Mid-Year Update: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2009

Critical decisions still pending for many rivers

October 20, 2009

Washington, DC - Six months after American Rivers released America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2009 edition last April, thousands of Americans have taken action and critical decisions on many of the rivers are expected soon.

Each year, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report highlights the rivers facing the most uncertain futures. The report presents alternatives to proposals that would damage rivers, identifies those who make the crucial decisions, and points out opportunities for the public to take action on behalf of each listed river.

“Thousands of Americans have taken action on behalf of these endangered rivers this year,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers. “This six-month check-in serves to keep these rivers in the public eye, and remind decision makers that actions are still needed.”

To learn about the status of rivers in America’s Most Endangered RiversTM: 2009 edition, click on the river links below:

#1 - Sacramento-San Joaquin River System (CA)
Threat: Outdated Water Supply and Flood Management Systems
Update: Launch of the Central Valley Flood Management Planning Program – a comprehensive approach to restoring the Sacramento and San Joaquin

#2 - Flint River (GA)
Threat: Proposed Water Supply Dams
Update: Federal judge blocks Georgia’s drinking water withdrawals from Lake Lanier

#3 - Lower Snake River (ID, OR, WA)
Threat: Four dams
Update – Still Threatened

#4 - Mattawoman Creek (MD)
Threat: Proposed Highway
Update: Maryland Department of Environment delays decision on the highway from May 31st to December 1st

#5 - North Fork of the Flathead River (MT)
Threat: Proposed mines
Update: Still Threatened

#6 - Saluda River (SC)
Threat: Sewage Pollution
Update: The town of Williamston has committed to stop wastewater discharge into the Saluda and irrigate farmland with the treated effluent, completely removing their discharge of phosphorus to the river.

#7 - Laurel Hill Creek (PA)
Threat: Water Withdrawals
Update: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection denies withdrawal permit to water bottling companies

#8 - Beaver Creek (AK)
Threat: Proposed oil and Gas Development
Update: Still Threatened

#9 - Pascagoula River (MS)
Threat: New petroleum storage
Update: Still Threatened

#10 - Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (MN, WI)
Threat: Loss of Wild and Scenic River protections
Update: Still Threatened

For more information about the threats to these rivers, the progress since the report was issued, and what action you can take, visit www.AmericanRivers.org/EndangeredRivers.

American Rivers will release America’s Most Endangered RiversTM: 2010 edition in June of next year.

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.