Yesterday American Rivers released their list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers report with this opening salvo –
This report identifies the 10 most threatened waterways in the country and highlights the urgent need for conservation, greater efficiency, and better management of water resources to prevent further harm to river health, wildlife, fish and recreation. Fierce competition for water from rivers under ever greater strain from growing demand and the impacts of climate change is threatening the health of rivers across the country. As pressure on limited water resources grows, conflict must give way to cooperation if we are to satisfy the nations’ growing water needs and maintain clean and healthy rivers.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers 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 Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution…
There are some lists you’d love your favorite rivers to make, and some lists you much rather they didn’t.
Montana’s beloved Smith River made the American River’s list at #4 given the pending threat from Tintina Resources proposed copper mine. Kudos to AR for helping draw attention to the Smith’s legacy and the critical risks from the proposed project; those who love the Smith need to keep the heat on as the mine evaluation process rolls through.
More to come.
