When will energy consumption, stock holder needs and corporate greed take a backseat to breathing, eating and drinking? Of the 10 rivers on this years most endangered list from American Rivers, released yesterday, 5 are facing serious threats from the extraction of gas, energy or mineral mining.
American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores the nation’s rivers and the clean water that sustains people, wildlife, and nature.
Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.
Click each river for a detailed threat report from American Rivers.
SPECIAL MENTION: Mississippi River Threat: Outdated flood management
1) Susquehanna River (NY, PA, MD)
Threat: Natural gas extraction
Threat: Massive copper and gold mine
Threat: Uranium mining
Threat: Sewage pollution
Threat: Hydropower dams
Threat: Exploratory drilling and mine development
Threat: Natural gas extraction
Threat: Coal mining
Threat: Rollback of longstanding protections
10) Ozark National Scenic Riverways (MO)
Threat: Overuse and poor management
About America’s Most Endangered Rivers(TM)
For 26 years, American Rivers has sounded the alarm on 360 rivers through our America’s Most Endangered Rivers report. The report is not a list of the “worst” or most polluted rivers, but is a call to action for rivers at a crossroads, whose fates will be determined in the coming year. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.
American Rivers’ staff and scientific advisors review nominations for the following criteria:
• A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year
• The significance of the river to people and wildlife
• The magnitude of the threat, especially in light of climate change
For the third consecutive year, America's Most Endangered Rivers™ is sponsored by The Orvis Company, which donates 5% of their pre-tax profits annually to protect nature. ©2011 American Rivers
