America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2007

[Mike Clifford]

This is not just another pitch for help- it is a campaign to shine a light on what is upstream and downstream from all of us.

Take it to heart- your river could be next.

 

I'll add a new one to the thread each day for discussion.

Much can be learned from others' failures, as well as their success stories.

 

[Mike Clifford]

#1 Santa Fe River, New Mexico

 

The Santa Fe River was named as one of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2007. Learn more: http://www.americanrivers.org/endange...

 

*Summary*

Steeped in rich history, the Santa Fe River was once the lifeblood of people and wildlife alike. Yet for the past 20 years, the city's namesake river has not been a river at all for most of the year, but a dry, weed-choked ditch -- blocked by upstream dams. Restoring flows to the Santa Fe River would provide not only a healthy ecosystem, but also a place for residents to rejuvenate, visitors to enjoy and children to play. Local and state officials have set the stage for the river's revival -- now it's up to the city of Santa Fe to put the "river" in river restoration. Learn more.

 

Partner: Santa Fe Watershed Association

 

[Mike Clifford]

#2 San Mateo Creek, California

 

The San Mateo Creek was named as one of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2007.

 

*Summary*

At the center of the last remaining pristine coastal watershed in southern California, San Mateo Creek supports world-class surfing and provides irreplaceable habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. But a proposed 16-mile long toll road threatens to slice through San Mateo Creek causing significant damage to the watershed and to surfing at the famous Trestles Beach, whose reef depends upon the San Mateo for sand and cobbles. Unless the California Coastal Commission and other state and federal agencies deny permits for this toll road, southern California runs the risk of losing one of its best remaining natural and recreational assets.