American Rivers releases Citizen’s Guide to Army Corps of Engineers

February 26, 2010

Washington, DC – American Rivers, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, today released “A Citizen’s Guide to the Corps of Engineers,” a resource for individuals and organizations that care about the health of our waterways and want to improve the way the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans, constructs, operates, and issues permits for projects affecting the nation’s rivers, coasts, and wetlands. American Rivers and NWF are national leaders in the effort to reform the Army Corps.

“The Army Corps is the principal federal agency engaged in developing and managing the nation’s water resources,” said Shana Udvardy, director of flood management policy for American Rivers. “Public participation in the Corps’ planning process is required by law, and informed and persistent public participation is a powerful agent for change. This citizen’s guide will provide the public with invaluable tips to voice their concerns and create the change we need to bring the management of our rivers and waterways into the 21st century.”

“This new citizen’s guide is a powerful tool which will raise the voice of citizens who believe a protected and restored environment is necessary for the health and sustainability of our natural and human communities,” says George Sorvalis, manager of water campaigns for the National Wildlife Federation.  “Healthy and thriving ecosystems are essential for making these communities more resilient to the impacts of global climate change.”

The guide provides a detailed overview of the Corps and of the laws, policies, and strategies that can be used to stop or improve destructive projects and permits, and to promote restoration and protection of the nation’s vital water resources.

The publication of this guide is timely given that the Obama Administration is currently accepting comments on recently proposed revisions to the water resources planning guidelines that dictate how the Corps and other water agencies plan water projects. Although the revisions are a great first step, American Rivers and NWF are working to ensure a comprehensive, 21st century approach to protect and restore America’s rivers, coasts, and wetlands.

The current guidelines have led to water projects that harm the environment, endanger public safety and waste taxpayer dollars.

“It is imperative that we revise the Corps’ planning process to safeguard the many benefits that rivers, wetlands, and coasts provide the nation including clean water supplies, natural flood protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation,” said Udvardy.

Download the Citizen’s Guide at http://www.americanrivers.org/library/reports-publications/citizens-guide-to-corps.html

To submit comments on the Principals and Guidelines visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/PandG/submit

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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.