The America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is one of the best-known and longest-lived annual reports in the conservation movement. Each year since 1984, local leaders have teamed up with American Rivers to use the report to save their local rivers, consistently scoring policy successes that benefit clean water and communities. 

American Rivers reviews nominations for the America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report from individuals and organizations across the country. Rivers are selected based upon the following criteria: 

• A decision in the coming year that will impact the river’s fate.   
• The magnitude of threat to the river and its communities.
• The significance of the river to people, wildlife, and nature.  

The report highlights ten rivers whose fate will be decided in the coming year and encourages decision-makers to do the right thing for the rivers and the communities they support. It 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. 

Previous Years’ Reports

Download previous years’ reports in PDF format:

America's Most Endangered Rivers® Nomination Process

Nominations due September 30, 2025

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America’s Most Endangered Rivers® Frequently Asked Questions

What is America’s Most Endangered Rivers®?

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