April 9, 2014
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(Washingon, DC) – American Rivers named the Upper Colorado River Basin among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the need for Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to prevent new water diversions and instead prioritize river protection and water conservation measures in the state water plan.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Ken Neubecker of American Rivers. “We cannot afford more outdated, expensive, and harmful water development schemes that drain and divert rivers and streams across the Upper Colorado Basin. If we want these rivers to continue to support fish, wildlife, agriculture, and a multi-billion dollar tourism industry, we must ensure the rivers have enough water.”
The Upper Colorado River Basin is threatened by new water diversions. Having tapped the headwaters of the Colorado River mainstem, some Front Range water interests are currently considering diversions from rivers such as the Yampa and Gunnison— rivers not yet impaired by trans-mountain diversions.
“We can solve the puzzle of meeting water demands of new Colorado residents with an increased focus on conservation, recycling, and sharing agreements between irrigators and cities,” said Bart Miller, Water Program director for regional conservation group Western Resource Advocates. “The pieces are there, we just have to put them together.”
“Why jeopardize another West Slope river in Colorado and ruin it forever? Rivers like the Yampa and Gunnison have in-basin needs and growth that they need to adhere to first and foremost,” said Kent Vertrees, board member of the Friends of the Yampa based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “Add in endangered species, critical habitats, and a wild type of river recreation found in the canyon country, and these rivers would be at a major risk of losing these important values if we dewater them in a major way.”
“The Gunnison River and its headwater tributaries, though supporting spectacular fishing and recreation, are already maxed out in terms of municipal, agricultural, and non-consumptive uses. We see shortages many years in each of these sectors. So, it’s hard to figure how there is any water available to be sent out of the basin,” said Jennifer Bock, Water Director at High Country Conservation Advocates.
In 2013, American Rivers listed the Colorado River as #1 on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® due to the overarching concern of outdated water management throughout the entire basin. To begin addressing this concern in the Upper Basin, Governor Hickenlooper has directed the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop the first statewide water plan to determine how Colorado will meet its water needs in the future.
American Rivers and its partners called on Governor Hickenlooper and the Colorado Water Conservation Board to make sure the state water plan:
- Prioritizes river restoration and protection
- Increases water efficiency and conservation in cities and towns
- Modernizes agricultural practices
- Avoids new major trans-mountain diversions
The Colorado River Basin in the State of Colorado includes the mainstem Colorado River and headwater rivers, such as the Eagle, Roaring Fork, Blue, Yampa, Green, and Gunnison. The basin is home to gold medal trout fisheries, world class paddling, and scenic canyons. The resort areas of Winter Park, Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, and Vail, as well as much of the urban Front Range (on the other side of the Continental Divide), all get some or all of their drinking water from these rivers. The Upper Colorado River Basin is home to 14 native fish species, including several fish listed as endangered.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named the South Fork Edisto River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on excessive withdrawals that take too much water out of the river, threatening river health and downstream water users.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Gerrit Jöbsis of American Rivers. “The legislature has a prime opportunity this year to protect the Edisto and other rivers across the state, and correct an unfair water management scheme that favors one group of water users over all others.”
The Edisto is threatened by excessive agriculture withdrawals that take up to 35 percent of the river’s flow during summer months. These withdrawals impact river health, as well as downstream water users, including other farmers.
“Events in recent months have thrust the Edisto River into the forefront of discussion about South Carolina’s threatened river heritage and the absolute necessity to address emerging conflicts between water users. The Edisto is the most cherished river in the state. What we value will be lost if we do not take meaningful action now,” said Ben Gregg with South Carolina Wildlife Federation.
“We are confident that everyone who cares about the Edisto River and all of our state’s waterways can come together to improve the Surface Water Act,” said Ann Timberlake with Conservation Voters of South Carolina.
“The Edisto River quenches our thirst and restores our soul,” said Friends of the Edisto (FRED) President Tim Rogers. “Balancing the needs of agriculture and other users is sustainable. Condemning the Edisto for a factory spigot is unacceptable.”
American Rivers and its partners called on the legislature to amend the South Carolina Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use, and Reporting Act, which passed in 2010, to protect the health and integrity of the Edisto and all of the state’s rivers, and to make the law fair for all drinking water, industrial, and agricultural water users.
The Edisto River is the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the country. It flows more than 250 miles from its headwaters between Columbia and Aiken to the coast, and is characterized by extensive bottomland forests and broad floodplains. The river is home to abundant wildlife and is one of South Carolina’s most iconic rivers for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named the Haw River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the threat polluted runoff poses to drinking water supplies and recreation.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Peter Raabe of American Rivers. “Pollution is choking the Haw River and without a meaningful cleanup plan that addresses the sources of pollution, the drinking water supplies for one million people will continue to be at risk.”
The Haw River is threatened by polluted runoff– rainwater that picks up pollution as it flows over roads and parking lots – and sewage leaking from outdated and overtaxed wastewater pipes. This pollution, containing excess nitrogen and phosphorous, has caused large algal blooms in Jordan Lake, a major drinking water reservoir, which impacts the health of people and fish. The cleanup plan for the river has been delayed and weakened over the last three years. Now, instead of addressing the causes of the pollution, some municipalities and developers want to install 36 huge “mixers” into the Jordan Lake Reservoir in an attempt to reduce algae.
American Rivers and its partners called on the North Carolina General Assembly to stop the delay and clean up the Haw River by implementing the original 2009 Jordan Lake Reservoir Nutrient Management Strategy, commonly called the ‘Jordan Lake Rules’.
“The clock started ticking on the state and federal mandate to clean up the pollution in the river and Jordan Lake back in 2002, when it made the federal ‘Impaired Waters List’,” said Elaine Chiosso, the Haw Riverkeeper for Haw River Assembly. “It took seven more years to draft and pass these rules in 2009, and since then the state’s legislature has been delaying and weakening them. Clean water is essential to our lives and communities. It’s time to implement the full rules, now.”
“There’s no lack of science or planning on how to clean up the Haw River,” said Cassie Gavin, Director of Government Relations for the NC Sierra Club. “We have the solution; what we are lacking is the leadership and political will to move forward.”
“We live in one of the fastest growing metro regions in the nation,” said Karen Rindge, Executive Director of WakeUp Wake County. “We must put protections in place to ensure clean drinking water for future generations. Pollution in the Haw is hurting our drinking water.”
The Haw River flows 110 miles from its headwaters in the north-central Piedmont region of North Carolina to the Cape Fear River just below Jordan Lake Reservoir. The river and its watershed provide drinking water to nearly one million people living in and around the cities of Greensboro, Burlington, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Durham. The river is home to abundant wildlife and offers excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. The Haw River is the most popular whitewater paddling river in the North Carolina Piedmont Region, and Jordan Lake (a 14,000-acre reservoir) provides recreation for roughly one million visitors a year for boating, swimming, camping, and fishing.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named Colorado’s White River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the threat oil and gas development poses to fish and wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreation opportunities.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Matt Rice of American Rivers. “Major decisions this year will determine whether we can safeguard the White River’s unique wild values for future generations. Unless we strike a balance between energy development and river protection, Colorado will lose a priceless piece of its wild heritage.”
The White River Basin is threatened with an unprecedented level of oil and gas development—roughly 15,000 new oil and gas wells have been proposed— that could cause irreparable change not just to the river, but the entire character of the region. Likely impacts include pollution and dewatering of surface and groundwater supplies, the conversion of agricultural lands, long-term socioeconomic impacts to local communities, and the destruction of habitat for numerous species, including Colorado cutthroat trout.
“The amount of oil and gas development and inadequate conservation measures the Bureau of Land Management proposed in the draft plan was extremely disappointing,” said Luke Schafer, West Slope Advocacy Director of Conservation Colorado. “If the draft moves forward as written, there could be significant impacts to the landscape, wildlife, and watershed of the White River. We are hopeful that BLM will rectify those shortcomings in the final plan.”
“For so many years the White River area was known as the ‘Mule Deer Factory’ because of its huge deer herds,” said Allan Reishus, a sportsman from Craig, Colorado. “We’ve seen a serious and steady decline in deer populations in recent years. We need BLM to adopt a plan that avoids further damage, and in fact enhances the area’s wildlife habitat.”
“The threats to the White River again highlight the importance of protecting the lands and waters near Dinosaur National Monument— they are just too wild to drill. Using a Master Leasing Plan to identify what resources, like clean river water, will be affected by drilling is the best way to ensure responsible management. These lands and waters belong to all Americans, and the BLM owes it to everyone to make smart decisions about drilling,” said Soren Jespersen, Planning and Policy Representative for The Wilderness Society.
American Rivers and its partners called on the Bureau of Land Management to balance new development with protection of the White River and conservation of the area’s unique wild values for future generations. The groups urged the agency to ensure protection of special places such as Dinosaur National Monument and “Lands with Wilderness Character” units within the purview of the White River Field Office.
The two forks of the White River start high up in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area— the second largest wilderness area in Colorado— within the White River National Forest. Originating from the melting snow and ice above Trappers Lake, the North Fork of the White River flows freely through beautiful canyons and countryside to the desert plains of the Uintah Basin. The North Fork joins the South Fork near the small hamlet of Buford as it winds west, passing through a bucolic valley dotted with hay meadows, farmhouses, and abundant wildlife. Roughly 7000 citizens, the majority residing in the towns of Meeker and Rangely, depend on water supplies from the White River. The river provides habitat for imperiled fish and wildlife species, and is home to some of North America’s largest big game herds. The lower reaches of the White River are also home to four endangered fish species.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named the Gila River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the threat that an expensive and unnecessary pipeline and diversion project poses to New Mexico’s last free-flowing river.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Matt Niemerski of American Rivers. “It makes no sense to build an expensive and harmful diversion on New Mexico’s last free-flowing river when quicker, easier, and cheaper water supply solutions exist.”
Under a provision of the Arizona Water Settlements Act, construction of a large diversion project is planned on the Gila River that would capture an average of 14,000 acre-feet of water annually, or double the current withdrawals, to increase crop production and urbanization. Fortunately, cheaper, more cost-effective water supply solutions exist, such as municipal and agricultural conservation, effluent reuse, sustainable use of existing groundwater supplies, and watershed restoration.
American Rivers and its partners called on New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to protect the Gila River and ensure that her Interstate Stream Commission implements cheaper and more effective non-diversion alternatives to meet southwest New Mexico’s water supply needs.
“Expert analysis has shown that the ISC’s proposal is fatally flawed and will not work as currently conceived,” said Allyson Siwik, Executive Director of the Gila Conservation Coalition. “The good news is that southwestern New Mexico’s future water needs can be met through non-diversion conservation alternatives that can be easily funded with the federal funding available under the Arizona Water Settlements Act. These measures, such as municipal and agricultural conservation, effluent reuse, sustainable groundwater management, and watershed restoration, can generate three times the amount of water at a fraction of the cost of an expensive and harmful diversion project.”
“A diversion on the Gila would be devastating to New Mexico’s natural heritage,” said Beth Bardwell, Director of Freshwater Conservation for Audubon New Mexico. “What’s at stake is the largest stretch of cottonwood-willow riparian forest remaining in New Mexico, one of the highest concentrations of breeding birds in North America, and a living river that supports outdoor recreation and tourism for rural communities.”
“Governor Martinez and the Interstate Stream Commission should do the right thing and reject the Gila diversion,” said Jason Amaro, New Mexico Wildlife Federation board member. “We need to maintain and enhance the health of the Gila River, the foundation of hunting and fishing related opportunities in southwestern New Mexico. By supporting conservation alternatives to diversion, New Mexico can satisfy its water needs while protecting the quality of this premier outdoor recreation destination and supporting local economies dependent upon river-related recreation.”
When asked in a June 2013 poll which approach they would prefer to address the state’s water situation, New Mexico residents overwhelmingly supported conservation-based alternatives to diversions. Eighty-five percent of residents support using current water supplies more wisely, by continuing to conserve water, using new technology to help reduce wasted water, and increasing recycling of water.
A tributary to the Colorado River, the Gila originates in America’s first designated wilderness area, the Gila Wilderness, and is rich in biological diversity and cultural history. The Gila River supports healthy riverside forests, cold water fisheries, and a remarkable abundance of wildlife. The river also provides significant economic value to the region with unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature-based travel, and wilderness experience.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
Contact:
(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the threat that megaload shipments bound for the Canadian tar sands pose to the rivers’ unique Wild and Scenic character.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Scott Bosse of American Rivers. “If the Forest Service allows the shipment of megaloads along the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers, it will severely undermine the rivers’ scenic and recreational values and diminish the protections afforded by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act nationwide.”
The Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers are threatened by the shipment of massive mining equipment, known as “megaloads,” to aid in tar sands development in Alberta, Canada. The megaloads are hauled up Highway 12, along the rivers, on truck beds and can be as large as 30 feet high, 30 feet wide, 350 feet long, and weigh nearly a million pounds. During the day, these loads are parked in turnouts along the Wild and Scenic River, creating a visual blight in an otherwise pristine area and blocking access to river recreation. At night, the transport creates a massive rolling roadblock that interferes with normal highway traffic, presents numerous safety hazards, and degrades visitor experiences.
American Rivers and its partners called on the U.S. Forest Service to ban the shipment of megaloads along the river corridor to protect the rivers’ unique values and stop the industrialization of this Wild and Scenic corridor.
“Wild and Scenic protections were established by Congress to prevent this type of activity in America’s revered river corridors,” said Kevin Lewis of Idaho Rivers United. “If allowed to continue, this sets a dangerous precedent for Wild and Scenic Rivers across the nation.”
“Our customers come from across the country and around the world to experience the natural vitality and tranquility of the Clearwater and Lochsa river canyons,” said Peter Grubb, owner of Idaho-based ROW Adventures, an internationally-renowned adventure travel outfitter, and the Riverdance Lodge, a resort located along the Clearwater River Wild and Scenic corridor. “Megaloads pose a huge threat to the Wild and Scenic character of this magnificent place, and to my guests’ experiences and my business. People don’t travel here to see spaceship-size equipment parked by the river, or lumbering along the rural roadway. They travel here to experience Wild and Scenic rivers.”
Flowing for roughly 100 miles through the Clearwater National Forest, the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers traverse the homeland of the Nez Perce people. The Middle Fork Clearwater River and one of its main tributaries, the Lochsa River, were among America’s first rivers to be designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Highway 12, which follows the Clearwater, was designated as a National Scenic Byway due to its circuitous route through a narrow river canyon of unparalleled beauty. This river corridor supports a vibrant recreational economy while remaining an integral component of the Nez Perce Tribe’s way of 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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
Contact:
(Washington, DC) – American Rivers named Washington’s White River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 today, shining a national spotlight on the impacts of two Army Corps dams on salmon and steelhead runs and river health.
“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a critical tipping point,” said Michael Garrity of American Rivers. “It is time for the Army Corps to fix the problems on the White River’s Buckley Dam, which are killing thousands of salmon and steelhead every year.”
The outdated Buckley Diversion Dam is supposed to serve as a fish passage facility for the larger Mud Mountain Dam five miles upstream. However, the poor condition of Buckley Dam and its fish collection facilities cause thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of salmon and steelhead to die each year. Even if salmon do make it into the overcrowded fish trap, they are often exhausted, delayed, impaled on rebar, and/or injured from the cramped holding facilities, which reduces their chances of survival after release.
American Rivers and its partners called on the Army Corps to design and install a modern diversion structure and updated fish trap by 2017— the soonest feasible time for completion of such a project while avoiding another massive fish kill during the 2017 pink salmon run.
“These fish have supported our people since time immemorial,” said Bill Sterud, Vice-Chairman, Puyallup Tribal Council. “Salmon are the lifeblood of our tribe, and we call on the Army Corps to fix the dam and ensure abundant fish returning to spawn in the White River for generations to come.”
“Continued problems with fish passage at the Buckley Dam undermine salmon recovery efforts on the White River, and by extension, in Puget Sound,” said Martha Kongsgaard, Chair of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council. “Replacing the failed dam and fish trap is an immediate, high-impact action that will accelerate recovery of imperiled salmon in the White River.”
“Addressing the problems with the Buckley Dam is one of our top priorities,” said Bill Anderson, Executive Director of Citizens for a Healthy Bay. “The White River’s inclusion in this report confirms that the time has come to replace the dam and install a modern fish passage facility.”
Originating from the Winthrop, Emmons, and Fryingpan glaciers on Mt. Rainier, the White River travels 68 miles and drains 494 square miles before flowing into the Puyallup River and Puget Sound. The White River is enjoyed by kayakers, fishermen, hikers, and visitors to Mt. Rainier National Park and the surrounding area. The river is home to four species of salmon (Chinook, coho, chum, and pink), as well as steelhead and bull trout. The river’s salmon and steelhead are central to the culture of the Muckleshoot and Puyallup Indian tribes.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
April 9, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers today announced its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®, naming California’s San Joaquin River the Most Endangered River in the country. Outdated water management and excessive diversions, compounded by the current drought, have put the San Joaquin River at a breaking point.
American Rivers is calling on the California State Water Resources Control Board to increase flows in the river to protect water quality, fish, and recreation, and support sustainable agriculture. American Rivers is also urging Congress to preserve agreements and laws designed to protect the San Joaquin River and the jobs and communities it supports.
“The San Joaquin River is ground zero for water supply challenges, but it is also fertile ground for new and innovative water supply solutions,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “We want a future with a healthy river and sustainable agriculture. This ‘Most Endangered River’ listing is a call to action for all of us to come together around solutions to protect and restore reliable and predictable clean water supplies and a healthy river for future generations. We’re all in this together.”
Four million people live in the San Joaquin watershed. The river and its tributaries support some of the most productive and profitable agriculture in the world, irrigating more than two million acres of arid land. However, the river is so heavily exploited that it runs dry in certain stretches. The current drought is placing additional stress on the river and revealing the inadequacies of status quo water management for both people and the environment.
“On the San Joaquin and across the nation, communities can increase their ability to deal with drought now and in the future by protecting and restoring rivers and using water more efficiently,” said Irvin. “By prioritizing healthy rivers and sustainable water management, we can enjoy reliable clean water supplies, healthy fish and wildlife, recreation, and quality of life for generations to come.”
For the second year in a row, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report underscores the problems that arise for communities and the environment when we drain too much water out of rivers. Last year the Colorado River was #1 on the list because of outdated water management. The Colorado River Basin remains in the spotlight this year, with water diversion threats placing the Gila River and the rivers of the Upper Colorado Basin on the Most Endangered list.
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.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014:
#1 San Joaquin River
California
Threat: Outdated water management and excessive diversions
At Risk: River health and resilient communities
#2 Upper Colorado River System
Colorado
Threat: New trans-mountain water diversions
At Risk: River health and recreation
#3 Middle Mississippi River
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky
Threat: Outdated flood management
At Risk: Wildlife habitat and public safety
#4 Gila River
New Mexico
Threat: New water diversions
At Risk: River health, fish & wildlife, recreation, and tourism
#5 San Francisquito Creek
California
Threat: Dam
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat and public safety
#6 South Fork Edisto River
South Carolina
Threat: Excessive water withdrawals
At Risk: Fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and water quality
#7 White River (CO)
Colorado
Threat: Oil and gas drilling
At Risk: Drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat
#8 White River (WA)
Washington
Threat: Outdated dam and fish passage facilities
At Risk: Salmon, steelhead, and bull trout populations
#9 Haw River
North Carolina
Threat: Polluted runoff
At Risk: Clean water
#10 Clearwater/Lochsa Rivers
Idaho
Threat: Industrialization of a Wild and Scenic River corridor
At Risk: Scenery, solitude, world-class recreational values
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 250,000 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.
March 25, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – The Obama Administration today publicly released a proposed rule to clarify the scope of protections for small streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act. Small streams and wetlands contribute to the drinking water supplies of 117 million Americans. They support healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, help to store floodwaters, and filter out pollutants.
Despite nearly thirty years of protection under the Clean Water Act, two Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 put safeguards for small streams and wetlands into question. Confusion and uncertainty over what waters were protected under the Act left these waters vulnerable to pollution as delays increased and enforcement declined. The Obama Administration’s rulemaking is an effort to reduce uncertainty around the scope of the Clean Water Act. It provides greater clarity about what waters are and are not protected under the law.
“What happens in small streams and wetlands upstream affects the health of our rivers and the communities that depend upon them downstream,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “The proposed rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency relies on sound science to clarify the scope of protections under the Clean Water Act for these critical upstream waters that contribute to our drinking water supplies and protect us from flooding. This is an important step forward to better protect and restore our nation’s rivers.”
While these clarifications are an important step forward, American Rivers will continue to urge the Administration to go further to restore historical protections under the Clean Water Act through the public comment process.
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 250,000 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.
March 25, 2014
Contact:
(Washington, DC) – The Obama Administration today publicly released a proposed rule to clarify the scope of protections for small streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act. Small streams and wetlands contribute to the drinking water supplies of 117 million Americans. They support healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, help to store floodwaters, and filter out pollutants.
Despite nearly thirty years of protection under the Clean Water Act, two Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 put safeguards for small streams and wetlands into question. Confusion and uncertainty over what waters were protected under the Act left these waters vulnerable to pollution as delays increased and enforcement declined. The Obama Administration’s rulemaking is an effort to reduce uncertainty around the scope of the Clean Water Act. It provides greater clarity about what waters are and are not protected under the law.
“What happens in small streams and wetlands upstream affects the health of our rivers and the communities that depend upon them downstream,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers. “The proposed rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency relies on sound science to clarify the scope of protections under the Clean Water Act for these critical upstream waters that contribute to our drinking water supplies and protect us from flooding. This is an important step forward to better protect and restore our nation’s rivers.”
While these clarifications are an important step forward, American Rivers will continue to urge the Administration to go further to restore historical protections under the Clean Water Act through the public comment process.
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 250,000 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.
March 14, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – The House of Representatives voted today to approve a bill that could dry up countless stretches of rivers and harm river restoration efforts nationwide. HR 3189, the so-called “Water Rights Protection Act” passed 238-174.
“This bill is terrible news for rivers nationwide. It puts the interests of the oil and gas industry, corporate agriculture, and other private interests over the health of our rivers, fish and wildlife, and the millions of Americans who fish, boat, and enjoy river recreation. American Rivers and our partners across the country will continue to stand against this bill and we urge the Senate to oppose this sweeping attack on our rivers,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers.
The bill, which was pushed by the National Ski Areas Association and Aspen’s SkiCo, as well as the Farm Bureau, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Colorado Petroleum Association, and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, would strip federal agencies of much of their authority to safeguard rivers, fish and wildlife.
The bill was originally introduced to address a specific conflict between Colorado’s ski industry and the U.S. Forest Service. Despite the fact the Forest Service has already acted to address the issue with the ski industry, the bill became a vehicle in which the interests of the oil and gas industry, corporate agriculture, and other industries were put above the public’s interest in healthy rivers. In the face of stiff opposition from conservationists, sportsmen, the White House, and fellow Democrats, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), an original co-sponsor of the bill, took the unusual and courageous step of removing his support for the bill prior to the vote, calling it a “job killer” because it would pose unacceptable risks to rivers.
HR 3189 could stop the Fish and Wildlife Service from requiring flows that help salmon find fish ladders so that they can safely pass over dams. It could prohibit the Forest Service from requiring that water diverters like fracking companies leave some water in streams on National Forests to keep native cutthroat trout alive. It could potentially destroy broadly supported multi-year and multi-million dollar settlement agreements — such as the ones on the Klamath and San Joaquin rivers — to restore salmon and steelhead fisheries at hydropower facilities, and could even set back efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay.
More than 80 local, state and national environmental, recreation, and sportsmen’s groups and businesses including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, Trout Unlimited, American Whitewater, Appalachian Mountain Club, Hydropower Reform Coalition, and O.A.R.S. Companies, Inc expressed opposition to H.R. 3189. The White House also issued a statement in opposition to the bill.
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 250,000 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.
March 13, 2014
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(Washington, DC) – The Colorado River is the focus of a new Google Maps Street View project launched today in partnership with American Rivers. The imagery features the iconic Grand Canyon and marks the first time Google Maps has used the Street View technology on a major whitewater river in the U.S.
The project brings renewed attention to the wonder and beauty of the Grand Canyon, as well as the challenges facing the Colorado River’s health. American Rivers named the Colorado River America’s Most Endangered River® in 2013 because of the threat of outdated water management, over-allocation and persistent drought.
Supported by the outfitter Arizona River Runners, American Rivers staff joined Google Maps on an eight-day float through the Grand Canyon in August 2013 to capture the river imagery. The Street View camera, on a special mount built for the raft, captured a full 360-degree photo sphere every few seconds. This allows users to “join the raft” and explore 286 miles of the river, from Lee’s Ferry to Pearce Ferry. Members of the team also wore the Street View Trekker camera to capture five popular side hikes, including the trail to the Nankoweap Granaries with a dramatic view overlooking the river.
“We are excited to work with Google Maps to highlight the Grand Canyon, one of our country’s crown jewels,” said Chris Williams, senior vice president for conservation at American Rivers, and a participant on the trip. “From the towering red rock walls to the thrilling rapids, the Street View project captures the magic of this special place. We hope this project inspires people to take action to protect and restore the Colorado River.”
“Making Street View imagery available of the Colorado River is a tremendous opportunity for us to drive interest for this historical and natural landmark,” said Karin Tuxen-Bettman, Project Lead for Colorado River Street View. “We hope this inspires viewers to take an active interest in preserving it.”
In conjunction with the release of the Colorado River Street View imagery on Google Maps, American Rivers called on President Obama and Congress to support federal programs that assist cities and farms in getting smarter about managing their water supplies.
Thirty-six million people from Denver to Los Angeles drink Colorado River water. The river irrigates nearly four million acres of land, which grows 15 percent of the nation’s crops. Over-allocation and drought have placed significant stress on water supplies and river health, and the basin is facing another drought this summer. Lower river flows threaten endangered fish and wildlife, along with the $26 billion dollar recreation economy that relies on the Colorado River.
Resources for journalists:
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 250,000 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.
