Media Items Archive

Contacts:

David Moryc, American Rivers: (503) 827-8648

Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network: (217) 344-2371 x 208

Lan Richart, Eco-Justice Collaborative: (773) 556-3417

www.AmericanRivers.org/Vermilion

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing the threat toxic coal ash poses to Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River. More than 3 million cubic yards of waste from the Vermilion Power Station are sitting in three unlined pits along the bank of the river. The plant’s owner, Dynegy, is seeking approval to cap and abandon the pits forever.

“This is a critical year for the people of this region to stand up for clean water and claim the kind of future they want for their river,” said David Moryc with American Rivers. “Now is the time to raise our voices and demand that Dynegy stop polluting this Wild and Scenic River and act to ensure the company’s coal ash pits do not pose a perpetual threat to the health of the Middle Fork or create a financial burden on taxpayers.”

“I am pleased that this river is being recognized as an important resource,” said Michael Marron, Vermilion County Board Chairman. “The County is concerned about all of our resources and that includes the Middle Fork River. It is an important part of our economy and recreation. We hope for any positive steps in maintaining them responsibly.”

The beautiful and ecologically vibrant Middle Fork of the Vermilion flows through the heart of Kickapoo State Park, which attracts over 1 million visitors each year. Flanked by nearly 10,000 acres of public land, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion is home to the blue breast darter and silvery salamander, as well as 22 other threatened or endangered species. An archeological site along the river’s east bank is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 1,000-year-old burial mounds.

“This river changes people. There aren’t many ways to experience nature like this in Illinois,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer with Prairie Rivers Network. “The Middle Fork needs to be protected from coal ash, so that future generations can enjoy its scenic beauty.”

In warm-weather months, thousands of visitors paddle a 13-mile river trail that passes directly by the coal ash pits, which are leaching arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and sulfate into the river. These contaminants are known to cause birth defects, cancer and neurological damage in humans, and can harm and kill wildlife, especially fish.

“This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The people of Illinois are standing up for the Middle Fork Vermilion, the state’s only Wild and Scenic River,” said Moryc. “It’s time for the Illinois EPA and the Governor to listen, and ensure a positive legacy for future generations.”

“The coal ash pits were built irresponsibly close to the river,” said Mike Camp, local resident. “Making matters worse, natural river forces are eroding the riverbanks, so one huge flood could breach the pits tomorrow. Capping the pits won’t solve the problem. The only solution is to move the coal ash away from the river.”

In June of 2012, the Illinois EPA issued Dynegy a Notice of Violation of Class I Groundwater Standards. Six years later, the issue remains unresolved, and the IEPA is considering a cap and leave option. Dynegy hopes to have a final decision on its proposal to cap and abandon the pits this fall. American Rivers and partners are calling on the Illinois EPA to require Dynegy to stop polluting the river and ensure that their ash pits do not pose a continuing threat to this Wild and Scenic River. Dynegy must either remove the coal ash or demonstrate they can provide another solution that prevents the coal ash from polluting the river and does not leave taxpayers on the hook for ongoing monitoring, maintenance or cleanup in the event of a catastrophic coal ash spill.

“With recognition of the Middle Fork as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, the spotlight is now directly on the Governor and the Illinois EPA,” said Lan Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “Will they require Dynegy to clean up their waste, or allow them to abandon the site and leave behind 3.3 million cubic yards of toxic ash for future generations?”

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 Buffalo River (2017), Middle Mississippi River (2014), and Ozark National Scenic Riverways (2011).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 275,000 members, supporters and volunteers.

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Contacts:

Scott Bosse, American Rivers, (406) 570-0455

Rich Hohne, Simms Fishing Products, (406) 922-1243

Derf Johnson, Montana Environmental Information Center, (406) 581-4634

www.AmericanRivers.org/SmithRiver

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named Montana’s Smith River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing the threat of a proposed copper mine to its legendary trout fishery.

“This is a critical year for Montanans to decide what kind of future we want for the Smith,” said Scott Bosse with American Rivers. “We’re calling on every Montanan who loves the Smith to weigh in on the draft environmental impact statement for the Black Butte copper mine. It’s now or never.”

The Smith River flows for 60 miles through a spectacular limestone canyon between the Little Belt and Big Belt Mountains, emptying into the Missouri River just south of Great Falls. It is nationally renowned among anglers for its thriving brown and rainbow trout fishery, stunning scenery, and incomparable riverside camping. Among the other wildlife that frequent the Smith River corridor are bald and golden eagles, osprey, moose, elk, mule and whitetail deer, black bear, and the occasional grizzly bear.

Australia-based Sandfire Resources America is proposing to develop the Black Butte copper mine underneath and directly adjacent to Sheep Creek, the most productive trout spawning stream in the Smith River drainage.

Removing copper from the ground poses serious environmental risks. The copper lies in a massive sulfide-ore body, which, when exposed to air and water, can produce acid mine drainage. There is also the likelihood that the mine will leach toxic heavy metals into nearby surface waters and produce discharges of wastewater high in nitrates that result from the use of blasting compounds. Finally, groundwater would have to be pumped from the mine, which could partially dry up Sheep Creek and its tributaries, thus destroying trout habitat.

A draft environmental impact statement will likely be released for public review in the fall of 2018. This will be the public’s best opportunity to weigh in on the Black Butte copper mine.

“For many of our employees, the chance to float the Smith River in the springtime is the highlight of the year,” said Rich Hohne, Marketing Director at Simms Fishing Products in Bozeman. “Not only is protecting the Smith critical to our way of life, but it’s also in our economic self-interest. The fishery on the Smith is worth $10 million annually, and it will keep on giving as long as we keep the river clean and free-flowing.”

“Mining has a toxic legacy in Montana,” said Derf Johnson of the Montana Environmental Information Center. “It’s already left us with the nation’s largest Superfund site along the Clark Fork River. Now is the time for Montanans to stand up and declare that we’re not willing to put the Smith River at risk.”

American Rivers recently joined with other groups to launch a campaign to put a responsible mining initiative on the state ballot in November 2018. If the initiative passes, it will allow the state of Montana to more easily deny any proposed mine that requires perpetual water treatment to deal with acid mine drainage and heavy metals contamination. Montanans’ support for this initiative could impact the fate of this project and future mining proposals that could pollute our rivers.

Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in recent years include the Middle Fork of the Flathead River (2017), Smith River (2015 & 2016), Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers (2014), and Kootenai River (2013).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Mississippi River Gorge and Kinnickinnic Among Nation’s Top Ten Rivers Facing Threats

Contacts:

Olivia Dorothy, American Rivers, 217-390-3658

Jill Crafton, Izaak Walton League of America, 952-944-5583

Michael Page, Friends of the Kinni, 612-810-3949

Chris Bye, Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, 612-940-1607

www.AmericanRivers.org/MSGorge

www.AmericanRivers.org/Kinni

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named two rivers in the Twin Cities region among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing outdated dams that are harming fish and wildlife habitat and limiting recreation and economic revitalization opportunities. American Rivers and its partners called for removal of two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers locks and dams in the Mississippi River Gorge in Minneapolis, and two aging dams on the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin.

“This is a critical year for the people of this region to decide what kind of future we want for our rivers and clean water,” said Olivia Dorothy with American Rivers. “These dams have served their purpose, and now it’s time for them to go. We must seize this moment to restore the rivers to health and create positive change that will last for generations to come.”

The Mississippi River Gorge runs roughly eight miles from Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota River confluence in Mendota, Minnesota. Commercial barge traffic ended in the Gorge in 2015, and two locks and dams owned by the Army Corps have eliminated the natural flow regime and, consequently, the river’s health and wildlife have suffered. The dams are also preventing the metro area from seizing the opportunity to restore the natural flow through this reach and potentially explore new recreational and economic opportunities. American Rivers and its partners are calling on the Army Corps to recommend to Congress that the locks and dams be removed.

“Continued maintenance and operation of these locks and dams would be costly and not in the best interest of taxpayers,” said Jill Crafton with the Izaak Walton League of America. “The locks and dams in the Gorge represent an outdated industrial vision of the river. It’s time to start a new chapter, where a healthy, restored river supports native fish and wildlife.”

“The historic rapids ecosystem in the Gorge offered important habitat for fish and wildlife,” said Dorothy. “This is an opportunity we shouldn’t miss to restore a lost Mississippi River ecosystem.”

The Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin, is the last major tributary to the Wild and Scenic St. Croix River and is one of the best trout streams in the Midwest. But two dams have caused the river’s health to decline. American Rivers and its local partners are calling on the City of River Falls to support removal of both dams in a fiscally prudent, environmentally responsible, and timely manner.

“The costs, over time, of keeping these dams are far outweighed by the benefits of removal,” said Duke Welter of Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TU-DARE). “River Falls residents and visitors alike will appreciate the restored river corridor flowing right behind Main Street, where they can bike, walk, bird-watch or fish amid the natural beauty. It happened in Baraboo, where removal of four useless dams led to development of a beautiful river corridor with numerous recreational opportunities. This can happen in River Falls too.”

“The River Falls City Council passed a resolution on February 27th calling for eventual removal of both dams from the Kinni. This action acknowledges the fact that the complete restoration of the Kinnickinnic River through dam removal is the right thing to do and is in the best interest of the general public,” said Michael Page of Friends of the Kinni. “However, the City’s current timeline, which delays the removal of the Upper Junction Falls Dam another 20 or more years until a target date of 2040, is completely unacceptable for the health of the river and for the economic vitality of our adjacent Main Street Community.”

Dams can have significant negative impacts on river health, including disrupting natural flows, destroying habitat for fish and wildlife, and harming water quality. Dam removal is a scientifically proven and accepted solution for addressing outdated and aging dams. Many dams have successfully been removed across the country and in the Midwest to restore rivers, improve public safety, and eliminate liabilities for dam owners. Home of the Wisconsin inland brook trout state record, four dams have been removed in recent years from the Prairie River near Merrill, Wisconsin. In 1991, the Prairie Dells Dam was removed from the Prairie River resulting in a thirty-fold jump in brook trout reproduction, eliminating the need for hatchery fish stocking. In Baraboo, Wisconsin, four dams have been removed from the Baraboo River. The final removal of the Linen Mill Dam in 2001 resulted, at the time, in the longest restored free-flowing mainstream river in the nation, improving riverine habitat, recreation, and aesthetics in the newly established City of Baraboo Riverwalk.

Dam removal and river restoration can deliver a variety of economic benefits. A 2012 study found that every $1 million spent on Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration projects resulted in 10 to 13 jobs created or maintained. A 2010 study in Oregon found that every $1 million spent on forest and watershed restoration resulted in 15 to 23 new jobs and $2.1 to 2.3 million in economic activity. The economic benefits of dam removal are summarized in a 2016 report by Headwaters Economics.

Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in past years include the Menominee River (2017), St. Louis River (2015), and Little Plover River (2013).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Contacts:

Mike Fiebig, American Rivers, (406) 600-4061

Ava Isaacson, Idaho Rivers United, (208) 343-7481

www.AmericanRivers.org/SalmonRiver

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named the South Fork of the Salmon River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing the threat expanded open-pit gold mining in the area would pose to water quality and river health. American Rivers and its partners call on the U.S. Forest Service to protect the South Fork of the Salmon for future generations by prohibiting the reopening and expansion of the Stibnite Gold Mine at the river’s headwaters.

“This is a critical year for the people of this region to decide what kind of future we want for our rivers and clean water,” said Mike Fiebig with American Rivers. “The South Fork Salmon still boasts clear, free-flowing waters, and feeds the beloved Wild and Scenic Main Salmon downstream. It’s time for the U.S. Forest Service to put an end once and for all to toxic mining near this treasured river.”

The South Fork of the Salmon is a major tributary to the Wild and Scenic Salmon River— the second longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. The Shoshone, Nez Perce, Bannock and Paiute tribes have used the river for fishing and hunting for generations. In addition to providing critical habitat for endangered chinook salmon and steelhead and threatened bull trout, the South Fork of the Salmon boasts some of the state’s best expert-level whitewater. The river has been found eligible and suitable for Wild and Scenic protection by the U.S. Forest Service.

“This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Now is the time for the people of Idaho and everyone who loves the amazing Salmon River to stand up for clean water protections so we can ensure a positive legacy for future generations,” said Fiebig.

Gold and antimony mining began at the Stibnite site in the late 1800s. Since then, levels of arsenic, mercury, cyanide and antimony in the surrounding creeks and rivers have been high. After decades and $13 million spent to restore and reclaim legacy tailing and waste rock piles, heavy metals are on the decline.

Now a Canadian mining company has proposed reopening and expanding the open-pit mine. If allowed to proceed, the Stibnite Mine would unearth more arsenic, mercury and antimony that, through natural processes and potential accidents and spills, would deposit directly or indirectly into the South Fork of the Salmon River. Contaminated water will directly affect the fisheries, recreation economy and cultural importance of South Fork waters.

“Mining operations are inherently toxic for rivers,” said Fiebig. “State and federal agencies have worked hard to improve the water quality in this river, and it makes no sense to backtrack. Reopening this mine would have catastrophic repercussions not only for the South Fork of the Salmon River, but also the downstream communities that depend on a healthy Salmon River system for jobs, livelihoods and cultural heritage.”

“All I have to do is say ‘South Fork of the Salmon,’ and people speak willingly and with conviction. People have shown through their engagement how truly valuable and important the South Fork is to them,” said Ava Isaacson with Idaho Rivers United. “Citizens of Idaho are speaking loud and clear, and in resounding numbers, that the South Fork is more precious than gold. Idaho is blessed with wild rivers revered around the nation, and the South Fork of the Salmon is one of the state’s best,” Isaacson said. “This is a place where families go to camp and hike, where expert paddlers go to play and our amazing migratory fish go to spawn and renew the circle of life.”

Thousands of business owners, campers, hunters, anglers, rafters, kayakers and others have submitted comments to the U.S. Forest Service in opposition to the mine. In August 2018, the Payette National Forest will release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Midas Gold proposed project, followed by a public comment period. The U.S. Forest Service must protect the health of the South Fork of the Salmon River by prohibiting the reopening and expansion of the Stibnite Mine.

Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in past years include the Middle Fork Flathead River (2017), Smith River (2015, 2016, & 2018), and the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers (2014).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Border Wall Would Destroy Habitat, Increase Flood Risk, Block River Access

Contacts:
Chris Williams, American Rivers, 202-347-7550
Scott Nichol, Sierra Club, 956-532-5983
Jen Pelz, Rio Grande Waterkeeper | WildEarth Guardians, 303-884-2702

www.AmericanRivers.org/RioGrande

Washington — American Rivers today named the Lower Rio Grande among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, shining a national spotlight on the threat construction of an additional 30 or more miles of border wall poses to the health of the river and access for border communities.

“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that face a critical decision in the coming year,” said Chris Williams, Senior Vice President of Conservation at American Rivers. “The Rio Grande is so much more than a border. It is a life-giving source of water, a cultural crossroads, a pillar for local economies, a scenic treasure, and a unique freshwater ecosystem. Construction of a border wall, unhindered by any meaningful environmental review, disrupts and damages that ecosystem, impacting everything that depends on it.”

President Trump has proposed the construction of hundreds of miles of new border walls along the Rio Grande, and Congress has agreed to fund this first phase of construction. The first 30 miles of this new phase of wall building have already been mapped, and preparations are under way for construction in the Lower Rio Grande floodplain. Much of this new construction will be “levee-walls”— essentially a steel fence on top of a large levee— that will cut the Rio Grande off
from its floodplain, potentially exacerbating flooding and erosion and blocking access to this lifegiving resource for people and wildlife.

In the coming years, President Trump will likely push Congress to fund additional border wall construction. Trump has called the current $1.57 billion appropriation a “down payment” on an eventual $25 billion over ten years. American Rivers called on Congress to refuse to appropriate another penny for this damaging and wasteful project, thus preventing further harm to what little remains of Lower Rio Grande habitat.

“Having watched border walls go up along the Rio Grande and seen first-hand the damage that they inflict, the idea of more border walls fragmenting national wildlife refuges and disrupting the floodplain is horrifying,” said Scott Nichol, Borderlands Team Co-Chair with the Sierra Club. “Environmental laws have been brushed aside for existing border walls and will be ignored for future ones, setting up the Lower Rio Grande for environmental harm that would otherwise be a
violation of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and other bedrock protections. It is crucial that this river, which is the lifeblood of so many communities and ecosystems, be protected from such destruction.”

“The Rio Grande is the heart and soul of the desert southwest,” said Jen Pelz, Rio Grande Waterkeeper and Wild Rivers Program Director at WildEarth Guardians. “Building a wall that divides its beauty, its communities, and its rich diversity will not only destroy and divide the region, but may be the last nail in the coffin of this imperiled icon and the life it supports.”

The ecologically rich Lower Rio Grande valley is one of the most diverse places in North America. Although threatened in the early part of the century due to development for cities and farms, vital habitat— in the Santa Ana and Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuges— is now protected to provide refuge for thousands of plants, 500 species of birds, 300 species of butterflies, and a broad array of wildlife, including the critically imperiled ocelot. Building a wall
threatens these last refuges in the region.

New Rio Grande border walls will have multiple impacts: habitat corridors will be severed and endangered species will be pushed closer to extinction; natural inflows into the river will be disrupted; wetlands will be destroyed; floodwaters will be deflected, potentially moving the river channel; flooding in communities along the river will be worsened; and access to the river for residents and landowners will be disrupted.

“New walls would cost taxpayers billions, trigger a host of unintended consequences and cause irreversible harm,” said Williams. “It’s time to scrap the misguided push for additional border walls, and prioritize solutions that safeguard the river and the people and wildlife that depend on it.”

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 Lower Colorado River (2017), Gila River (2014), and San Saba River (2013).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Rivers of Bristol Bay and Colville River Among Nation’s Top Ten Rivers Facing Threats

Contacts:

David Moryc, American Rivers, 503-307-1137

Lindsay Layland, United Tribes of Bristol Bay, 907-842-1687

David Krause, The Wilderness Society, 907-272-9453 x102

Katherine Carscallen, Sustaining Bristol Bay Fisheries, 907-843-2006

www.AmericanRivers.org/BristolBay

www.AmericanRivers.org/Colville

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named multiple Alaska rivers among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing mining and oil and gas extraction that threatens pristine waters, fisheries, wildlife and indigenous cultures.

The Rivers of Bristol Bay, including the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers, are at risk from the massive Pebble Mine that could devastate Alaska’s most important salmon fishery and threatens the traditional way of life in the region. The Colville River is threatened by oil and gas development that would impact wildlife habitat and native culture along one of country’s last remaining wild rivers.

“America’s Most Endangered Rivers is a call to action to save these national treasures,” said David Moryc with American Rivers. “The Trump administration is going too far with its reckless push to exploit our public lands and waters. The American people must decide: will we sacrifice these rivers so industries can make a quick profit, or will we protect them so that we can benefit from their clean water and natural riches for generations to come?”

The Nushagak and Kvichak rivers of Bristol Bay support the world’s largest run of sockeye salmon, the traditional way of life for dozens of Alaska Native tribes who depend on clean water for hunting and fishing, and a sustainable multi-billion dollar commercial fishing industry. Unfortunately, this priceless resource is once again threatened by the Pebble Mine after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) launched a fast-tracked 30-day public scoping process on March 30, 2018, to kick off the federal permitting process and environmental review of the project. American Rivers and its partners are calling on the USACE to give more time for Bristol Bay Tribes and residents to weigh in on the project, and conduct a more rigorous review than the fast-tracked process that is currently underway.

“The pristine waters of Bristol Bay have sustained the traditional way of life in Southwest Alaska for thousands of years and the most impressive wild sockeye salmon run on the planet. Our livelihoods, our clean lands and waters, and our fishing economy depend on these river systems. Now is the time for everyone who recognizes the importance of this region to take action to protect Bristol Bay,” said Alannah Hurley, Executive Director of United Tribes of Bristol Bay.

The Colville River is at risk from the administration’s renewed push for oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. While the name may conjure up images of roads, pipelines and drilling platforms, the Reserve is a largely undisturbed place vital to polar bears, wolves, moose, caribou, grizzly bears and musk oxen. For residents of the region, the Colville River is extremely important for subsistence resources and practices. The river is a source of food and sustenance, and the waterway serves as an important transportation route to traditional use areas and culturally important sites. American Rivers and its partners are calling on Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to maintain protections that safeguard the Colville’s ecological and cultural values.

“The Colville is one of America’s great Arctic rivers with incredible ecological and cultural significance. It flows through some of the last great wilderness left on the planet and must be protected from the unavoidable and irreversible impacts of oil and gas development,” said David Krause, Arctic Lands Conservation Specialist at The Wilderness Society.

“The western arctic is home to millions of migratory birds and numerous species of land mammals who all depend on the clean water of the Reserve’s lakes and rivers. The Colville River is one of the most productive rivers in northern Alaska,” said Lisa Baraff, program director at the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. “Industrial intrusion and development threaten a way of life that has existed for generations. The harvest of traditional foods and cultural practices should be prioritized and protected. The Colville should be free to flow and sustain life.”

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 Chuitna River (2015) and Bristol Bay Rivers (2011).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Big Sunflower River, MS
- Threat – Army Corps pumping project
- At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture

Boundary Waters, MN
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation economy

Lower Rio Grande, TX
- Threat – Border wall
- At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat

South Fork Salmon River, ID
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat

Mississippi River Gorge, MN
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities

Smith River, MT
- Threat – Mining
- At risk – Clean water, recreation

Colville River, AK
- Threat – Oil and gas development
- At risk – Clean water, wildlife

Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL
- Threat – Coal ash pollution
- At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values

Kinnickinnic River, WI
- Threat – Dams
- At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

86 Dams Removed Last Year to Improve Public Safety, River Health

February 14, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145 or Jessie Thomas-Blate, 609-658-4769

View the full list of dams removed in 2017: www.AmericanRivers.org/2017DamRemovals

Database of all dam removals: www.AmericanRivers.org/DamRemovalDatabase

Map of all dam removals: www.AmericanRivers.org/DamRemovalsMap

(Washington) – A record number of outdated dams were removed in 2017, bringing public safety, new recreation opportunities and improved fish and wildlife habitat to communities nationwide, American Rivers announced today.

Eighty-six dams were torn down in 2017, beating the previous high number of 78 dams in 2014. Communities in 21 states, working in partnership with non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies, removed the dams to restore more than 550 miles of streams.

Dams were removed in the following states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2017, Pennsylvania had the highest number of removals for the fifteenth year in a row. The top three states removing outdated dams in 2017 were:

Pennsylvania – 16 dams removed
California – 10 dams removed
Massachusetts– 9 dams removed

“The record number of dams removed in 2017 shows that more communities see clean, free-flowing rivers as vital to their health, economy and future,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “The river conservation movement in our country is stronger than ever and we applaud all of the people who contributed to this major milestone. Our hard work is paying off.”

“While we celebrate this positive momentum, we must remain vigilant. Our nation is in danger of slipping backward when it comes to clean water and river health,” Irvin said. “Budget cuts and environmental rollbacks from the Trump Administration and Congress threaten to reverse the laudable progress communities across the country are making at the local level.”

“The river restoration successes from 2017 illustrate the kind of future communities want. Decision makers should pay attention.”

American Rivers is the only organization maintaining a record of dam removals in the United States. The database includes information on 1,492 dams that have been removed across the country since 1912. Most of those dams (1,275) were removed in the past 30 years. American Rivers played a role in 14 of the dam removals on this year’s list. The list includes all known dam removals, regardless of the extent of American Rivers’ involvement.

Factors that contributed to the record number of dams removed in 2017 include increased awareness about the benefits of removing outdated, unsafe dams; efforts by American Rivers and others to train organizations and increase capacity to manage dam removal projects; and the cost of maintaining aging dams, which pose liability and safety hazards for their owners.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gives the nation’s dams a D grade in its report card on the nation’s infrastructure. One of the most cost-effective ways to deal with outdated, unsafe dams is to remove them. When a dam is removed, a river can flow naturally, which has benefits for water supply, flood protection, wildlife habitat and ecosystem health.

“Healthy rivers are the veins and arteries of our country. Rivers are our original infrastructure. We need to keep investing in clean, free-flowing rivers if we want a future of secure water supplies, and safe, thriving communities,” said Irvin.

Highlights of dam removal and river restoration efforts in 2017 include:

Lock and Dam No. 6, Green River, KY

In recent years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Louisville District undertook an economic assessment of navigation dams on the Green and Barren rivers in Kentucky, and received Congressional approval to de-authorize (i.e., retire) five little-used locks and dams. Lock and Dam No. 6 on the Green River was deteriorating and posed a safety hazard. It was removed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in April 2017, improving habitat for fish, mussels and invertebrates. The dam’s impoundment was filling a portion of Mammoth Cave National Park with water and sediment, and thanks to the dam removal, that part of the caves will now be accessible for archaeological study. The project is precedent-setting for removing uneconomical, expensive federal navigation infrastructure and for the federal partnership between the Army Corps and USFWS. Other project partners include Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Mammoth Cave National Park, The Nature Conservancy and Kentucky Waterways Alliance.

Lower Eklutna River Dam, Eklutna River, AK

Originally built to provide hydropower, but no longer in use, the Lower Eklutna River Dam was removed in October 2017 in one of Alaska’s most ambitious habitat restoration projects ever. The Eklutna Native Corporation and the Native Village of Eklutna partnered with The Conservation Fund to work within a brief construction window in a 300-foot deep steep-walled canyon to open seven miles of the Eklutna River for salmon migration. This project has provided construction work for the local community, boosting the economy and helping to restore salmon runs that are vital for cultural heritage and sustenance.

Hamant Brook Lower, Middle, and Upper Pond Dams, Hamant Brook, MA

Three dams on Hamant Brook in Massachusetts were removed in Fall 2017 to allow native trout and endangered turtles access to important habitat. Hamant Brook runs through the Leadmine Conservation Area—880 acres of protected municipal conservation land. The project includes work to improve public access to the protected lands, while removing a public safety hazard and improving habitat for fish and wildlife. The Hamant Brook Restoration Project is supported by the landowners (Town of Sturbridge and Old Sturbridge Village), in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, American Rivers, and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration.

Boardman Dam, Boardman River, MI

The Boardman River Dam removal is part of a larger restoration effort to address four barriers along the Boardman River in Michigan. This project not only removed an impediment to fish passage, but also improved a river crossing for local residents. Previously, the Brown Bridge Dam was removed in 2013, and plans are in place to remove Sabin Dam and modify Union Street Dam in the near future. The largest river restoration project in Michigan’s history, collectively the project will restore more than three river miles of native coldwater fish habitat, more than 250 acres of wetlands and nearly 60 acres of upland habitat.

View the full list of dams removed in 2017: www.AmericanRivers.org/2017DamRemovals

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

Press Release from American Rivers, Charleston Waterkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Clean Water Action, Coastal Conservation League, Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the Rappahannock, North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Southern Environmental Law Center

For Release: February 6, 2018

Contacts: Southern Environmental Law Center, Kathleen Sullivan, 919-945-7106 or ksullivan@selcnc.org

Representing:

American Rivers, Amy Kober, 503-708-1145, akober@americanrivers.org
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Kevin Jeselnik, 404-352-9828, kjeselnik@chattahoochee.org
Clean Water Action, Michael Kelly, 202-895-0420×103, mkelly@cleanwater.org
Defenders of Wildlife, Gwen Dobbs, 202-772-0269, gdobbs@defenders.org
N.C. Coastal Federation, Danielle Herman, 252-393-8185, danielleh@nccoast.org

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Conservation groups today challenged in court the administration’s effort to strip away crucial clean water protections from rivers, lakes, streams and other waters that feed drinking-water sources for nearly 20 million people in the South and 117 million people across the country. The legal challenge, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, opens a major court battle over EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ suspension of clean water protections under the Clean Water Act, one of the nation’s bedrock environmental laws. The suspension of standards is the first of several steps announced by the administration to repeal long-standing clean water protections.

The Southern Environmental Law Center filed today’s challenge on behalf of American Rivers, Clean Water Action, Defenders of Wildlife, Charleston Waterkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Coastal Conservation League, Friends of the Rappahannock, North Carolina Coastal Federation, and North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

“Clean water is a way of life we take for granted in this nation thanks to bipartisan laws passed almost 50 years ago, but large polluters now want to dismantle all our protections,” said Blan Holman, a managing attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center which is representing the coalition in court. “The administration is pretending that pollution dumped upstream doesn’t flow downstream, but its plan puts the water used by hundreds of millions of Americans for drinking, bathing, cooking, and recreation at risk. We are going to court to protect clean water across the country.”

“By delaying the Clean Water Rule, the Trump administration is making clear that it has no intention of protecting our rivers, wetlands and clean water,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “Without the Clean Water Rule’s critical protections, innumerable small streams and wetlands that are essential for drinking water supplies, flood protection, and fish and wildlife habitat will be vulnerable to unregulated pollution, dredging and filling.”

The lawsuit contends that EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated long-standing law that prohibits agencies from altering basic environmental safeguards without giving the public notice and a chance to weigh in. According to the lawsuit, the agencies failed at their most basic responsibilities: evaluating the effect of their reckless actions and allowing the public to comment on their decision to eliminate scientifically backed protections for streams and wetlands.

“The Trump administration’s attempt to roll back federal protections for some of the most sensitive wetlands and streams is irresponsible,” said Bob Dreher, senior vice president for conservation programs, Defenders of Wildlife. “All endangered species, from grizzlies in Montana to panthers in Florida, depend upon drinking water for survival. This action will prioritize industry over communities and wildlife and put both at unnecessary risk.”

The agencies have 60 days to respond to the lawsuit.

“It’s long past time when Congress intended for all of our waters to be fishable, swimmable, and drinkable ─ the Trump administration’s decision will make it impossible to achieve that goal,” said Jennifer Peters, Clean Water Action’s National Water Programs Director. “We’re fighting to ensure the interests of polluters are not put before the interests of everyday people who expect strong Clean Water Act protections for their drinking water sources.”

“We depend on clean water to live, work and play here along the North Carolina coast,” said Todd Miller, executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation. “With this action, we hope to defend reasonable and prudent regulatory safeguards that are vital to our healthy coastal economy and environment.”

“This rule is a rushed political decision that should be based on science, like the Clean Water Rule is,” said Tim Gestwicki, chief executive officer, North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Wildlife need clean water and hunters and anglers know that without it, there won’t be ducks to hunt or fish to catch. Folks who love our streams, rivers, and wetlands deserve better.”

About Southern Environmental Law Center

For more than 30 years, the Southern Environmental Law Center has used the power of the law to champion the environment of the Southeast. With over 70 attorneys and nine offices across the region, SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect our natural resources and the health and well-being of all the people in our region. www.SouthernEnvironment.org

About American Rivers

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

February 5, 2018

Contact: Jeff Odefey, 415-589-0642 | jodefey@americanrivers.org
Amy Kober, 503-708-1145 | akober@americanrivers.org

Tucson – A series of water bills introduced in Arizona’s Senate last week would cause more harm than good and are not the solutions Arizonans need to ensure a future of reliable water supplies, economic growth and healthy rivers.

The bills (SB 1507 and HR 2512) do not provide certainty for water users and managers, do not protect groundwater supplies, and do not help minimize the risk of a shortage declaration from low Lake Mead water levels. None of the bills get to the heart of the problem: that we are taking more water out of the system than the Colorado River can provide.

Arizona must respond to this challenge with collaboratively developed plans to adjust to reduced Colorado River supplies. Unfortunately, the bills dodge a critical need for Arizona to reach agreement on a multi-state Drought Contingency Plan that would reduce risk to the state’s Colorado River supply.

“At a moment when Arizona is facing deep challenges managing its water supply for a secure future, it’s disheartening to see the Legislature and elected leaders pass up an opportunity to develop real solutions,” said Jeff Odefey, Director, Clean Water Supply with American Rivers.

“The state’s water providers and users are capable of reaching collaborative, far-reaching agreements. They need leadership to address the problems created by long-term drought and over-allocation, not short term actions that threaten critical habitats and groundwater resources. The Colorado River and all Arizonans deserve that kind of commitment, one that will allow Arizona to join other Lower Basin states in agreeing to a Drought Contingency Plan.”

“At stake is drinking water for people, irrigation water for farms, ranches, and wineries, water for businesses, and water for our abundant wildlife and natural heritage. So when it comes to planning our water future, it’s critical we get it right. These bills miss the mark,” Odefey said.

American Rivers supports the Water for Arizona Coalition, a joint effort of organizations who support policies and innovative practices to ensure a reliable water supply to meet the state’s needs. The Coalition represents over 60,000 Arizona members, as well as hundreds of hunters, anglers, and others who enjoy outdoor recreation across the state.

For more on water management solutions in Arizona, see:

https://www.americanrivers.org/2018/02/planning-drought-good-arizona/

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

January 31, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington –The Trump Administration today formally delayed implementation of the Clean Water Rule, the latest in a series of judicial and administrative maneuvers that strip protection from small streams and wetlands and put the drinking water sources for one in three Americans in jeopardy.

“This action is unwise, harms the public, and violates the law. We will challenge the administration in court and look forward to defending clean water for families and communities,” Irvin said.

Across the country, small streams and wetlands protected by the Clean Water Rule contribute to the drinking water supplies of 117 million Americans, and provide tremendous economic benefits by reducing flooding and pollution, recharging groundwater, and providing wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.

“Healthy rivers and streams are vital to our communities and economy, and the health of millions of Americans. President Trump and EPA Administrator Pruitt want to throw away carefully crafted safeguards that were based on strong economic arguments, sound science and broad public support, Irvin said. “We won’t let that go unchallenged.”

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

January 27, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington – A draft infrastructure proposal from the White House would undercut critical clean water protections and fails to address the country’s looming water infrastructure crisis.

“Weakening clean water protections to give advantages to polluters is the last thing our communities need,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “Americans know that we don’t need to sacrifice clean water to build new bridges and roads and we certainly don’t need to sacrifice our natural heritage to build costly new dams. Our families want real infrastructure solutions that make us stronger, safer and more prosperous.”

President Trump’s draft plan would allow corporations to sidestep public health, worker safety, and clean water protections for infrastructure projects, including for dams, toll roads, pipelines, drilling projects, and new mines.

In its 2017 report card on the nation’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s water infrastructure a “D” grade. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that more than $650 billion must be invested in water infrastructure over the next 20 years just to meet current environmental protection and public health needs. The impacts of outdated infrastructure cause the most harm to lower income neighborhoods and communities of color already suffering from a lack of investment and opportunity.

American Rivers called on Congress to prioritize the following in any federal infrastructure investment:

Increase funding for our nation’s water infrastructure needs
Prioritize nature-based solutions including source water protection, floodplain restoration, water use efficiency, and green stormwater infrastructure
Keep safe, clean, reliable water affordable and available to all
Uphold environmental, health and safety standards
Invest in water efficiency instead of building expensive and destructive new dams

“Congress must reject the President’s proposal and advance meaningful water infrastructure solutions that provide robust funding, promote nature-based solutions, and ensure a future of clean water for everyone,” said Irvin.

Resources for media:

Naturally Stronger: How Natural Water Infrastructure Can Save Money and Improve Lives

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.

December 4, 2017

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington – American Rivers President Bob Irvin released the following statement today in response to President Trump’s announcement that he will roll back protections for major portions of Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

“Until today, we could count on our presidents, from Theodore Roosevelt to Barack Obama, to use their authority wisely to protect public lands and waters for generations to come. Under President Trump, that is no longer the case.”

“Never before has a president moved so aggressively to eliminate protection of so much public land. Never before has a president displayed such blatant disregard for the importance of public lands to our heritage, economy, clean water and identity as Americans.”

“Shrinking Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments to allow for coal mining and oil and gas development threatens sacred Native American sites and streams that feed the Colorado and San Juan rivers, the lifeblood of canyon country.”

“The president’s action is an insult to all who value cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship of our shared natural resources. It ignores the overwhelming public support for maintaining and protecting national monuments and undermines the bipartisan legacy of previous presidents who used their authority to protect national monuments for all Americans.”

“American Rivers will continue to fight to defend our public lands and waters from this shameful assault, in order to ensure our children and grandchildren can enjoy these irreplaceable natural treasures.”

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.