Announcing America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2012

WASHINGTON - It’s here – the 2012 list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®! From pollution to fracking to dams and dredging, this year we’re highlighting issues that have a direct impact on our clean water, public health, and wildlife.

Every year since 1986, this report has put a spotlight on ten rivers at risk. With the 2012 list, we have zeroed in on key actions and, working with our local partners – and you - we are going to get decision-makers to do the right thing.

Check out the list of rivers below, and then please take action and spread the word!

We chose the Potomac as America’s #1 Most Endangered River for 2012 because of the threat from urban and agricultural pollution. While the Potomac River is cleaner than it used to be, pollution is still a serious problem – and it could get much worse if Congress rolls back critical clean water safeguards.

As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act this year, the
Potomac – known as “the nation’s river” as it flows by the capital -- is emblematic of what’s at stake for rivers nationwide.

Our president, Bob Irvin, said, “This year’s Most Endangered Rivers list underscores how important clean water is to our drinking water, health, and economy. If Congress slashes clean water protections, more Americans will get sick and communities and businesses will suffer. We simply cannot afford to go back to a time when the Potomac and rivers nationwide were too polluted to use.”

Please help us in our fight to save America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2012. Here’s what you can do:

• Take action – Send an email to your members of congress to support clean water protections
• Spread the word on Twitter by tweeting these:
• 40 yrs ago, we fought for #cleanwater + rivers. Protect the Clean Water Act http://bit.ly/mer2012 #MER2012
• Protect clean water for you + 117M Americans. Learn more about Most Endangered Rivers http://bit.ly/mer2012 #MER2012
• Share a photo on our Facebook page of your favorite river.
• Leave a comment below on why your river is important to you.

Thanks for helping to protect our rivers and clean water!

America's Most Endangered Rivers® of 2012:

#1: Potomac River (MD, VA, PA, WV, DC)
Threat: Pollution
At stake: Clean water and public health

#2: Green River (WY, UT, CO)
Threat: Water withdrawals
At stake: Recreation opportunities and fish and wildlife habitat

#3: Chattahoochee River (GA)
Threat: New dams and reservoirs
At stake: Clean water and healthy fisheries

#4: Missouri River (IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, ND, SD, WY)
Threat: Outdated flood management
At stake: Public safety

#5: Hoback River (WY)
Threat: Natural gas development
At stake: Clean water and world-class fish and wildlife

#6: Grand River (OH)
Threat: Natural gas development
At stake: Clean water and public health

#7: South Fork Skykomish River (WA)
Threat: New dam
At stake: Habitat and recreation

#8: Crystal River (CO)
Threat: Dams and water diversions
At stake: Fish, wildlife, and recreation

#9: Coal River (WV)
Threat: Mountaintop removal coal mining
At stake: Clean water and public health

#10: Kansas River (KS)
Threat: Sand and gravel dredging
At stake: Public health and wildlife habitat