The Current is the online publication for American Rivers. Read the latest news and information about rivers and learn how you can help.
August 11, 2021
Stormwater and Sewage, Urban Waters
As communities across the country are facing needed upgrades to their water infrastructure, many are turning to green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) for a more integrated approach to clean water, greening, and public health.
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August 10, 2021
Climate Change & Rivers, Conserving Clean Water, Dam Removal, Floods & Floodplains, Restoring Damaged Rivers, Stormwater and Sewage, Urban Waters, Water Supply
The Biden administration has led Congress to recognize and address the water infrastructure issues plaguing the country, but more must be done.... Read More
August 4, 2021
Most Endangered Rivers
American Rivers is accepting nominations for our annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®... Read More
July 23, 2021
Dam Removal, Environmental Justice, Restoring Damaged Rivers
In the signing of the treaties with indigenous nations, the US government guaranteed fishing and hunting in the usual and accustomed places. Part of our joint contract is that there be fish to catch and game to hunt. We cannot make a contract that people can fish and then... Read More
July 23, 2021
Climate Change & Rivers, Dam Removal, Restoring Damaged Rivers
Hot water kills salmon and steelhead, and a warming climate means warming water. Impacts on salmon and steelhead are amplified in heavily dammed systems like the Columbia and Snake, where giant lakes of impounded water behind dams warm quickly in summer and early fall months—and stay warm. ... Read More
July 23, 2021
Dam Removal, Restoring Damaged Rivers
The Northwest has long understood that the economy and the environment are interconnected, and their integration is one of the region’s greatest strengths. Ensuring the health of Northwest rivers is not just the right thing to do for our ecosystems; healthy rivers also support other, long-time, bedrock economic sectors... Read More
July 23, 2021
Protecting Rivers, Water Pollution
The South Fork Salmon River is a national treasure that provides critical spawning habitat for the longest distance, high-elevation salmon migration on earth, as well as world class whitewater recreation, fishing, and opportunities for solitude.... Read More
July 20, 2021
Protecting Rivers, Restoring Damaged Rivers
Experts are sounding the alarm (and have been) about the realities of a simultaneously drying and ever-more-water-demanding West. We must invest in immediate strategies for managing the situation brought on by the climate crisis. A recent report to which American Rivers contributed outlines some such strategies for climate resilience... Read More
July 19, 2021
Discover Rivers
Using data from the United States Geological Survey, data analyst Sam Learner mapped the flow of water throughout the entire contiguous U.S. Click on any spot to create a raindrop and follow it downstream. ... Read More
July 9, 2021
Climate Change & Rivers, Dam Removal, Energy Development, Hydropower
Bipartisan legislation would deliver $24 billion to rehabilitate, retrofit, or remove America’s 90,000 dams.... Read More
July 7, 2021
Dam Removal, Energy Development, Hydropower, Restoring Damaged Rivers
At American Rivers, we believe that any plan to remove the four lower Snake River dams must include an equitable and robust economic transition plan for affected communities. A key component of our regional dialogue must include the feasibility of replacing the dams’ services with alternative methods of transportation,... Read More
July 7, 2021
Dam Removal, Environmental Justice, Restoring Damaged Rivers
America’s bold bet on barging and hydropower on the Columbia and Snake—and the massive commitment to infrastructure and technology it required—changed the Northwest. We know now that along with those benefits came an enormous cost.... Read More