuana Estuary, a National Estuarine Research Reserve, boasts diverse and delicate ecosystems. As one of southern California’s last natural coastal wetlands, it hosts over 370 bird species and numerous endangered animals.

“The health of the Tijuana River is a direct reflection of the health of the U.S.-Mexico border communities and a reminder that our shared environment has no borders. It is sick in every conceivable way: channelized in concrete, choked by trash, and polluted with sewage and toxic waste. Despite these impairments, the Tijuana River inspires a vision for a better future that is supported by the Most Endangered Rivers designation. A vision for working hand in hand across borders to bring back what has been lost and forgotten: A healthy river that connects and supports vibrant communities.” – Ben McCue, Outdoor Outreach.

Other rivers in the region listed as Most Endangered in past years include the Los Angeles River (2022), Colorado River (2017) and San Joaquin River (2016) where the biggest threats to river health are outdated water management plans.

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Kotzebue, AK – Today, the Kobuk River has been named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® for 2024. The health of this river is currently under threat from speculative mining development, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

“The Kobuk River is more than a resource to local and Indigenous communities,” said Sarah Dyrdahl of American Rivers. “It is the lifeblood of local communities, the current and historical homelands of the Iñupiat, and is invaluable to the people, and all life, that depend on it.”

The river has long supported the Iñupiat with its natural resource bounty, including intact salmon runs, abundant waterfowl, one of Alaska’s largest caribou herds (the Western Arctic Caribou Herd), and spawning grounds of the famed sheefish. The salmon runs also support a locally based commercial fishery that provides jobs and income to over a hundred families in the area. In recognition of its outstanding values, a 110-mile stretch of the Kobuk was designated a Wild River, and another 60-mile portion is included in the Kobuk Valley National Park, by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. 

The proposed Ambler Road, a huge threat to the Kobuk River, is a 211-mile private industrial mining road that would begin at the Dalton Highway and cut westward to the Kobuk River watershed. With no mines yet permitted, international mining companies are asking the State of Alaska to fund this $1.4 billion road to speculation without any guaranteed economic benefits. The Ambler Road project would weaken permafrost and require thousands of crossings over streams, rivers and wetlands, impacting the river’s water quality, migration patterns and habitat of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, as well as salmon and sheefish spawning grounds found in the Kobuk River watershed.

“Our people are dependent on the health of the lands and waters around us,” stated Virginia Commack of Native Village of Ambler. It’s hard to overestimate the impacts the proposed road would have on Indigenous communities, wildlife, and the Kobuk River. “Once the road is developed, it’s going to affect our lifestyle — it’s going to basically kill our culture,” said Cyrus Harris of the Native village of Kotzebue.

Andrew Greene, commercial fisher in Kotzebue Sound, stated, “We all share the Kobuk River. The salmon, sheefish, trout, grayling and everybody between Kobuk and Kotzebue shares the water. We would all be hurting if something happened at those mines.”

The impact of this proposed road on the Kobuk River cannot be overstated. This region currently has no road connections to the rest of the world, which would make the Ambler Road the first to cut through what has remained a remote and ecologically intact region up until now. The land, fish, and wildlife in the Kobuk River watershed are as pristine as can be found in the modern world, and the Iñupiat have been excellent stewards of the river for untold generations. Developing the Ambler Road would present a food security issue in communities that do not have year-round employment and depend on the land and clean water for their food, culture, and way of life. 

“If we build this road there will be no end to mining, only an end to our culture,” said Shield Downey, former First Chief of Ivisaappaat (Ambler) Tribal Council.

In the fall and winter of 2023, Kobuk River residents and people from across the United States submitted over 135,000 comments against the Ambler Road to the Bureau of Land Management, the lead agency in the ongoing environmental review of the Ambler Road. Folks from the Kobuk River region also attended numerous BLM hearings in isolated communities along the proposed road route. The vast majority of public testimonies highlighted the detrimental impact to subsistence and asked that the Ambler Road project be stopped. 

The final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is expected to be published in the first half of 2024. The Draft SEIS included numerous new data that detail the massive subsistence, cultural, and ecological impacts to the Kobuk River and the people who live along it. We ask the public to take immediate action by signing the petition to the BLM, Department of Interior, and President Biden requesting that they revoke all Ambler Road permits. 

The free-flowing Kobuk River lies north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, at the northern edge of the boreal forest that flanks the Brooks Range. The 380-mile-long river originates in the heart of America’s northernmost mountain range—the Brooks Range—and flows west to the Arctic Ocean. Its headwaters cut through steep canyons of cascading rapids, then it gradually mellows as it approaches a wide delta with a rich maze of waterways. The river meanders through homelands of the Indigenous Iñupiat who continue to live from their ancestral lands as they have for millennia. The river’s abundant fish and wildlife provide spiritual, cultural, and nutritional sustenance to the Iñupiat communities. With no road connections or industrial development, the river offers a rare glimpse into an almost primordial North American landscape.

Other rivers in the region have been listed as endangered in recent years, including the Chilkat and Klehini Rivers (2023), the Chilkat and Stikine Rivers (2019), the rivers of Bristol Bay (2018) and the Chuitna River (2015). Issues have ranged from development to mining, with the latter being the biggest threat to the health of Alaska’s waterways. 

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria:

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Washington, D.C. – Today, American Rivers named the Trinity River, the largest tributary of the Klamath River, among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024. Excessive water withdrawals and rising water temperatures threaten the river, and the people and salmon who depend on it.

With the removal of the Klamath River dams, a watershed-wide restoration effort has begun. The Trinity River–the main source of cold, clean water for the Lower Klamath River where over 65,000 adult salmon died in 2002–is critical to this effort.

“Rivers cannot be harvested for their parts and remain healthy, just like we can’t divert excessive volumes of blood from our body without experiencing systemic failure. We need to stop thinking of the Trinity as a piped tributary to the Sacramento River and recognize that its natural value to the Klamath far exceeds any single Central Valley user’s benefit,” said Ann Willis, California Regional Director, American Rivers. 

The Trinity River is diverted into the Sacramento River for the Central Valley Water Project. Outdated water management has led to reservoir depletion, rising river temperatures, and other environmental impacts that put threatened coho salmon and Chinook salmon at risk. The Hoopa, Yurok and other Tribes are also dealing with some of the lowest salmon returns in history and toxic algae outbreaks, which impacts cultural use, food security, wellness, and livelihoods. 

American Rivers and its partners called on the California State Water Board and the Department of the Interior to prioritize the health of the Trinity River in the Sites Reservoir and Delta Tunnel water right orders, Bay-Delta Planning phase 2, and the Central Valley Project Reinitiation of Consultation.

“Local people, especially the Hoopa and Yurok Tribal members, have been fighting for water to be released from the Trinity reservoirs for the Trinity and Klamath rivers for salmon generations,” explained Regina Chichizola from Save California Salmon. “These fights led to real solutions like the Lower Klamath long term plan, which stopped large scale Klamath River fish kills, and Record of the Decision of the Trinity River, which restored some flows, but we still have no protections for our reservoir storage, or from new diversions on the Central Valley side or voluntary agreements. We need the Trinity River water to stay in the Trinity River if we are to restore the Klamath salmon and live up to the agreements to the Tribes.”

The Trinity River of northwestern California is the largest tributary of the Klamath River. The river begins in the Trinity Alps and Scott Mountains, then flows 165 miles through the Klamath Mountains and Coast Ranges, until it finally meets the Klamath River where the Hoopa and Yurok Reservations intersect.

The Trinity River is the lifeblood of the Hoopa Tribe, the Yurok Tribe and Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation. The Hoopa and Yurok tribes maintain fishing rights and rely on the river for their drinking water, ceremonies and their main food source–salmon. The Trinity is a designated Wild and Scenic River and known for its recreational opportunities, including fishing and whitewater rafting. The river is a source of clean, cold water for salmon and downstream communities, and the Trinity’s cold water is used regularly to prevent repeat of the massive 2002 fish kill on the lower Klamath River. The river also produces hydroelectricity at four locations before it is diverted into the Sacramento River for agricultural purposes. Coastal commercial fishermen also rely on Trinity River salmon as the Klamath Basin’s largest salmon spawning tributary.

“For the Hoopa Valley people, the river is a lifeline for us. We eat out of the river. Some people go to the store, we go to the river. It used to be one of the best fishing rivers in the West Coast,” explained Hoopa Valley Tribal member and Klamath Justice Coalition organizer, Dania Rose Colegrove. “At some point we are going to have to cut off the diversion from Lewiston. This water is being used in the Central Valley for luxury food. It does not benefit us.”

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.   

Other rivers in the region listed as Most Endangered in recent years include the Eel River (2023), McCloud River (2021), Bear River (2017) and San Joaquin River (2016) where dams and excessive diversions are most often the greatest threat to clean water. 

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria:

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Washington, D.C. – The Farmington River faces a significant threat from the harmful and outdated Rainbow Dam. Today, American Rivers announces the inclusion of the Farmington River in its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.

“The Farmington River supports diverse fish and wildlife, is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, and provides boating and other recreation opportunities, but this dam is an ongoing threat. This is an important moment for the river and an opportunity for Commissioner Dykes to continue her leadership in river restoration and environmental stewardship. We need Stanley Black & Decker to fix the problems it has created,” said Katie Schmidt with American Rivers.

Eight miles upstream from where the Farmington River joins the Connecticut River is the Rainbow Dam, owned by Stanley Black & Decker. This small, poorly maintained hydropower dam has been in operation since the early 20th century, but due to a quirk of law, it has no federal oversight which has allowed it to damage the river for decades.

“While hydropower contributes to our energy needs, this small and poorly maintained and unreliable dam is not necessary to New England’s energy needs. The insignificant energy it generates causes really big environmental problems,” noted Katie Schmidt.

“Protecting the Farmington River is an important investment in our environment, our economy, and our quality of life. I fought for the river’s ‘Wild and Scenic’ designation, which unlocked thousands of federal dollars for conservation efforts, but there’s more we can do to protect and restore the watershed. I will continue to fight to keep our waters clean and healthy for generations to come,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

The dam creates conditions in the upstream reservoir that repeatedly cause toxic algae blooms that can be a health hazard to people, and lethal to pets and wildlife and degrades the water quality. In addition, the lack of federal oversight and limited state jurisdiction has allowed this small and poorly maintained hydropower project, whose inadequate and outdated fishway often led to fish mortality before it was shut down in 2023, to effectively render more than 95% of the watershed’s habitat inaccessible to river herring, shad, eel, and sea lamprey.

“The time is now to act for the Farmington River,” urged Aimee Petras, Executive Director of Farmington River Watershed Association. “Stanley Black and Decker has ignored Connecticut’s environmental laws and held the Farmington River hostage. The company has had well over a century of largely unrestricted use of the Farmington River’s resources–it is time for them to demonstrate respect for the river they benefited from and ensure future generations can enjoy it too.”

American Rivers and partners called on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and Stanley Black & Decker, to fix these problems for the health of the river as well as public health and safety. The power company has an unprecedented opportunity to tap into federal infrastructure funding to fix Clean Water Act violations, eliminate toxic algae blooms, and allow migratory fish populations to flourish again.

“The Farmington River is vital to the environmental landscape of Connecticut and the 5th District in particular,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I recognize the need to protect it, which is why I helped to secure a Wild and Scenic designation along the Farmington River for the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook during my first term in Congress. Protecting and restoring this fishery and recreation destination is of the utmost importance. I remain committed to working to protect this vital part of the region’s environmental ecosystem.”

The Farmington River watershed covers over 600 square miles in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It holds two national Partnership Wild & Scenic River designations due to its remarkable values, and is a major tributary to the Connecticut River which spans across four states. The Farmington and its tributaries support cold-water resident fish species and habitat for various important migratory fish species. The watershed is a public drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of people in the Hartford region. The West Branch of the Farmington is a highly regarded trout fishery. The river provides stretches of whitewater, used by individuals including world-class paddlers and outfitters, further adding to its cultural value as a coveted recreation destination.

“Children and families rely on the Farmington River watershed for clean drinking water and a healthy, thriving regional ecosystem,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Dam operators — like the Farmington River Power Company — must do better to protect aquatic life, combat toxic algae outbreaks, and ensure clean water for communities across the Commonwealth.”

Other rivers in the region listed as Most Endangered in past years include the Ipswich River (2021), Hudson River (2019) and the Susquehanna River (2016). Within Connecticut, a river hasn’t made the list since 2004, when the Housatonic River was at risk with pollution.

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria:

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Myrtle Beach, SC — The Little Pee Dee River in North and South Carolina has been named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® for 2024, a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Looming highway development and poor resource management has put this river at risk, threatening critical habitat for endangered fish and wildlife, as well as impacting public safety for adjacent communities.

 ”The cultural and family heritage of today’s Waccamaw and Pee Dee tribes are significantly connected to the Little Pee Dee River,” said Cheryl Cail, Acting Chief of the Waccamaw Indian People. “The numerous wetlands were a safe haven for indigenous people during the time of settlement expansion. The Little Pee Dee River provided safe passage and unencumbered access to fishing, hunting, foraging and trade between the tribes.”

The Little Pee Dee River, situated primarily in the upper coastal plain of South Carolina, is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most unique blackwater rivers, holding remarkable value for people and wildlife. Along its 118-mile course are miles of forested wetlands, which provide a critical habitat for endangered species of fish and wildlife. The river has remained mostly untouched by development, but the looming threat of highway development and poor resource management puts this river, and the communities that depend on it, at risk. 

The construction of Interstate 73 would cross the Little Pee Dee River and run through the Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve. This highway construction would destroy wetlands and critical wildlife habitat, impact the health of the river, and exacerbate flooding for disadvantaged communities already challenged with property damage and displacement. 

“There is no need for a new interstate,” said Becky Ryon, the North Coast Office Director for the Coastal Conservation League. “Improving existing roads would deliver similar economic and transportation benefits at a fraction of the cost of building I-73, without devastating our environment and communities. The Little Pee Dee River is a great example of our valuable resources that would be threatened by unnecessary road projects.”  

I-73 would impact hundreds of acres of pristine wetlands in the watershed. Based on the submitted permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 313 acres of wetlands would be impacted by just a segment of the proposed I-73. In addition, 13 perennial streams would be disturbed between the existing I-95 and South Carolina Highway 22. Numerous marginalized communities will be displaced and at risk from the threats of exacerbated flooding. New highway infrastructure will hinder wildlife reproduction, leading to a decline in the population of land and aquatic species.

Although I-73 is permitted and shovel-ready, the state has not yet identified the $2 billion in funding needed for construction. This November, Horry County residents will vote on a transportation sales tax which could include $450 million for a portion of the interstate.  Horry County voters must remain vocal in opposing funding this unnecessary interstate Voting to oppose the sales tax would send a clear message that Horry County understands the impact this interstate would have on communities and wetlands. 

With historical land use practices already causing wetland degradation, the ruling in Sackett v. EPA has significant implications for freshwater wetlands in the Little Pee Dee River watershed, including impacts on flooding, water quality, and wildlife habitats. Despite rollbacks at the federal level, South Carolina can enact state-level legislation to establish new wetland protections.

From its headwaters at Gum Swamp and Shoeheel Creek in North Carolina, the Little Pee Dee River flows into South Carolina at Marlboro County and continues southeast until it converges with the Great Pee Dee River at the tri-county connection with Georgetown County. The numerous floodplains within the watershed encompass large acreages of wild and undeveloped forestland, while wetlands connect to an abundance of creeks and streams. These waters provide sanctuary to breeding and migratory waterfowl, in addition to resources for inland fisheries.

“The Little Pee Dee River is not just a body of water; it’s a vital lifeline to our ecosystem, our heritage, and our future,” said Debra Buffkin, Executive Director of Winyah Rivers Alliance.  “As stewards of this precious resource, we must take a stand to ensure its preservation. Development, particularly the proposed construction of I-73, threatens the integrity of this river and the delicate balance of its ecosystem.

“We must enact stringent protections to safeguard the Little Pee Dee River from the encroachment of development. Its waters should remain unspoiled, its banks untouched by concrete, and its surrounding habitats preserved for generations to come. Let us not sacrifice the natural beauty of this river for short-term gains but instead commit to its conservation and sustainability.

“The Little Pee Dee River is a testament to the resilience of nature and a source of inspiration for all who cherish its beauty. Let us unite in our efforts to defend it against the pressures of development, ensuring that it continues to flow freely, providing solace and sustenance to both wildlife and humanity alike.”

Over the years, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report has helped spur many successes, including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.

Other rivers in the region listed as endangered in recent years include South Carolina’s Edisto River (2015), and South Fork Edisto River (2014). The issues for those rivers have ranged from wastewater discharges and coal ash pollution to excessive water withdrawals.

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Tucson, AZ – The Santa Cruz River, a symbol of resilience and restoration, faces renewed threats as it struggles to maintain its recent progress. Today, American Rivers announces the inclusion of the Santa Cruz River in its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®. 

“When you contemplate all the rivers across the Colorado River Basin, the Santa Cruz is unique in its character and importance to both people and nature, while also being typical of the challenges to rivers across the Southwest,” said Sinjin Eberle, Southwest communications director for American Rivers. “It’s impossible to overstate this river’s value to Southern Arizona. The threats from overallocation and pollution create an urgency to protect this iconic river.”

The Santa Cruz River was once a desert oasis that was dried up and polluted for decades — and only recently is it coming back to life. Climate change and water scarcity threaten progress to ensure clean, flowing water in the river. Further, rollbacks to clean water protections at the federal level could add new challenges to the health of the watershed longer term. American Rivers and its partners called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish an Urban National Wildlife Refuge to ensure this river remains a community treasure.

“The Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge project is a great idea. It will certainly benefit all of us and nature. It would be so wonderful for our grandchildren and those yet to come behind us,” said Austin Nunez, Chairman, San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen rollbacks of the Clean Water Act. So recognition from other federal agencies–like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service–is sorely needed here on the Santa Cruz River,” said Kimberly Baeza, Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department. 

“It is basically a love of nature that we find every time we come down to the Santa Cruz River,” said Ben Lomeli, president, Friends of the Santa Cruz River.

“Given the threats of climate change and legislation, the story of the Santa Cruz River is a bellwether for the entire nation. With local and nationwide support, we intend to bring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service here to southern Arizona to establish a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge. Protecting this river is of nationwide importance,” said Dr. Luke Cole, director, Sonoran Institute.

Wastewater facilities provide approximately 35 miles of perennial flows — improved water quality, and native fish, birds, reptiles, vegetation, and people are all returning to the river. These gains are seen in beautiful flowing sections in Santa Cruz County that support a rare cottonwood–willow forest within the unique and extraordinary Sonoran Desert, as well as a vibrant urban corridor through the City of Tucson. The river has historically provided for strong communities of ranchers and farmers, and now contributes to the success of the Tumacácori National Historical Park, the de Anza Trail, and Sweetwater Wetlands as important recreation and birding sites. The growing tourism and service industries complement those still working the land and add to prosperity for the region.

While binational, state, local, private, and academic institutions have put time and money into reconnecting people to the Santa Cruz, the river’s recovery remains tenuous. The greatest challenge to the Santa Cruz River today is maintaining the water that remains and avoiding backsliding on the progress made over the past decade.

Sonoran Institute, in partnership with The Wilderness Society, has been working to establish a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose is to celebrate the river’s diverse and rich cultural heritage, honor the revitalized river, increase access to nature, and protect this crucial greenspace.

The Santa Cruz River has provided life-sustaining water to humans for more than 12,000 years — including some of the oldest communities in North America. The Tohono O’odham Nation has stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial, and both the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe continue to live in the area today.

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.

Other rivers in the region have been listed as endangered for threats like outdated management plans, unchecked development, mining interests, and unregulated groundwater pumping. In recent years, they include the San Pedro River (2022) and the Colorado River which has made the list six times in the past 20 years alone.

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Duck River, Tennessee’s prized waterway renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance, joins the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024. Threatened by excessive development and unsustainable water consumption, urgent action is needed to safeguard this vital ecosystem.

“If we want reliable clean drinking water, and if we want the Duck River to continue sustaining its communities, we must take action now to protect it,” said Anabel Winitsky, American Rivers.

Lauded as the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America, the Duck is recognized as one of three global hot spots for fish and mussel diversity and is home to many endangered and threatened species. The river is the drinking water source for nearly 250,000 people and provides water for the region’s growing population and industry. The river is the backbone of the local outdoor recreation economy, with more than 150,000 people enjoying the river and its tributaries each year. 

Tennessee is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, and explosive growth in Middle Tennessee is having a major impact on local waterways, including and especially the Duck River. Population and industry growth has led to extreme development pressures, and local water utilities are trying to dramatically increase the amount of water they withdraw from the Duck. Inadequate long-term management and unsustainable overconsumption of water from the Duck threatens to drain the river during periods of low flow and drought, putting the river’s aquatic inhabitants at risk and threatening long-term water supply for local communities.  

“Right now, we’re on a collision course. This river is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry. The good news is, we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life,” said Grace Stranch, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy.

American Rivers and partners call on Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to protect the Duck River by convening a technical working group to develop a comprehensive water use plan and by securing funding for much-needed studies to understand the flow needs of the river. These steps can help ensure the river’s long-term health for communities and aquatic species.

The Duck River flows 269 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee. It is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world, home to 22 aquatic snail species, 56 mussel species and 151 fish species. Many species in the Duck are federally listed as endangered or threatened, including some whose only remaining viable populations are found in the river.

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.   

In recent years, other rivers in the region have been listed as most endangered due to toxic chemical pollution, sewage pollution and excessive water withdrawals. They include the Mississippi River in 2022, and the Holston River and Harpeth River, both listed in 2015.

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Region needs flood protection solutions that prioritize safety, river health

Washington, D.C. – Today, American Rivers named the Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers, integral parts of the Mississippi Delta’s ecosystem, among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024. These rivers are severely threatened by a proposed agricultural drainage project known as the Yazoo Backwater Pumps that will also perpetuate the Delta’s systemic racial injustices.

“The Yazoo Pumps will not reduce flood risk for residents of the South Delta,” said Kelsey Cruickshank of American Rivers. “Instead of reviving this extraordinarily destructive and expensive boondoggle, local leaders and Congress should invest in more affordable and effective flood risk reduction measures to protect these vulnerable communities.”

In light of the recent Sackett v. EPA decision, as well as the historic cumulative loss of 80 percent of wetlands and native forests in the Lower Mississippi alluvial floodplain, the Yazoo Pumps could impact many tens of thousands of acres of nationally significant wetlands.

After finding it was too environmentally damaging, George W. Bush’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stopped the project in 2008 by issuing a rare veto through the Clean Water Act. In their analysis of the project, the EPA also highlighted the Corps’ failure to consider other flood relief options that would be more effective and cheaper than the pumps. Recently, the Corps has revived the project that would have devastating impacts to this ecologically rich area while perpetuating structural inequities for underserved communities. 

Pumps would make wetlands drier and reduce the number of days fish can swim during crucial spawning seasons. This is especially problematic since aquatic life is already seeing regular die-offs in the area due in part to agriculture and water management decisions.  

The pumps would reinforce historic racial and environmental injustices for some of the nation’s poorest communities, especially for Sharkey and Issaquena Counties, which are 70 percent Black with poverty rates significantly higher than Mississippi’s average and more than triple the national average. The Yazoo Pumps, which will likely cost federal taxpayers more than $1.4 billion, would provide little protection to homes in the sparsely populated area that the pumps are supposed to protect, and could worsen flooding in downstream communities. 

“In this transformational moment, we urge the Administration to demonstrate its conservation, climate, and environmental justice commitments by deploying federal flood relief programs that can protect marginalized communities and birds that depend on the Mississippi Flyway,” said Jill Mastrototaro, Mississippi Policy Director for Audubon Delta. “The Yazoo Pumps must be abandoned once and for all.”

Instead of pursuing this destructive, costly, and ineffective pump proposal, American Rivers and partners are urging EPA and the Corps to drop the pumps project from this and any other Yazoo plan once and for all; advance proven, effective nature-based, non-structural flood solutions to protect people and the environment; and to uphold the 2008 Clean Water Act veto. 

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the Big Sunflower River begins in Coahoma County and flows for 250 miles until it reaches the Yazoo River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. According to the EPA, the Big Sunflower supports some of the nation’s “richest wetland and aquatic resources,” including nearly 29 million migrating birds annually. These findings are based on analyses by the National Audubon Society, using data from eBird Status & Trends from Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Partners in Flight Population Estimates Database from Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (2020). Hunting, fishing and nature tourism fuel the state’s annual $3.37 billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy and the river is an area rich in culture and heritage. Many famous blues musicians launched their careers on the banks of the Big Sunflower, including Sam Cooke, Ike Turner, Muddy Waters, 2020 Grammy nominee Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and more.  

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.   

Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in recent years include the Pearl River in 2023 and 2015, Mississippi River in 2022, Turkey Creek in 2021, Big Sunflower in 2020 and 2018, and the Pascagoula in 2016. Threats to those rivers included new dam construction, pollution, wetland and habitat destruction from development projects.

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Annual List spotlights loss of federal protections threatening clean water, agriculture, economy, and heritage

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named the Rivers of New Mexico #1 on its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®, citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that left virtually all of the state’s streams and wetlands vulnerable to pollution and harmful development.

The May 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA dramatically reduced federal clean water protections for streams and wetlands nationwide–arguably harming New Mexico the most of all the states. This federal action opens the door to devastating pollution and habitat damage, with potential harmful downstream impacts to the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan, and Pecos rivers.  

“People depend on this water. We have depended on this water for hundreds of years. This is our tradition, this is our culture. We don’t want to be a people that loses its traditions because we haven’t taken the right steps to protect our rivers,” said Vicente Fernandez, acequia mayordomo and community leader. “Our acequia has been a vital part of our community. It provides water for irrigation and watering of animals, so the importance of this river is great. Without this river, we would not be able to survive. It is very important to our culture and our traditional way of life.” 

“Santa Fe’s drinking water depends on strong protections for small streams that feed into the Santa Fe River and the Rio Grande. The Sackett decision has stripped away those protections and our residents are now at risk,” said Anna Hansen, Santa Fe County Commission.

The state’s commitment and proven record of protecting its clean water and remarkable natural resources is more important now than ever. The Sackett court decision scaled back national Clean Water Act safeguards to include protections only for “relatively permanent” streams, and wetlands with a “continuous surface connection” to those streams. This means that streams that only run during the rainy season or for periods of the year after snowmelt– which is very typical in New Mexico – fall outside the Clean Water Act protections. And, in New Mexico, the majority of wetlands have an intermittent surface connection to streams or a groundwater connection, and therefore New Mexico wetlands–which provide important ecological services–are at grave risk. 

In addition, because New Mexico doesn’t have a state surface water permitting program in place yet to ensure its rivers are appropriately protected, clean water advocates in New Mexico have called on the State of New Mexico to develop, fund, and implement a state surface water permitting program to protect at-risk rivers, streams and wetlands that lost federal protections due to the Supreme Court ruling.

“Anyone who lives here knows the importance of protecting our waterways. And our waterways don’t always have water in them, and we know that they only flow some times throughout the year. But that doesn’t mean they are any less deserving of protection,” said Beata Tsosie-Peña, Breath of My Heart Birthplace. “The Southwest is really vulnerable to losing these kinds of protections. Because our watersheds are so precious, any kind of impact to our waterways, whether they are a river system or a pathway into that river system, have to stay protected if we want our communities to stay healthy.” 

New Mexico’s rivers and streams are the lifeblood of the state’s economy, environment, cultural history, and quality of life. In addition to sustaining life for plants and animals, rivers and streams provide a source of clean drinking water for a majority of New Mexico’s population. Clean water from rivers and streams is essential for New Mexico’s acequias, or community ditches, which are integral to New Mexico’s traditions and economy. A large portion of the state’s multi-billion-dollar recreation economy–which includes rafting, fishing, boating, and hunting–is dependent on healthy rivers and clean water.

“My father started our family’s fly fishing business over 40 years ago. Our success as a family and a business is directly tied to clean water,” said Nick Streit, owner, Taos Fly Shop and The Reel Life. “I take people fishing, and for people to have fun they need to catch fish, and fish need clean water and healthy streams. Waste treatment plants, old mining claims, all of these things can devastate a stream if left unchecked.” 

“The Supreme Court ruling flies in the face of established science and ignores the value that small streams and wetlands have to their broader watersheds, communities, and economies, particularly in places with dry climates like New Mexico,” said Matt Rice, Southwest regional director for American Rivers. “The State of New Mexico needs strong public support to ensure we’re able to safeguard these streams and rivers for today’s communities and future generations.”

Several New Mexico rivers have been listed in past reports for issues ranging from outdated water management plans to mining and pollution. Most recently, these include the Rio Gallinas (2023), Pecos River (2021), and the Gila River (2019 and 2014).

American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

List underscores threats to clean water, drinking water

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers released its list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® today, sounding the alarm about threats to clean water and drinking water nationwide.

Number one on the list is the Rivers of New Mexico, threatened by a Supreme Court decision that overturned decades of federal Clean Water Act protections. The court’s May 2023 decision impacts New Mexico more than any other state – leaving roughly 96 percent of New Mexico’s streams vulnerable to pollution, with potential harmful downstream impacts to the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan, and Pecos rivers.

“All water is connected. We cannot allow pollution anywhere without risk to the rivers we rely on for our drinking water,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers. “Our leaders must hold polluters accountable and strengthen the Clean Water Act to safeguard our health and communities.”

The Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA ruling stripped federal protections for half the nation’s wetlands and up to 4 million miles of streams – the drinking water sources for 40 million Americans. The threat is particularly acute in New Mexico, despite the state’s commitment and proven record of protecting its clean water and natural resources. This is because the court decision cut protections for streams that only run during the rainy season or for periods of the year after snowmelt– typical in an arid environment.

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024 spotlights threats to clean water nationwide, including:

Connecticut’s Farmington River, the drinking water source for nearly 400,000 people, threatened by a hydropower dam causing toxic algae outbreaks
Tennessee’s Duck River, a drinking water source and hotspot for biodiversity, at risk from excessive water withdrawals
California and Mexico’s Tijuana River, choked with pollution causing illness and beach closures
West Virginia’s Blackwater River, where a proposed highway threatens water quality, wildlife, and recreation
California’s Trinity River, a vital source of clean, cold water for the Klamath River, at risk from water diversions

“Before the Clean Water Act, rivers were so polluted that they caught on fire. We must not go backwards,” said Kiernan. “President Biden has proposed policies and funding that represent a real investment in our water, but we need Congress and those in Statehouses across the country to act. Our health and our future are directly linked to our rivers. America’s Most Endangered Rivers is a national call to action to defend the streams and rivers on which all life depends.”

Nationwide, much of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. Rural and urban areas depend on rivers for clean drinking water, food production, economic vitality, and cultural connection. But the EPA estimates that forty-four percent of waterways in the U.S. are too polluted for fishing or swimming. Freshwater species are going extinct faster than ocean or land species, and rivers are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Climate change is fueling more severe floods and droughts, and unjust policies put the burden of these impacts disproportionately on communities of color and Tribal Nations.

In its 39^th year, America’s Most Endangered Rivers® amplifies the voices of local leaders speaking up for rivers at risk. By generating national attention and mobilizing the public to act, the campaign delivers results for rivers and all of the life they support.

The river’s significance to people and wildlife
The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice
A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024

#1: Rivers of New Mexico
Threat: Loss of federal clean water protections

#2: Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers (MS)
Threat: Yazoo Pumps project threatens wetlands

#3: Duck River (TN)
Threat: Excessive water use

#4: Santa Cruz River (AZ, Mexico)
Threat: Water scarcity, climate change

#5 Little Pee Dee River (NC, SC)
Threat: Harmful development, highway construction

#6 Farmington River (CT, MA)
Threat: Hydro dam

#7: Trinity River (CA)
Threat: Outdated water management

#8: Kobuk River (AK)
Threat: Road construction, mining

#9 Tijuana River (CA, Mexico)
Threat: Pollution

#10: Blackwater River (WV)
Threat: Highway development

Congress must advance critical funding for clean water

Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145

The Biden Administration released its FY2025 budget proposal to Congress which serves as the start of the upcoming fiscal year’s funding process. The budget proposal requests $7.3 trillion and outlines specific priorities for each federal agency and department. In terms of spending, the budget includes $1.67 trillion in discretionary spending with $895 billion for defense programs, and $621 billion for domestic spending.

Key highlights for rivers include funding to protect the Colorado River, prioritizing the restoration of healthy and abundant wild salmon, steelhead, and other native fish populations in the Columbia River Basin, investing in critical water infrastructure, addressing environmental injustices, advancing climate science, and protecting streams and wetlands in light of the Supreme Court’s Sackett v EPA ruling.

In response to the release of President Biden’s FY25 spending proposal, American Rivers issued the following statement from President and CEO, Tom Kiernan:

“Rivers provide the clean water our communities need to thrive, but our nation’s rivers are at risk. The President’s Budget takes these matters seriously. We’re particularly thankful the proposal ensures agencies have the funding they need to succeed in river restoration efforts. These priorities align with our FY25 River Budget which was endorsed by 156 partners including utility and state agency associations, fishing groups, small businesses, rural communities, public health organizations, environmental justice leaders, and more.”

“Communities need action on clean water and solutions in the face of increasing droughts, floods, and wildfires. Today, we turn to Congress to protect and restore rivers by passing a budget on time without delay. Healthy rivers are a direct reflection of communities and the commitments we make together to solve challenges. We applaud the Biden’s Administration commitment to clean rivers and people.”

Specifically, the President’s Budget includes:

$17.8 billion to the Department of Interior to advance western water infrastructure, address severe drought in the Colorado River and more.
More than $200 million for healthy and abundant wild native fish in the Columbia River system through the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
$2.4 billion for State Revolving Funds at EPA to support drinking water and clean water as well as $30 million for a new program that addresses gaps in federal response to water-related infrastructure emergencies.
Nearly $1.5 billion across EPA in support of environmental justice and a new categorical grant program to develop Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements to carry out climate programs in Indian Country.

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 