Far from being able to support the vibrant communities and local economies of Louisiana, the Calcasieu itself is on life support.
Chantel Dominguez, Director of Community Campaigns and Engagement for American Rivers
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Pollution
The Calcasieu River has been the lifeblood of southwestern Louisiana sustaining local communities for generations. The river’s interconnected bayous and marshes are a vital nursery for fish and wildlife and once supported a thriving commercial fishing industry. However, a history of chemical mismanagement and continued unregulated dumping of toxic chemicals poses an existential threat to the river’s future. It is time to stop the unnecessary toxic pollution of this vital river and its estuary. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must update long-overdue water pollution standards to stop the flow of toxic waste into the river.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- For a Better Bayou
- Habitat Recovery Project
- Environmental Integrity Project
- Micah 6:8 Mission
- Healthy Gulf
The river supports diverse ecosystems, provides drinking water to millions, and serves as a critical artery for economic activity. We must unite together to ensure that the Mississippi River remains a source of life, prosperity, and inspiration now and for future generations to come
Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President, Waters and Coasts with National Wildlife Federation
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Increased flooding, inadequate disaster prevention and response
The Mississippi is “America’s River,” flowing through the nation’s heartland, providing drinking water for 20 million people and supporting vital agriculture, industry, and recreation. But frequent and severe floods are threatening lives and businesses, while the river’s health declines. Communities along the river need significant support for disaster prevention and response, as well as river restoration – but the fate of the lead federal agency, FEMA, hangs in the balance. The Trump administration should modernize FEMA to improve river health and maximize the safety, security, and prosperity of Mississippi River communities.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- 1Mississippi
- Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc
- National Wildlife Foundation
Downstream communities and industries that depend on the Pearl River will pay the price if One Lake moves forward. The project would expose toxic pollution, threaten the integrity of municipal infrastructure, like bridges and drinking water supplies, and interfere with permitted businesses already working on the river.
Martha Watts, Mayor of Monticello, Mississippi
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Dredging & Dam Construction
The Pearl River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the U.S. and the primary drinking water source for Jackson, Mississippi. But this natural treasure is threatened by a devastating private real estate development scheme masquerading as a flood control project. This “One Lake” project would dredge and dam the Pearl River to create new waterfront property, destroying vital fish and wildlife habitat, worsening Jackson’s flooding and drinking water crisis, increasing toxic contamination, and reducing freshwater flows critical to the region’s important seafood and tourism economies. The Biden administration must stop this project and invest in environmentally-sustainable flood relief for the predominantly Black community of Jackson while protecting the Pearl River and all the communities and economies that rely on it.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Healthy Gulf
- Lawrence County Board of Supervisors
- Louisiana Wildlife Federation
- Town of Monticello
- Audubon Delta
- Sierra Club
- Orleans Audubon Society
- Pearl Riverkeeper
- National Wildlife Federation