Mid-Atlantic Projects
American Rivers has a successful track record protecting and restoring rivers and clean water in the Mid-Atlantic.
2010 Dam Removals
Our list of 60 dams that were removed in 2010, benefitting hundreds of miles of rivers nationwide.
2012 Dams Removed
Communities in 19 states, working in partnership with non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies, removed 65 dams in 2012, American Rivers announced today. Outdated or unsafe dams came out of rivers across the nation, restoring 400 miles of streams for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people across the country.
America's Most Endangered Rivers: Progress and Success: 2005 - 2009
Updates and success stories on how American Rivers has been able to restore and protect some of our most endangered rivers. These successes include projects that combatted dam construction, toxic water, logging, reservoirs, and pollution.
Darby Creek Restoration Project, PA
American Rivers is partnering with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to alleviate localized flooding, improve in-stream habitat, reestablish connectivity for resident and migratory fish (including American shad, hickory shad, alewife, river herring, American eel, bass, shiners, and suckers) , and restore free-flowing conditions along Darby Creek, a direct tributary to the Delaware River.
Developing Green Infrastructure Solutions: Stormwater Management Workshop and Presentation
American Rivers hosted the workshop "Solutions for Municipalities Managing Stormwater" at Swarthmore College in January 2009. The workshop was conducted to present sound stormwater management to municipalities and their engineers, citizen-based watershed groups, and civic leadership.
Green Infrastructure in Darby Creek, PA
American Rivers is working to restore DarbyCcreek and use green infrastructure to mimic the way water would naturally flow over the land. The Darby Creek restoration project will restore habitat and stream function by removing four barriers within the creek. At the same time, American Rivers’ Clean Water program has partnered with several local agencies and groups to install rain barrels at homes and foster community based solutions to stormwater management.
Local Stormwater Codes and Ordinances
American Rivers is working at the local level to review current codes and ordinances to provide sound recommendations to Planning Commissions and legislative bodies to reduce hard surfaces, create incentives to implement low impact development techniques such as rain gardens, bioretention, and green roofs, and protect buffers. These local changes will reduce polluted stormwater runoff and flooding and increase greenspace.
Patapsco River, MD
American Rivers is working with the Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to remove several dams on the beautiful Patapsco River.
Potomac Highlands Restoration - Grant Program
The American Rivers – EPA Potomac Highlands Implementation Grant Program will provide financial support for a wide variety of projects that protect and restore the Potomac Highlands ecosystem, while benefiting its human communities. Grants range from $150,000-$300,000 and will be restricted to the implementation phase of projects. Applications are currently being accepted for 2012 project funding with a deadline of August 5, 2011.
Potomac Highlands Restoration Areas Map
Beginning in 2011, American Rivers, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will kick off a competitive grant program that provides financial support for a variety of projects to protect and restore the Potomac Highlands ecosystem, while benefiting its human communities.
State Stormwater Permits
American Rivers is promoting green infrastructure solutions within state urban stormwater permits. Green infrastructure is a proven solution that is easily implemented in urban areas.
