Floods. Droughts. Sewage overflows. Leaky pipes. Unsafe dams. Our nation’s water infrastructure is crumbling and outdated, in serious need of upgrade and repair.

While President-elect Obama certainly has a lot on his plate these days, we must make sure that clean water is a top priority for his administration. Our public health and safety and economic well-being depend on it.

In our country, we tend to take clean water for granted. But we can’t afford to any longer. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives the nation’s dams a D grade, and wastewater and drinking water systems a D-, the lowest grades of any infrastructure category.

Equally sobering, the Environmental Protection Agency states that the public health and environmental gains achieved since passage of the Clean Water Act are rapidly being reversed due to crumbling infrastructure.

Over the past several weeks, American Rivers has outlined priorities for the new administration, as well as priorities for economic stimulus, to ensure that rivers, clean water, and water infrastructure get the attention they need.

Our experts on staff are also traveling around the country, speaking to groups like the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Hurricane Science for Safety Leadership Forum about why our country needs a new 21st century vision for water, and why we need to invest in green solutions that work with nature, not against it.

Also of note, David Hayes, the vice-chair of our board of directors, is a member of the Obama-Biden Transition Project’s Agency Review Working Group responsible for the energy and natural resources agencies.

There’s no doubt that American Rivers is well positioned to lead the way on solutions that are good for our rivers, our communities, and our economy.

Survey results

Following the election on November 4, we asked you what the election results mean for rivers in your area. We also asked you to rank the top river conservation priorities for the Obama administration.

Here’s what you told us:

• More than 43 percent of you feel that the election results are “positive” for rivers in your area. 29 percent said the results are “very positive” for rivers, and 22 percent felt the results are neutral. Roughly 3.5 percent said the election results are “negative” or “very negative.”
• When asked about the most important river conservation priority for the Obama administration (read more about the priorities) here’s how you ranked them:

“Fight global warming” (roughly 41 percent)
“Restore federal protection to our nation’s waters” (roughly 33 percent)
“Invest more and invest smarter in water infrastructure” (roughly 14 percent)

Some of you provided additional comments:

“I do not think that you can prioritize these problems but need a broad policy that realizes the connectivity of our natural environment on a global scale and reacts accordingly. Education of officials and public is mandatory.”

“All priorities can complement each other. 2 & 3 should be a part of dealing with climate change.”

“Of the above, I feel infrastructure is the most important.  I would also like to see more direct funding from the Federal Government to local watershed organizations and alliances and a strong and effective EPA to get to the 2010 goals.”

“It’s a difficult choice for me between investing in smarter water infrastructure and restoring federal protection.  On a local/state scale, the first is probably more important, on a national scale, the second is.”

“I think the focus should be on protection as well as supporting any efforts for global warming.  Many other groups will be advocating for climate change so I think American Rivers should “stay the course” with water protections.”

“Add more rivers and river sections to the Wild and Scenic Rivers inventory.”

“Deny any future or past federal or state tax incentives or grants to companies who pollute.”

“100 percent of American rivers should be safe enough to swim in.”

Thanks to all of you who participated in the survey! If you have additional thoughts about river conservation priorities, or suggestions for the new administration, please share them in the comments section.

This bill would have allowed us to reach the goal of our 40×40 Campaign, to designate 40 new Wild and Scenic Rivers by the 40th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic RIvers Act.  The legislation included new Wild and Scenic designations for portions of the Owyhee River in Idaho and the rivers flowing off of Mt. Hood in Oregon. Perhaps the most important bill included in the package would protect hundreds of miles of the headwaters of the Snake River in Wyoming as a tribute to the late Senator Craig Thomas who first introduced legislation to protect the iconic river.

While the news dashed our hopes for passage this year, we are heartened by word that the Senate and House leadership are committed to making passage of these bills a top priority early next session.  Thanks to the local river groups, members of Congress and of course our members and activists that have help us move these river protection bills so close to passage.  We’ll get em next year.

“Who looks upon a river in a meditative hour, and is not reminded of the flux of all things? Throw a stone into the stream and the circles that propagate themselves are the beautiful type of all influence.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

* Did you know that the United States has more than 250,000 rivers? More

The group was nominated by Nancy Lawler of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Ms. Lawler sums up the work MWA does best by saying, “The Musconetcong Watershed Association has been at the forefront of preserving…clean water for future generations by working to protect the Musconetcong River through Wild and Scenic designation, restoring the river to free-flowing conditions through its dam removal projects, and reminding the thousands of residents of 25 municipalities in this region of the primary importance of the river through its diverse education programs.”

American Rivers has been proud to partner with MWA on the removal of several dams on the Musconetcong River and in working to achieve Wild and Scenic status. Congratulations on a well deserved achievement!

              Katherine Baer, Senior Director
Clean Water Program 

Economic recovery is on everyone’s minds and Congress is considering a stimulus package to jump start the process. Water infrastructure was included in an earlier House stimulus (that didn’t pass) to the tune of $6.5 billion dollars into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. As we’ve said before, we need more money for clean water, but we also need to have it spent more smartly - we can’t keep on investing in the same old solutions and expect to see better results, especially given the challenges of global warming. 

 Although much talk about the green economy is in the energy sector – the exact same applies to water. We need innovative 21^st century solutions that use cost-effective, green infrastructure to prepare our communities for the changes we’ll see from global warming. At American Rivers, we’re recommending that at least 16% of any stimulus for water infrastructure be spent on green solutions.

 Cities across the country are already finding that these solutions save money and reduce pollution and flooding. Indianapolis, for example, just announced that it is investing in green strategies to reduce sewer overflows – by planting trees, creating wetlands and disconnecting downspouts from sewer systems, the city will save more than $300 million by reducing the size of their new pipe from 33’ – 26’.

 A green economy for clean water also creates good jobs and is a key part of short and long-term recovery efforts. In detailing a strategy for recovery that includes a recommendation of $3 billion for green water infrastructure, the Center for American Progress writes:

 [n]ear-term green investments can immediately stimu­late the economy, move the country along the road toward economic recovery, create millions of good jobs, and put a solid down payment on the low-carbon future vital for our long-term economic growth.

 Economic recovery and cleaner water – what’s not to like?

Jamie Mierau
Director, River Protection

Friends of the Chicago River is working to change the water quality standards for the Chicago River to protect the people who enjoy it and the wildlife that call it home.

Right now, you have an opportunity to help make that happen.

In 2007, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency proposed improved water quality standards for the Chicago River. The Illinois Pollution Control Board is currently reviewing these standards, and if they are approved the Chicago River and the people who paddle, swim, and fish in it will benefit from a cleaner and more vibrant river.

Help make this opportunity a reality by submitting a letter of support to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Visit Friend’s of the Chicago River’s website to download a sample letter of support.

Contact your elected officials and tell them that you want greater recreational opportunities and cleaner water in Chicago River and stay updated by visiting the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s website and read new testimonies, questions, and public comments.

I recently had a chance to do something I have never done on a river before.  I floated a river from its headwaters to it’s confluence in one trip.  The Kiseralik River in western Alaska is roughly 110 miles long depending on what braids you float.  It rises out of Kiseralik Lake and meets the Kuskokwim River about 30 miles south of Bethel, AK.   In its upper section it follows a steep grade passing several class III-IV rapid sections which are pretty scary because of the remote location and icy cold water.  After it leaves the mountains, the river widens and becomes a series of braids. The trout fishing also picks up.  In fact “picks up” is not quite right.  It transitions from trout fishing to trout catching.

My wife thinks I am crazy because I spend all my work days doing my best to protect rivers and then when I get a chance to go on a trip of a lifetime (or any trip for that matter) I spend it on a river.  I guess I am lucky that my personal life inspires my professional life (and visa versa).   

Have you ever floated, paddled, or traveled an entire river either in one trip or over the course of time?  Let me know I need to start planning another “trip of a lifetime”.  I can almost hear my wife sigh.   

If you listen closely, you might hear a collective cheer this week up near the U.S.-Canadian border in the town of Fort Covington, New York. The town, along with partners that include American Rivers, NOAA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the New York Department of State, and the New York Power Authority to name a few, are gearing up for the removal of the Fort Covington Dam.

The dam, which was originally built in 1913 to provide hydropower for local mill operations, has long since fallen out of use and into disrepair and, according to town officials, has contributed to upstream flooding. Removing the dam will alleviate liability and maintenance responsibilities for the dam, as well as restore access to more than 10 miles of Salmon River spawning habitat for smallmouth bass, walleye, etc. 

The Fort Covington Dam isn’t the only dam being removed this year. Today, American Rivers released its list of 64 dams that have been removed or are scheduled for removal in 2008. While some dams are beneficial to society, many have outlived their usefulness and often do more harm than good. Some dams increase flood risks for communities, and old or poorly maintained dams are at risk of failure.  Many of the dams on this year’s list are part of this outdated infrastructure. By removing old infrastructure like obsolete dams, we build up our natural infrastructure – the streams, wetlands and floodplains that give our communities essential services like clean water, flood protection, and other economic benefits.

I think our president, Rebecca Wodder, says it best. “It is time to rethink our nation’s water infrastructure. These dam removals are an example of how our communities can reap multiple benefits when we let nature work, and when we let rivers be rivers.”

Jamie Mierau
Director, River Protection

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s online auction is running from November 5 (8 AM) to December 5 (9 PM). With more than 250 items in this year’s auction, there’s something for every bidder.

All auction proceeds (your bids) go directly to support the programs and operations of the Northeast’s longest inland water trail.

This year’s best-ever auction catalog includes everything from boats and paddles, to cameras, outdoor gear, and regional adventures…and much more!

Let the bidding begin!