Many river systems are under stress imposed by outdated water management, over-use, climate change and pollution, posing risks to human health and safety. The annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, recently released by conservation organization American Rivers, identifies the 10 systems in the U.S. most in need of near-term restoration and protection.

The river systems listed are selected based on their significance to communities and wildlife, the magnitude of threats to rivers and communities, and pending decisions that the public can influence.The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon tops the list. Source: American Rivers

Topping the list is the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, where climate change, poor river management and recent drought conditions have adversely impacted unique cultural and ecological values. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is considering changes to how water is released from Glen Canyon Dam into the Grand Canyon, which could further undermine riverine health.

Other endangered systems listed include:

• The Ohio River in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, where clean water supplies for 5 million people are at risk from pollution and climate change.
• The Pearl River in Mississippi, where dredging and dam construction threaten clean drinking water supplies and fish and wildlife habitat.
• The Snake River in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, where four federal dams pose risks to tribal treaty rights and culture, endangered salmon runs and rural and local communities.
• The Clark Fork River in Montana, subjected to pulp mill pollution that puts public health, fish and wildlife at risk.
• The Eel River in California, where fish and wildlife and tribal culture are at risk from two obsolete dams.
• The Lehigh River in Pennsylvania, where poorly planned development threatens clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, rural and local communities, and open space.
• Mining in and near Alaska’s Chilkat and Klehini Rivers endangers habitat for bald eagles, fish and wildlife habitat, as well as tribal culture and sustenance.
• The Rio Gallinas in New Mexico, where clean drinking water, farming and watershed functionality are at risk from climate change and outdated forest and watershed management.
• The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and Florida, where mining activities threaten fish and wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water quality and flow.