The recovery already underway on the Nissequogue shows that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect people with a healthier river, one that can support wildlife, strengthen resilience, and give future generations the chance to experience, enjoy, and learn from a thriving river.
Sara Cernadas-Martín, PhD, Director of New York Ecological Restoration Programs with Save the Sound
Threat: Dams
The Nissequogue River is a unique natural treasure on Long Island, offering important habitat for birds, fish, and wildlife. The failure of a dam in 2024 freed a stretch of the Nissequogue, allowing the river to restore itself and come back to life, with benefits for both people and nature. Now, a proposal to rebuild the dam threatens this progress. County and state agencies must consider alternatives to rebuilding the dam, and support a long-term vision for a healthy, free-flowing Nissequogue River.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Save the Sound
- Seatuck
- Free the Nissequogue River Coalition
There’s a future out there in which the residents of New Jersey don’t hear the Passaic River mentioned and automatically think ‘dumping ground’.
Adam Schellhammer, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for American Rivers
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Industrial Pollution
The Passaic River has always been a vital resource, supporting livelihoods and economic growth. But it has also been badly contaminated by the chemical manufacturing industry. Thanks to the work of many committed people, there is now a plan in place to clean up the contamination and begin to restore the river. We urge the federal government to help see this cleanup through to completion — restoring fisheries, boosting tourism and recreation, creating jobs, and improving public health. A cleaner Passaic River means a stronger economy and a healthier future for New Jersey’s communities.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Ama Earth Group