Jessie Thomas-Blate
Coordinator, Most Endangered Rivers
Department: Conservation
Area of Focus: Jessie works with our staff and partners to develop our Most Endangered Rivers Program and annual report.
Background: Jessie joined American Rivers in 2010. Prior to that she worked for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as their Habitat Coordinator. There she played a fundamental role in the establishment of the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership. Jessie also did an internship at the Natural Resources Defense Council where she focused on the reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act.
Education: B.S. in Biology from Mary Washington College, and M.S. in Natural Resources from Delaware State University
Favorite River: Rappahannock River
Blog Posts By This Author
Protect The "Big Muddy"
May 23, 2012
Today is Missouri River Day and the nation’s longest river, coursing through the nation like its lifeline, needs our help! This precious waterway has been considered our “Center of Life” for thousands of years because it provides water, sustenance, and a route that connects much of North America. It is threatened by outdated flood management practices that put our communities at risk.
Read more »The Potomac River Diet
May 17, 2012 | Water Pollution, Most Endangered Rivers
Over the course of May, American Rivers will be providing insight into America’s Most Endangered Rivers® through a series of guest blogs about this year’s ten rivers. Today, American Rivers welcomes these thoughts from Hedrick Belin, President of Potomac Conservancy:
Read more »Help Keep the Roanoke River Free of Uranium!
January 19, 2012 | Water Pollution, Most Endangered Rivers
Earlier this year, American Rivers listed the Roanoke River as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® because it was threatened with a uranium mine. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences released a study on the potential impacts of uranium mining in Virginia. Now, the fight is heading to the state legislature. Our partners, the Keep the Ban Coalition, are trying to save the Roanoke River and preserve the health of area residents. They ask you to show your support through signing their petition.
Read more »Busy Week for Natural Gas Across the Country
December 19, 2011 | Fracking, Water Pollution
Major activity has happened regarding natural gas development across the country this week. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Texas, and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission have all been contemplating and debating the best way to manage the boom in natural gas development.
Read more »What is Happening with the 2011 Most Endangered Rivers?
December 8, 2011 | Water Pollution, Most Endangered Rivers, Fracking, Wild and Scenic Rivers
Each spring American Rivers releases our top ten list of America’s Most Endangered RiversTM. It is a day full of both angst and hope. Of course, no river really wants to have the dubious distinction of being under such a great threat as to make “the list”. Most rivers would rather flow freely- babbling along to their own river song. Unfortunately, sometimes people make that nearly impossible.
Read more »