American Rivers Publications and Reports

(September 2009) The impacts of global warming will hit rivers and river communities first and worst, in the form of increased droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases. Along with decreasing global warming pollution, protecting and restoring rivers must be part of the solution. Healthy rivers boost community safety and security, building resilience against these impacts and helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate. American Rivers is shining a national spotlight on how global warming is threatening river health, clean water, and water supplies, and we are promoting 21st century green infrastructure solutions that protect communities and enhance health, safety and quality of life.

(July 2009) This document describes the benefits of sustainable stormwater practices and details the key elements of a strong stormwater ordinance that will meet the clean water challenges Maryland faces using innovative and cost-effective techniques.

(June 2009) A white paper developed by American Rivers and the Native Fish Society which summarizes the ecological and recreational values and attributes of the Molalla River in Oregon. This report highlights the need to protect the river's wild and native fish, its numerous recreational opportuntiies, and the clean drinking water it provides to the local area by obtaining Wild and Scenic designation for the river and its forested riverside lands.

(May 2009) Benefits of Wild and Scenic River Designation for Northwest and National River Systems

(November 2008) This white paper developed by American Rivers describes the ecological benefits of the cold fish-bearing tributaries of the Wild Rogue River. It highlights the importance of protecting thermal/cold water refugia for Rogue River salmon and steelhead, particularly in the face of threats from logging and climate change.

(October 2008) This report shows how green infrastructure can be applied in regions around the country with karst topography, including the Shenandoah Valley, parts of Texas, Florida, and the Great Lakes. Stormwater management is even more complicated in karst regions, which are made up of soluble bedrock that can easily erode when it comes in contact with water. Green infrastructure offers an alternative approach to traditional development, and with proper use and careful siting, these techniques can successfully be applied in karst areas.

(October 2008) This report makes the case that water efficiency is the best source of affordable water and must be the backbone of water supply planning. Hidden Reservoir outlines nine cost-effective policies proven to secure substantial water supply for communities and their rivers. It also includes examples of successful programs and policies that highlight how water efficiency can work in the Southeast now.

(October 2008) This report was developed to help citizens improve the stormwater practices in their community. Stormwater is a leading cause of water pollution nationwide and the effects are primarily felt locally. This guide explains how local government processes affect stormwater management and how these processes can be used to improve stormwater policies in your community.

(July 2008) The goal of this report is to help dam removal proponents and advocates for historic preservation work together more effectively to achieve their mutual goals, all while building constructive relationships and successfully reconciling potentially competing objectives.

(June 2008) This handbook is a concise resource guide to more natural, or "soft path" solutions for stormwater problems. It offers an easy reference to a variety of low impact development approaches suitable for the Southeast region.

(April 2008) The America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report is one of the best-known and longest-lived annual reports in the environmental movement. The report is a call to action and emphasizes solutions for the rivers and their communities. By shining the spotlight on key decisions that will impact the rivers’ futures, and by providing clear actions for the public, the report has spurred scores of successes on rivers nationwide.

(September 2007)

(August 2007) This report shows that residents from 10 states, out of 11 examined across the country, are provided with little to no information about sewage pollution in their local waterways. Only one of these states has adequate public notification provisions for sewage spills and overflows. The report makes recommendations for improving the public's access to information about sewage spills, so that all Americans can know when they can safely use local waterways.

(January 2007) This report takes a broad look at the effect of runoff on Wisconsin’s waterways and examines how future growth and development could lead to water quality decline. The report also explores problems with the enforcement of the state’s runoff prevention rules, suggesting reforms that will realign oversight of development activity with the ultimate goal: cleaner water for Wisconsin.

(August 2006) This report illustrates the innovations and processes of several communities that are leading the way to more sustainable methods of addressing stormwater pollution. We urge other communities to learn from the approaches outlined herein.