America's Most Endangered Rivers Explained
America's Most Endangered Rivers is a list of threatened rivers in the United States compiled by the nonprofit group American Rivers. First published in 1984, the annual list spotlights ten threatened rivers–rivers that are facing environmental degradation due to existing or proposed development projects. The list is intended to build public awareness and spur action toward addressing specific environmental issues.[1] [2]
Most-listed rivers
A number of rivers have been listed on America's Most Endangered Rivers multiple times, either in whole or in part. This list includes items that have appeared three or more times.
Lists
2024 rivers
On April 16, 2024,[3] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2023.[4]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Loss of federal protections |
| 2 | Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers | | Pumping project |
| 3 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 4 | | | Scarcity, climate change |
| 5 | | | Development, road construction |
| 6 | | | Dam |
| 7 | | | Mismanagement |
| 8 | | | Road construction, mining |
| 9 | | | Pollution |
| 10 | | | Highway development | |
2023 rivers
On April 18, 2023,[5] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2023.[6]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Climate change, mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Pollution, climate change |
| 3 | | | Dredging, dams |
| 4 | | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Pollution |
| 6 | | | Dams |
| 7 | | | Development |
| 8 | Chilkat and Klehini Rivers | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Climate change, mismanagement |
| 10 | | | Mining | |
2022 rivers
On April 19, 2022,[7] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2022.[8]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Climate change, mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Dams |
| 3 | | | Pollution |
| 4 | Maine's Atlantic salmon rivers | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Pollution |
| 6 | | | Pollution, habitat loss |
| 7 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 8 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 9 | | | Development, pollution |
| 10 | | | Pollution | |
2021 rivers
On April 13, 2021,[9] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2021.[10]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Dams |
| 2 | | | Mismanagement, climate change |
| 3 | | | Mining |
| 4 | | | Pollution |
| 5 | | | Mining |
| 6 | | | Pollution |
| 7 | | | Dams |
| 8 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 9 | | | Pollution |
| 10 | | | Development | |
2020 rivers
On April 14, 2020,[11] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2020.[12]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Climate change, mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Climate change, mismanagement |
| 3 | | | Habitat loss |
| 4 | | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Mining |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Dams |
| 10 | | | Natural gas | |
2019 rivers
On April 16, 2019,[13] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2019.[14]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 2 | | | Storm-surge barrier |
| 3 | | | Levees |
| 4 | | | Habitat loss |
| 5 | | | Dams |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Pollution |
| 9 | | | Development |
| 10 | | | Mining | |
2018 rivers
On April 11, 2018,[15] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2018.[16]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Pumping project |
| 2 | | | Mining |
| 3 | | | Mining |
| 4 | | | Habitat loss |
| 5 | | | Mining |
| 6 | | | Dams |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Development |
| 9 | | | Pollution |
| 10 | | | Dams | |
2017 rivers
On April 11, 2017,[17] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2017.[18]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Climate change, over-withdrawal |
| 2 | | | Dams |
| 3 | | | Hydropower |
| 4 | | | Mismanagement |
| 5 | | | Fracking |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers | | Livestock pollution |
| 8 | | | Oil transport |
| 9 | | | Livestock pollution |
| 10 | | | Mining | |
2016 rivers
In April 2016, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2016.[19]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Mismanagement |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | | | Mining |
| 5 | | | Dams, pollution |
| 6 | | | Dams |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Pollution |
| 9 | | | Dams |
| 10 | | | Dams | |
2015 rivers
On April 7, 2015,[20] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2015.[21]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Development, mining, groundwater depletion |
| 2 | | | Dams |
| 3 | | | Pollution |
| 4 | | | Mining |
| 5 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | Rogue and Smith Rivers | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Pollution, over-withdrawal |
| 10 | | | Dams | |
2014 rivers
On April 9, 2014,[22] American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2014.[23]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Water diversions |
| 3 | | | Mismanagement |
| 4 | | | Water diversions |
| 5 | | | Dams |
| 6 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 7 | | | Petroleum development |
| 8 | | | Dams |
| 9 | | | Pollution |
| 10 | Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers | | Industrializaton | |
2013 rivers
In April 2013, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2013.[24]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Mismanagement |
| 3 | | | Mismanagement |
| 4 | | | Mismanagement |
| 5 | | | Coal ash pollution |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | Rough & Ready and Baldface Creeks | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Mining |
| 10 | | | Sedimentation | |
2012 rivers
In May 2012, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2012.[25]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Pollution |
| 2 | | | Pumping project |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | | | Mismanagement |
| 5 | | | Natural gas |
| 6 | | | Natural gas |
| 7 | | | Dams |
| 8 | | | Dams |
| 9 | | | Mining |
| 10 | | | Dredging | |
2011 rivers
In May 2011, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2011.[26]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Natural gas |
| 2 | | | Mining |
| 3 | | | Mining |
| 4 | | | Sewage pollution |
| 5 | | | Dams |
| 6 | | | Mining |
| 7 | | | Natural gas |
| 8 | | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Bridge project |
| 10 | | | Overuse, mismanagement | |
2010 rivers
On June 2, 2010, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2010.[27]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Natural gas |
| 2 | | | Mismanagement |
| 3 | | | Mining |
| 4 | | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Mismanagement |
| 6 | | | Water diversions |
| 7 | | | Mining |
| 8 | | | Teton Dam reconstruction proposal |
| 9 | | | Natural gas |
| 10 | | | Dams | |
2009 rivers
On April 7, 2009, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2009.[28]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Dams |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | | | Development |
| 5 | | | Proposed mines |
| 6 | | | Sewage pollution |
| 7 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 8 | | | Proposed petroleum development |
| 9 | | | Proposed petroleum storage project |
| 10 | | | Development | |
2008 rivers
In May 2008, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2008.[29]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Logging, road construction |
| 3 | | | Water diversion, dams |
| 4 | | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Proposed power plant |
| 6 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 7 | | | Proposed water diversion |
| 8 | | | Proposed removal of legal protection |
| 9 | | | Floodplain development |
| 10 | | | Irrigation diversions | |
2007 rivers
In April 2007, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2007.[30] [31]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mismanagement |
| 2 | | | Proposed highway |
| 3 | | | Pollution |
| 4 | | | Proposed power line |
| 5 | | | Condit Dam |
| 6 | | | Proposed dams |
| 7 | | | Toxic sediments |
| 8 | | | Development |
| 9 | | | Proposed dam |
| 10 | | | Proposed coal mine | |
2006 rivers
In April 2006, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2006.[32] [33]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Flood control project |
| 2 | | | Floodplain development |
| 3 | | | Pollution |
| 4 | | | Proposed mine |
| 5 | | | Overdevelopment |
| 6 | | | Proposed mine |
| 7 | | | Toxic water discharge from Lake Okeechobee |
| 8 | | | Proposed mining district |
| 9 | | | Unregulated sand mining |
| 10 | | | Proposed groundwater pumping | |
2005 rivers
In April 2005, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2005.[34] [35]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Sewage pollution, proposed dam |
| 2 | | | Proposed methane drilling |
| 3 | | | Proposed increase in water withdrawal |
| 4 | | | Overdevelopment |
| 5 | | | Proposed factory dairy farm |
| 6 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 7 | | | Pollution |
| 8 | | | Proposed increase in water withdrawal |
| 9 | | | Proposed dam and dewatering |
| 10 | | | Overdevelopment | |
2004 rivers
In April 2004, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2004.[36] [37]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Pollution |
| 2 | | | Proposed drainage and dredging project |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | | | Sewage pollution |
| 5 | Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers | | Coal mine pollution |
| 6 | | | Over-withdrawal, pollution |
| 7 | | | Polychlorinated biphenyl pollution |
| 8 | | | Phosphate mine pollution |
| 9 | | | Overdevelopment |
| 10 | | | Dams, levees, pollution | |
2003 rivers
In April 2003, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 2003.[38] [39]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Proposed drainage and dredging project |
| 2 | | | Irrigation withdrawals, dams, pollution |
| 3 | | | Groundwater pumping, over-withdrawal |
| 4 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 5 | | | Diversion and over-withdrawal |
| 6 | | | Proposed dam |
| 7 | | | Proposed water supply development |
| 8 | | | Dams |
| 9 | | | Dams, overallocation |
| 10 | | | Proposed flood control project, floodplain development | |
2002 rivers
On April 4, 2002, American Rivers announced its eleven most endangered rivers of 2002.[40] [41]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Habitat loss from unnatural dam operations |
| 2 | | | Proposed drainage and dredging project |
| 3 | | | Irrigation withdrawals, dams, pollution |
| 4 | | | Agricultural pollution |
| 5 | | | Irrigation project, proposed navigation project |
| 6 | | | Coal bed methane pollution |
| 7 | | | Over-withdrawal |
| 8 | | | Proposed loss of legal protections |
| 9 | | | Proposed petroleum development |
| 10 | | | Proposed over-withdrawal |
| 11 | | | Dredging | |
2001 rivers
On April 11, 2001, American Rivers announced its thirteen most endangered rivers of 2001.[42] [43] [44]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Habitat loss from unnatural dam operations |
| 2 | | | Proposed petroleum development |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | | | Polychlorinated biphenyl pollution |
| 5 | | | Coal bed methane pollution |
| 6 | | | Proposed flood control project, wetlands destruction, pollution |
| 7 | | | Coal sludge spill |
| 8 | | | Overdevelopment |
| 9 | | | Proposed water project |
| 10 | | | Proposed gravel mine expansion |
| 11 | | | Acid rain pollution |
| 12 | | | Overdevelopment |
| 13 | | | Overdevelopment | |
2000 rivers
On April 10, 2000, American Rivers announced its thirteen most endangered rivers of 2000.[45] [46] [47]
1999 rivers
| Rank | River[48] [49] | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Dams |
| 2 | | | Flood control works |
| 3 | | | Overdevelopment over-withdrawal, pollution |
| 4 | | | Overdevelopment, groundwater pumping |
| 5 | | | Channelization |
| 6 | | | Overdevelopment, over-withdrawal |
| 7 | | | Overdevelopment, pollution |
| 8 | | | Overdevelopment, over-withdrawal, dams |
| 9 | | | Mining |
| 10 | | | Overdevelopment, over-withdrawal | |
1998 rivers
On April 6, 1998, American Rivers announced its twenty most endangered rivers of 1998.[50] [51]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Public land transfer, irrigation, nuclear waste |
| 2 | | | Channelization, dams |
| 3 | | | Agricultural pollution |
| 4 | | | Dams |
| 5 | | | Proposed gold mine |
| 6 | | | Over-allocation |
| 7 | | | Overdevelopment, pollution |
| 8 | | | Dams |
| 9 | | | Factory hog farm pollution |
| 10 | | | Proposed copper mine |
| 11 | | | Proposed mine |
| 12 | | | Livestock pollution, overdevelopment |
| 13 | Rogue and Illinois Rivers, Elk and Rough & Ready Creeks | | Dams, proposed mine |
| 14 | | | Proposed mine |
| 15 | | | In-stream gravel mining |
| 16 | | | Contaminated sediments |
| 17 | | | Proposed water development project |
| 18 | | | Flow depletion, agricultural pollution, channelization |
| 19 | | | Proposed diversion dam |
| 20 | | | Pollution | |
1997 rivers
On April 16, 1997, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 1997.[52]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Navigation |
| 2 | | | Polychlorinated biphenyl pollution |
| 3 | | | Condit Dam |
| 4 | | | Floodplain development, agricultural pollution |
| 5 | | | Proposed mine |
| 6 | | | Proposed copper mine |
| 7 | | | Livestock pollution, development |
| 8 | | | Industrialization, development, channelization |
| 9 | | | Over-allocation |
| 10 | | | Proposed elimination of the TVA's environmental protection programs | |
1996 rivers
On April 17, 1996, American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 1996.[53]
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Proposed New World Mine |
| 2 | | | Proposed Auburn Dam |
| 3 | Upper Chattahoochee and Etowah Rivers | | Sewage, development, sedimentation |
| 4 | | | Dams, pollution |
| 5 | | | Pollution, development, dams |
| 6 | Columbia, John Day, and White Salmon Rivers | | Grazing, irrigation diversions, logging, dams |
| 7 | | | Timber sales |
| 8 | | | Mining |
| 9 | | | Basin Mills Dam |
| 10 | | | Water development project | |
1995 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mine |
| 2 | | | Flood control, neglect |
| 3 | Columbia and Snake Rivers | | Dams, irrigation |
| 4 | | | Water development project |
| 5 | | | Dams, channelization |
| 6 | | | Agricultural runoff, sand dredging |
| 7 | | | Flood control, runoff |
| 8 | | | Acid mine drainage, proposed dam |
| 9 | | | Dams |
| 10 | | | Logging | |
1994 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Mine |
| 2 | | | Urban runoff |
| 3 | | | Dams |
| 4 | Columbia and Snake Rivers | | Dams, logging |
| 5 | | | Flood control, runoff |
| 6 | | | Dams, channelization |
| 7 | | | Proposed dam |
| 8 | | | Pollution, mine waste |
| 9 | | | Logging |
| 10 | | | Diversions, development | |
1993 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Pollution |
| 2 | Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers | | Dams |
| 3 | | | Diversion, agricultural pollution |
| 4 | | | Sewage, development, sedimentation, dumping |
| 5 | | | Dams |
| 6 | | | Logging |
| 7 | | | Proposed dam |
| 8 | | | Hydroelectric project |
| 9 | Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers | | Proposed mine |
| 10 | | | Dam | |
1992 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | Columbia and Snake Rivers | | Dams |
| 2 | Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers | | Proposed mine |
| 3 | | | Hydroelectric project |
| 4 | | | Flood control project |
| 5 | | | Proposed dam |
| 6 | | | Glen Canyon Dam |
| 7 | | | Hydroelectric, barge spills, agriculture, industrial discharge |
| 8 | | | Proposed dam |
| 9 | | | Logging, development |
| 10 | | | Logging, grazing, agriculture, mining | |
1991 rivers
1990 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Proposed hydroelectric project |
| 2 | | | Proposed dam |
| 3 | | | Proposed dam |
| 4 | | | Proposed dam |
| 5 | Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers | | Air Force missile range |
| 6 | Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers | | Proposed mine |
| 7 | | | Proposed flood-control tunnel |
| 8 | | | Proposed methane project |
| 9 | | | Proposed pumice mine |
| 10 | | | Proposed dam | |
1989 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Dams |
| 2 | | | Proposed dam |
| 3 | | | Proposed dam |
| 4 | | | Proposed dam |
| 5 | | | Proposed dams |
| 6 | | | Proposed hydroelectric project |
| 7 | | | Hydroelectric project |
| 8 | | | Proposed dam |
| 9 | | | Development |
| 10 | | | Irrigation project | |
1988 rivers
| Rank | River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| 1 | | | Proposed dam |
| 2 | | | Proposed dam |
| 3 | | | Proposed dam |
| 4 | | | Proposed dam |
| 5 | | | Dams |
| 6 | | | Proposed dredging |
| 7 | | | Proposed dam |
| 8 | | | Proposed dam |
| 9 | | | Proposed irrigation project |
| 10 | | | Proposed hydroelectric projects | |
1987 rivers
American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 1987 via press release, with no accompanying report. All ten rivers faced dam proposals. The rivers were not ranked.
| River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed dam | |
1986 rivers
American Rivers announced its ten most endangered rivers of 1986 via press release, with no accompanying report. The rivers were not ranked.[54]
| River | State(s) | Threats |
|---|
| | Proposed hydroelectric project |
| | Proposed hydroelectric project |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed toxic waste incinerator site |
| | Proposed toxic waste incinerator site |
| | Proposed toxic waste incinerator site |
| | Proposed dam |
| | Proposed hydroelectric project |
| | Proposed raising of reservoir level |
| | Dam project at Sewalls Falls | |
Notes and References
- News: Kober . Amy Souers . A History of Success for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 21 March 2023.
- News: Gibbens . Sarah . 2019's Endangered River report features Gila River . https://web.archive.org/web/20210518105817/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/most-endagnered-rivers-united-states . dead . May 18, 2021 . 8 August 2023 . nationalgeographic.com . National Geographic . 16 April 2019 . en.
- Web site: American Rivers Announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 16 April 2024 . 16 April 2024.
- News: Evans . Hayleigh . Arizona's Santa Cruz River is the fourth-most endangered waterway . 16 April 2024 . The Arizona Republic . 16 April 2024.
- Web site: American Rivers Announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 8 August 2023 . 18 April 2023.
- News: Childs . Jan . Colorado River Tops List Of Most Endangered Rivers . 8 August 2023 . The Weather Channel . 19 April 2023.
- News: Thomas-Blate . Jessie . America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2022 Spotlights Rivers in Crisis Mode . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 19 April 2022.
- News: Ramirez . Rachel . The top 10 most endangered rivers in America . 8 August 2023 . CNN . 18 April 2022 . en.
- News: Kiernan . Tom . 2021 Most Endangered Rivers list highlights need for environmental justice . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 13 April 2021.
- News: Brasuell . James . 2021 Most Endangered Rivers List Highlights Environmental Justice . 8 August 2023 . www.planetizen.com . 19 April 2021 . en.
- News: Williams . Christopher . A Most Endangered Year . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 14 April 2020.
- News: Rice . Doyle . Upper Mississippi River is the nation's 'most endangered river' of 2020 . 8 August 2023 . USA TODAY . 14 April 2020.
- News: AMERICAN RIVERS ANNOUNCES AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS® OF 2019 . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 19 April 2019.
- News: Newman . Katelyn . The 10 Most Endangered Rivers in America . 8 August 2023 . U.S. News & World Report . 16 April 2019.
- News: Thomas-Blate . Jessie . Announcing America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018 . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 10 April 2018.
- News: Newman . Katelyn . The 10 Most Endangered Rivers in the U.S. . 8 August 2023 . U.S. News & World Reports . 10 April 2018.
- News: American Rivers Announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2017 . 8 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 11 April 2017.
- News: Petri . Alexandra E. . Top 10 Most Endangered Rivers in the U.S. . https://web.archive.org/web/20210225231826/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/most-endangered-rivers-us-american-rivers . dead . February 25, 2021 . 8 August 2023 . nationalgeographic.com . National Geographic . 11 April 2017 . en.
- News: Howard . Brian Clark . Water Wars Threaten America's Most Endangered Rivers . https://web.archive.org/web/20210816184533/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/160412-americas-most-endangered-rivers-list-conservation . dead . August 16, 2021 . 8 August 2023 . nationalgeographic.com . National Geographic . 12 April 2016 . en.
- News: Kober . Amy Souers . America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2015 . 9 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 7 April 2015.
- News: Loomis . Brandon . Colorado in Grand Canyon rated No. 1 endangered river . 9 August 2023 . USA TODAY . 7 April 2015.
- News: American Rivers announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2014 — . 9 August 2023 . www.americanrivers.org . American Rivers . 9 April 2014.
- News: Rice . Doyle . USA's most endangered rivers of 2014 . 9 August 2023 . USA TODAY . 9 April 2014.
- News: Loomis . Brandon . Colorado River named 'most endangered' . 9 August 2023 . USA TODAY . 17 April 2013.
- News: America's Most Endangered Rivers Of 2012 List . 9 August 2023 . HuffPost . 16 May 2012 . en.
- News: American Rivers names America—s —Most Endangered Rivers— of 2011 . 9 August 2023 . Civil + Structural Engineer magazine . 18 May 2011.
- News: American Rivers Announces America's Most Endangered Rivers™ of 2010 . 11 August 2023 . www.prnewswire.com . American Rivers . 2 June 2010 . en.
- News: Ansari . Azadeh . Report lists America's 10 most endangered . 11 August 2023 . edition.cnn.com . 7 April 2009.
- News: American Rivers Releases Endangered List . 11 August 2023 . Environmental Protection . 8 May 2008 . en.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2007 . American Rivers . 11 August 2023 . 2007.
- News: Smith . Robert J. . Group puts Lee Creek on its endangered list . 11 August 2023 . Arkansas Online . 17 April 2007 . en.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2006 . American Rivers . 11 August 2023 . 2006.
- News: Pajaro River tops 2006 "endangered" rivers list . 11 August 2023 . Hydro Review . 27 April 2006.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2005 . American Rivers . 11 August 2023 . 2005.
- News: Kelley . Daryl . Santa Clara River Listed as the 10th Most Endangered U.S. Waterway . 11 August 2023 . Los Angeles Times . 13 April 2005.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2004 . American Rivers . 11 August 2023 . 2004.
- News: Depalma . Anthony . Housatonic River Ranked Among Most Endangered . 11 August 2023 . The New York Times . 14 April 2004 . en.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2003 . American Rivers . 11 August 2023 . 2003.
- News: Weber . Lara . Endangered rivers . 11 August 2023 . Chicago Tribune . 10 April 2003.
- News: Most Endangered Rivers of 2002 announced . https://web.archive.org/web/20220121052002/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2002/04/prweb36216.htm . dead . January 21, 2022 . 11 August 2023 . PRWeb . American Rivers . 4 April 2002.
- News: Study: Missouri tops endangered rivers . 11 August 2023 . edition.cnn.com . 2 April 2002.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111206175347/http://www.americanrivers.org/assets/pdfs/mer-past-reports/mer_2001.pdf. 6 December 2011 . American Rivers . 12 August 2023 . 2001.
- News: Pawelski . Natalie . Rivers feel heat as U.S. energy demand rises . 11 August 2023 . www.cnn.com . 11 April 2001.
- News: Endangered Rivers . 11 August 2023 . C-SPAN.org . April 11, 2001.
- Web site: America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2000 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111225141636/http://www.americanrivers.org/assets/pdfs/mer-past-reports/mer_2000.pdf. 25 December 2011 . American Rivers . 12 August 2023 . 2000.
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