Life depends on rivers
It’s not just that rivers make our lives better. We can’t survive without them.
Announcing America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025
Ten rivers whose fate will be decided in the coming year, where we need decision-makers to do the right thing for rivers and the communities they support.
What's New
Our vision
Protect 1 million miles of rivers
We can protect 1 million miles of free-flowing rivers by 2030 and half of all rivers in our country by 2050. In addition to safeguarding some of our healthiest, most scenic rivers, American Rivers will focus our efforts on areas where people live.
Remove 30,000 harmful dams
Removing a dam is the fastest, most efficient way to bring a river back to life. Our on-the-ground work to reconnect and restore free-flowing rivers will emphasize areas that address climate impacts and protect biodiversity.
Ensure clean water for every community
Clean water is essential for health, and rivers provide the water our communities need. We will make sure that the hundreds of millions of dollars available from the federal infrastructure legislation flows where it’s most needed — to improve climate resiliency, safety, and health.
Champion a powerful river movement
Nearly everyone in our country lives within a mile of a river but few know what that river provides. We envision a future in which every river has multitudes of champions speaking up for it. Because only by working together can we adapt and thrive.
