This is a guest blog written by Alejandra Galindo
This year marks an important milestone for America’s Most Endangered Rivers®— the 40th anniversary of the campaign that combines years of environmental action and grassroots mobilization. Each year, this campaign has highlighted ten rivers whose fate depends on the decisions we make today. Over the decades, together with our partners, we’ve achieved significant changes to protect our rivers and the communities that depend on them.
However, this anniversary isn’t just a moment to look back and celebrate what we’ve accomplished—it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the road ahead. Over these 40 years, we’ve faced countless challenges, but we’ve also seen victories that continue to motivate us to keep speaking up for the health of our rivers.
BE THE FIRST TO FIND OUT: AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS® 2025
Each year, America’s Most Endangered Rivers® highlights 10 rivers that you can help keep safe from pollution, harmful development, and other threats. We can protect the source of all life — our rivers
As a way to celebrate 40 years of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®, we wanted to highlight some of the most impactful stories; rivers that represent not only the challenges our rivers face but also the solutions we’ve been able to achieve through our collective efforts.
New Mexico’s Rivers: A Hopeful Future
2024 #1 River Listing
In 2024, New Mexico’s rivers were highlighted as the #1 most endangered due to threats facing nearly all streams and wetlands in the state, particularly the loss of Clean Water Act protections. This left the state’s waterways at risk of pollution from industrial runoff and agricultural waste, posing a danger to the local communities and ecosystems that rely on them.
But just last week, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill to restore clean water protections that creates a state surface water permitting program to ensure the state’s precious water resources have the proper management and safeguards.
Neuse River: A Turnaround Story
Listed in 2017, River of the Year 2022
When the Neuse River was listed among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2017, it faced threats from industrial agricultural waste being dumped into its floodplains. This was a river that, for decades, has been a vital water source for communities in eastern North Carolina, but its future seemed uncertain.
Inclusion in America’s Most Endangered Rivers® sparked action and amplified community engagement to honor the progress and to support forward momentum, we named the Neuse “River of the Year” in 2022. Local advocates and communities continue to push for improvements to keep the Neuse River on a positive trajectory.
Klamath River: A Milestone in River Restoration
Listed in 2002
The Klamath River, one of the most iconic rivers in the Pacific Northwest, made the America’s Most Endangered Rivers® list multiple times over the years, with four dams devastating river health, water quality, salmon runs, and a vital source of sustenance and cultural heritage for the river’s tribes. The Yurok, Karuk, Klamath, and other Tribes and Indigenous communities advocated tirelessly for river restoration. Last year, dam removal was completed and now the river is on a path to recovery. Learn more about the Klamath Dam removals.
Gila River: The Ongoing Fight for Water Security
Listed in 2019
The Gila River, one of the most critical rivers in the American Southwest, was listed among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® in 2019 due to threats from the proposed construction of a damaging water diversion project.
The diversion could have dried up the Gila River, impacted fish and wildlife, the local outdoor recreation and tourism economy, and harmed critical habitat for seven threatened or endangered species. Declining groundwater levels caused by the diversion could also have harmed some of the last remaining intact riparian forest in the Lower Colorado River Basin.
In a win for the river and all who depend on it, in 2020, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission voted 7-2 to end work on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Gila River diversion.
Film: Gila Wild
Gila Wild by Pete McBride explores the last undammed river in New Mexico – The Gila River. One of the Colorado River’s tributaries, The Gila is the only designated Wilderness in America.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for 2025
As we approach America’s Most Endangered Rivers® 2025, the work to protect our rivers is far from over. This anniversary not only celebrates the progress we’ve made but also serves as a starting point to redouble our efforts. The rivers and clean water that continue to face threats need our help now more than ever.
Every action counts, and every voice raised has the power to make a difference. I invite you to join us in supporting efforts to protect and restore these endangered rivers, and all of the rivers we depend on nationwide.
Check back on April 16, when we will announce America’s Most Endangered Rivers® 2025!
