The French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers have been damaged by scour and debris caused by Hurricane Helene. If left untreated, eroding areas will continue to break off, releasing additional sediment that harms water quality and leads to further property losses in future storms.
Renee Fortner, Director of Programs, RiverLink
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Extreme weather, flooding, unsafe dams, lack of Federal Capacity
The Rivers of Southern Appalachia weave a rich tapestry, vital to the region’s culture and economy, providing clean drinking water to over 2 million people throughout more than a dozen communities from Newport, Tennessee to Charlotte, North Carolina. But Hurricane Helene devastated these rivers and communities with record flooding and landslides. Federal, state, and local partners have already allocated resources to the region, but there is a long road to recovery and preparation for the next storm in the years to come. Together, we must continue to restore the rivers, invest in communities, and remove unsafe dams to strengthen the region so people and businesses can thrive despite increasingly extreme weather.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- MountainTrue
- RiverLink
The Little Pee Dee River is not just a body of water; it’s a vital lifeline to our ecosystem, our heritage, and our future. As stewards of this precious resource, we must take a stand to ensure its preservation. Development, particularly the proposed construction of I-73, threatens the integrity of this river and the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
Debra Buffkin, Executive Director of Winyah Rivers Alliance
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Highway Development
The Little Pee Dee River, situated primarily in the upper coastal plain of South Carolina, is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most unique blackwater rivers, holding remarkable value for people and wildlife. Along its 118-mile course are miles of forested wetlands, which provide a critical habitat for endangered species of fish and wildlife. The river has remained mostly untouched by development, but the looming threat of highway development and poor resource management puts this river, and the communities that depend on it, at risk. Tell the South Carolina legislature to deny funding for the construction of I-73 and pass legislation to protect wetlands no longer covered under the Clean Water Act.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Winyah Rivers Alliance
- Waccamaw Indian People
- Coastal Conservation League