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
- Catawba Riverkeeper
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
Right now, we’re on a collision course. [The Duck River] is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry. The good news is, we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life.
Grace Stranch, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Excessive Water Withdrawals
The Duck River is a beautiful Tennessee waterway and is among the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world. The river is used locally for drinking water, agriculture, and large-scale manufacturing processes, and demand for water from the Duck is rapidly outpacing what the river can sustainably provide. Overconsumption of the Duck River’s water threatens its invaluable fish and wildlife and its long-term use by local communities. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation must protect this incredible waterway by developing a comprehensive watershed plan and funding much-needed scientific studies to understand the flow needs of the river and ensure its long-term health.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Harpeth Conservancy
- Southern Environmental Law Center
- Tennessee Wildlife Federation