2007 American Rivers Annual Report

AMERICAN RIVERS ANNUAL REPORT 2007

HEALTHY RIVERS, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, community-oriented solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life.

American Rivers at a glance Year founded: 1973 Supporters nationwide: 65,000 National River Cleanup™ 2007 volunteers: 95,000 Staff: 56 Board: 27 Annual operating budget: $7.5 million Offices nationwide: 10 Website: www.AmericanRivers.org The connection between communities and rivers is symbiotic and reciprocal.

The water that flows through a community provides a myriad of benefits to people there, gifts that range from economic vitality, to outdoor recreation, to a cultural heart for a vibrant city. And rivers provide people with the most vital resource of all: water.

American Rivers creates the connections between what leaders want for their communities and what healthy rivers provide. In so doing, American Rivers inspires and equips people to act on behalf of healthy rivers. This annual report highlights individuals and communities who are leading the way.

©CARTER GOWL

I

t is no exaggeration to say that rivers are the plotline of the American narrative. Whether the story of native peoples of the Northwest who believed the spirits of the “salmon people” returned home to be reborn as humans, the epic journey of Lewis and Clark into the unknown up the Missouri and down the Columbia, the blood of brothers shed on the banks of creeks and rivers from Gettysburg to Appomattox, or the stemwinders of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, rivers flow in our nation’s veins. Seen from the air on a transcon-

tinental flight, it becomes obvious that the highways pass like nomads through our cities, but those cities were born and raised on the banks of rivers.

In its 34 year history, American Rivers has been a central character in great river stories all across the nation, thanks to a growing group of supporters who make this work possible. From tales of redemption and rescue to policy battles that demanded every ounce of our stamina and expertise, this organization has been a steady presence as the only national organization

standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive.

Years of hard work and persuasion

by American Rivers succeeded with a bang in July when Portland General Electric removed the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River, Portland, Oregon’s “backyard” river. With an explosion and a huge plume of dust, followed by the hearty cheers of Sandy Mayor Linda Malone and local citizens there to watch the spectacle, the 47-foot high dam was reduced to rubble and twisted rebar, ready to be hauled away. But it’s

“

Most of what I love about the country is a gift of the rivers…

America is a great story, and there is a river on every page of it.”

CHARLES KURALT

●

●

●

1

©PATRICIA PENNELL

2

●

●

●

not just the boom; this river renaissance on the Sandy is cause for great celebration and will be an inspiration for communities in the Northwest and across the country.

The undammed Sandy River, flowing freely from Mt. Hood to the Columbia, will be good for the local economy, clean water, and fish and wildlife. The Sandy teaches the same lesson American Rivers has demonstrated time and again over our 34 years: that when a river is healthy, we all benefit. A restored river will mean higher quality of life for local residents, better fishing and boating, and a boost for local businesses.

Thousands more stories were born in June, during National River Cleanup™ week. American Rivers took on sponsorship of this 15-year old national program this year, and engaged our nationwide network of river groups and an advanced internet campaign to take this event to a brand new level. At 583 cleanup sites around the country, nearly a hundred thousand volunteers removed more than 600 tons of trash. Even more important, every one of those tens of

thousands of people now has a story of their own to tell, and a closer personal connection to the health and welfare of their hometown river.

In the second act of a play, all of the characters have been introduced and the plot has knotted itself into a crisis that demands something special from the protagonist—courage, innovation, unlikely alliances, or all of these and more. That is where American Rivers finds itself on the biggest issue of our time, global warming and the threat it poses to our rivers, our water supply and our way of life.

The danger to our rivers is clear in climate scientists’ prediction of both more severe flooding and deeper drought. States and cities are already talking about a new era of desperation dam building to capture shrinking supplies of surface water to slake a growing thirst. Fisheries biologists have said that we could lose 50–100 percent of the trout and salmon fishing in parts of this country as water temperatures rise and rivers dry up.

Faced with the biggest environmental

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

challenge in our lifetimes, America’s rivers and streams need to be as healthy as possible in order to weather these big changes, and to sustain the communities that depend on them.

There are things we can do to protect the rivers we love. And these are steps we should take even without global warming bearing down on us like a runaway train.

We know and can teach ways to rebuild resilience into our rivers and streams so that a changing climate doesn’t steal these priceless parts of America’s river heritage.

For example, our success in taking out obsolete, unsafe dams and protect-

ing floodplains makes rivers more resilient in the face of global warming, so they can deal with rising temperatures and natural events like droughts and floods. Rivers run cooler when they don’t sit and evaporate in reservoirs, and fish can follow the seasonal temperature changes up and down river without an impassable wall standing in the way.

In the face of droughts, we help communities find new ways to conserve water. Led by Mayor David Coss, water conservation in Santa Fe, New Mexico is fueling hope of putting water back in the city’s namesake river— which American Rivers named

America’s Most Endangered River of 2007—so that it might live again, in place of the dry, weed-choked ditch that now runs through the city’s heart most of the year.

Across the country, in the face of global warming, rivers give us two things we cannot live without: water and hope.

Theologian Jim Wallis said that the fundamental struggle of our time is the battle between cynicism and hope. For us, there’s simply nothing like seeing a river come back to life to revive that hope, whether it’s one of America’s fabled trout rivers in the Northern Rockies, or an urban stream set free and lovingly restored by the community after years of abuse. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, American Rivers is succeeding in our mission to leave a legacy of healthy, free-flowing rivers and healthy communities for our children and grandchildren.

American Rivers Board Chair Ned Whitney and President Rebecca Wodder with former Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams at a National River CleanupTM event on the Anacostia River.

Sincerely, Rebecca Wodder President

Ned Whitney Board Chair ●

●

●

3

WATER: THE CURRENT OF LIFE

Clean, healthy water—and enough of it—is one of life’s essentials. American Rivers gives community leaders tools to protect rivers and people from pollution, to ensure enough water for the many things communities need from rivers, and to become less vulnerable to extremes caused by climate change.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Sewage Spills and the Public’s Right-to-Know

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

E

ach year, American Rivers brings local partners and activists to the nation’s capital for two days—a day of advocacy training and a day to advance the national agenda for clean and healthy rivers. This year’s River Action Day™ attracted 72 participants from a wide range of constituencies: civic leaders like Caleen Sisk-Franco, chief of the Winnemem-Wintu Tribe of Northern California and Tony Gioia, Mayor of Camp Verde, Arizona, Riverkeeper organizations, fishing and angling associations, more than 20 local water-

shed groups, statewide environmental organizations, and paddlers’ groups.

Participants were trained in effective advocacy, and building long-term relationships with congressional representatives. This year, River Action Day™ focused attention on two important efforts: sewage spill “right-to-know” legislation and additions to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system.

Every year, more than 850 billion gallons of untreated sewage flows into America’s waterways from combined sewer systems. When heavy rains over-

burden these antiquated systems, they release a toxic mix of rainwater, polluted runoff, and raw sewage into local rivers, streams and estuaries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 3.5 million people fall ill from swimming in waters contaminated by these overflows; many scientists believe that the consequences are underreported.

Few people are aware of the problem, largely because there are no federal requirements that the public be notified of sewage spills. And states’ ●

●

●

5

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

MAKING COMMUNITY VOICES HEARD

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

ADRIENNE ESPOSITO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) began in 1985 in Adrienne Esposito’s living room. “We were just a group of neighbors concerned about drinking water,” said Esposito, who now serves as executive director of the organization. Today, Citizens Campaign operates six offices in New York state and one in Connecticut, and is active on a wide array of issues: open space and wildlife habitat, toxics and public health, climate change and energy policy, and protecting waterways.

CCE helps people in the community have a stronger voice in public policy and legislation. “We try to empower people by giving them one action they can take to make a difference—whether it’s writing a letter, petitioning, providing testimony or responding to an

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

action alert. We’ve gotten great results from this strategy,” said Esposito.

During 2007, CCE worked closely with American Rivers to promote national legislation requiring that the public be informed when untreated sewage enters local waterways. In June, American Rivers President Rebecca Wodder joined Esposito and Congressman Tim Bishop for a press conference at a Patchogue, NY sewage treatment plant. The three discussed how the Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act, that Representative Bishop introduced in Congress, would benefit Long Island and communities nationwide.

“I think this is the perfect time to get something accomplished on sewage at the national level,” said Esposito. “People are waking up to the fact that sewage is being released into local waters. And this issue is a unifier—all political parties have an interest in public health.”

Collaborating with American Rivers has been important for CCE. “American Rivers provides local and regional organizations like the Citizens Campaign with a finger on the BOB NICHOLS, NRCS

pulse of Washington; they enable us to network with other organizations across the

6

●

●

●

country, which can help all of us achieve our common goals,” said Esposito. “American Rivers taps into the public’s love for their rivers and empowers people to protect them.

At Citizens Campaign for the Environment, that’s what we try to do every day.”

American Rivers, Dr. Rose is an expert on aquatic microbiology, water quality, and public health and safety, having published more than 200 studies on these issues. In 2000, Dr. Rose was named one of the 21 most influential people in “Water in the 21st Century”

by Water Technology Magazine.

After hearing from Dr. Rose, River Action Day™ attendees met with their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill to urge support for H.R. 2452.

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of the New York-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said, “There’s no substitute for wearing out a little shoe leather when it comes to get-

River Action Day™ 2007

ting Congress’ attention. Sewage rightto-know legislation got a huge boost from having passionate, trained advocates knocking on doors all over Capitol Hill on River Action Day.” Esposito also presented Congressman Tim Bishop with an American Rivers® River Hero Award for introduc-

attracted diverse participants from across the United States, including Caleen Sisk-Franco, chief of the Winnemem-Wintu Tribe of Northern Cali-

ing the legislation. “Environmental concerns have been at the top of his priority list since his first day in office,” said Esposito of Bishop, who represents her home district of Farmingdale, NY. “On Long Island Sound, we’re a water-based economy,” said Esposito, “so it makes sense that he would help us protect one of our most important natural assets.”

fornia; Tony Gioia, Mayor of Camp Verde, Arizona; and representatives from Michigan’s Clinton River Watershed Council, Vermont’s Missisquoi River Council, the Santa Fe Watershed Association, Texas’ Los Caminos del Rio, and North Carolina’s Neuse River Foundation.

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

right-to-know laws vary widely. To protect public health, American Rivers is advocating federal and state policies that require communities to be informed of sewage contamination in their waterways. Such laws will enable people to avoid contact with raw sewage and galvanize efforts to end sewage pollution in their local streams and rivers.

Congress took an important step on the issue in May when Representatives Tim Bishop (D-NY) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) introduced the Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-toKnow Act (H.R. 2452) that requires prompt public notification whenever raw sewage spills into local waterways.

River Action Day™ 2007 provided the perfect opportunity to advance this important legislation. Dr. Joan B. Rose of Michigan State University provided participants with information on the serious health effects of raw sewage and why legislation to inform the public about sewage spills is critically necessary. A member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of

●

●

●

7

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

CITIZEN ACTION AND THE MAUMEE RIVER

TOLEDO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

TINA SKELDON WOZNIAK COMMISSIONER, LUCAS COUNTY, OHIO

Residents of Toledo, Ohio and surrounding Lucas County know well that their fates and that of the Maumee River are intertwined. “The cultural and economic impact that the Maumee River has on our community is almost immeasurable,” said Lucas County Commissioner Tina Wozniak. “And that’s exactly why we have to make every effort to keep it healthy.”

American Rivers has been a driving force behind the Rain Garden Initiative of Toledo-Lucas County, which encourages homeowners to plant rain gardens that can help reduce and filter stormwater runoff. It reimburses them for up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing plants or materials used on rain gardens.

TOLEDO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

American Rivers worked closely with local government to help design and launch this program.

Why has the county focused so much attention on runoff? “Stormwater runoff has a dramatic effect on our community and our watershed, whether we are assisting residents whose homes have been flooded because of a summer storm, or reviewing the effects of farm runoff on algae blooms in Lake Erie,” said Wozniak.

“That’s why we continually look for ways to reduce its negative impacts.”

Commissioner Wozniak is no stranger to environmental issues, particularly when it comes to the Maumee. “My father, Ned Skeldon, was also a County Commissioner.

And he shared with me the value of environmental stewardship. Once, he swam TOLEDO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

across the Maumee River to promote the importance of environmental responsibil-

8

●

●

●

ity and stewardship with regard to our rivers.”

Wozniak sees citizen action as vital to protecting the watershed and quality of life in Lucas County. “The opportunities for involvement are limitless: homeowners can plant rain gardens in areas on their property that collect stormwater runoff.

And they can get involved in local efforts to clean and protect wetlands.”

Catching the Rain™ in Toledo, Ohio

A

cross the country, stormwater runoff is responsible for 13 percent of impaired rivers, 21 percent of impaired lakes and 45 percent of impaired estuaries. The American Rivers Catching the Rain™ program educates homeowners, developers, municipalities and agencies, and equips them to implement natural stormwater management techniques to protect local waterways.

In Toledo, American Rivers is working to address stormwater issues as part of a collaborative effort to restore the Maumee River. The Chicago-based Joyce Foundation has awarded $5 million in grants to a coalition of local groups with American Rivers as a national partner to promote the recovery of the Maumee watershed. The Maumee is the largest river system in the Great Lakes region; because it runs through urban Toledo, it also is the largest contributor of polluted runoff to Lake Erie. “By investing in the recovery of the Maumee River,” said Joyce

TOLEDO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

Foundation President Ellen Alberding, “we hope to lay the groundwork for the long-term restoration of Lake Erie and establish a model that can be adopted elsewhere in the Great Lakes region.”

Like their river, the people of Toledo have long suffered from stormwater damage and flooding. So the city decided to take control, implementing “green infrastructure” techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs, decreasing impervious surfaces, and using soil and vegetation to slow and absorb runoff.

Last fall, Toledo’s Division of Environmental Services planted the city’s first rain garden at its headquarters. And Toledo is considering financial incentives for homeowners who use natural methods to decrease runoff or impervious surfaces on their properties.

American Rivers helped design and launch the Rain Garden Initiative of Toledo and Lucas County, and serves on the steering committee. In addition, American Rivers offered community workshops and provided resource

guides for individuals, businesses and developers on natural stormwater management. In early June, Gary Belan, associate director of the Healthy Waters Campaign™ for American Rivers, helped teachers and students build a rain garden at a newly constructed high school in Toledo.

“Rain gardens are a simple, hands-on solution to a big problem. Not only do these projects clean up the Maumee River, but they get people and communities directly involved in the effort,” Belan said. “Building these gardens throughout Toledo will not only make a healthier river, but a healthier Toledo.”

The Rain Garden Initiative is just the beginning of a comprehensive effort.

American Rivers is currently working with Toledo and Lucas County on ideas to increase the area’s green infrastructure, such as low-impact development projects in several city neighborhoods.

Much of Belan’s work is targeted to low-income neighborhoods. Such projects find innovative ways to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants before they reach local waterways.

“

By investing in the recovery of the Maumee River, we hope to lay the groundwork for the long-term restoration of Lake Erie and establish a model that can be adopted elsewhere in the Great Lakes region.”

ELLEN ALBERDING PRESIDENT JOYCE FOUNDATION

●

●

●

9

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

RAISING THE PROFILE OF SMALL STREAMS DR. JUDITH MEYER AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH PROFESSOR EMERITUS IN ECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Dr. Judith Meyer doesn’t fish. And she gets seasick. But she still loves the water. The lead chairs its Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee. “I just enjoy the beauty of streams,”

felt that wetland

she said. “And as a scientist, I find them endlessly fascinating.”

scientists had

Dr. Meyer grew up along the Menomonee River in Milwaukee. She was drawn to water, so

of the importance

she earned a Ph.D. in ecology and completed a study of Bear Brook, a small New Hampshire

of wetlands. But

©PATRICIA PENNELL

the same for

on their behalf and serving on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Panel studying

headwaters.”

the upstream causes of “dead zones” in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the nation’s foremost stream ecologists, she is active on two EPA committees, on the Independent Science Board of the California Bay Delta Authority, and on the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology Water Act Hero for scientific research supporting the Act. “I was excited to help write Where Rivers Are Born,” Dr. Meyer said. “I felt that wetland scientists had convinced people of the importance of wetlands. But we hadn’t done the same for headwaters. We don’t have a ‘no net loss’ policy for headwater streams—we don’t even know how many miles of headwater streams we have in this country. I take pride in the report, because it makes the case that protection of huge rivers, lakes and the oceans has to

FRIENDS OF MARSH CREEK

we hadn’t done

Dr. Meyer is one of small streams’ most enthusiastic defenders, testifying before Congress

for the National Academy of Sciences. In 2002, the Clean Water Network named her a Clean

●

convinced people

got seasick, and I didn’t like expeditions,” she admited. So she wound up at Cornell, where

reasons, really,” she said. But sometimes selfish reasons yield altruistic results.

●

help write Where Rivers Are Born. I

stream. “I fell in love with small streams, and I’ve stuck with it for 35 years—for selfish

●

I was excited to

author for the Where Rivers Are Born report, she serves on the board of American Rivers and

later in life she attended the University of Hawaii, where she studied oceanography. “But I

1 0

“

begin with protecting these tiniest, most vulnerable streams.”

American Rivers, with whom Dr. Meyer has worked for 15 years, inspires her optimism. “I find the staff inspirational. Their work exemplifies ‘applied science,’ and they give me hope that we can make a difference.”

© BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

Defending the Clean Water Act

©PATRICIA PENNELL

T

he Clean Water Act of 1972 is one of the nation’s seminal and most successful environmental laws, protecting Americans’ right to clean water. Yet, like the waterways it protects, it often faces challenges. Two such challenges came in the form of Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006, which undermined the Act’s ability to protect small headwater streams and wetlands, where rivers are born.

Approximately eighty percent of the nation’s river miles are in these headwater streams. Though small, they are

critically important to healthy supplies of water and play a vitally important role in making rivers more resilient in the face of global warming. Headwater streams filter rainwater, replenish groundwater, provide natural flood protection and unique habitats for fish and other wildlife. It is impossible to protect the health of larger rivers and the oceans without protecting these streams. American Rivers board member Dr. Judith Meyer serves on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency panel that is examining hypoxia—or

“dead zones”—in the Gulf of Mexico.

“In part, the Gulf is suffering from excess nutrients because the capacity of small streams to absorb those nutrients has been bypassed, or those streams have been degraded,” she said.

The Gulf’s dead zone is merely the most notorious of some 68 large and persistent dead zones worldwide affecting areas such as the central Oregon coast, Long Island Sound and Chesapeake Bay. Congress is currently debating a law that would restore the ability of the

“

Headwater streams are an extensive and valuable part of our nation’s water resources, and it’s simply not possible to achieve the important goals of the Act without protecting them.”

DR. JUDITH MEYER CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY

●

●

●

1 1

THE POWER OF SMALL STREAMS AND HEADWATERS For centuries, small streams have been buried, diverted or filled in to make way for development. They may look insignificant, but small—and even seasonal—streams offer enormous ecosystem services that human-engineered waterways have never been able to match. Because they absorb and gradually water streams provide enormous benefits to communities and larger rivers alike. These streams ● Provide flood protection to

communities nearby; ● Reduce the downstream impacts of floods and droughts;

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

release rain and runoff, head-

Clean Water Act to protect small streams. The Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) of 2007 reaffirmed that the Clean Water Act pertains to all bodies of water in the United States, including vitally important headwaters.

American Rivers is bringing science to bear on that debate. In July, we released our report, Where Rivers Are Born: The Scientific Imperative for Defending Small Streams and Wetlands©. According to Katherine Baer, director of the Healthy Waters Campaign™ for American Rivers, “Where Rivers Are Born injected some important facts into a debate where

they are sorely lacking, and has encouraged scientists to become more involved in shaping policy.”

In addition, Dr. Meyer, who chairs the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of American Rivers, testified before Congress in support of the bill. “It’s time to reunite the Clean Water Act with river science,” said Dr. Meyer. “Headwater streams are an extensive and valuable part of our nation’s water resources, and it’s simply not possible to achieve the important goals of the Act without protecting them.”

● Retain and filter sediments that could clog waterways down-

stream; ● Transform harmful nutrients and chemicals; ● Recharge groundwater and replenish aquifers; ● Help ensure consistent supplies of clean water.

The Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on global warming suggests that some areas will experience an increase in the severity of storms and flooding, healthy headwaters and small streams and recognizing the full array of services they offer, people can work to protect water resources and their communities in the decades to come.

11 22

● ●

● ●

● ●

©JEFFBRIGHT.COM

while others will face drier weather and drought. By preserving

©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

©BILL FRISCHE | DREAMSTIME.COM

©DUSKO MILJANIC | DREAMSTIME.COM

Water Supply: The Challenge of Enough

T

o meet the challenges that climate change, population growth and overdevelopment exert on water supplies, communities need creative solutions. By implementing water conservation measures and working to maximize the many benefits rivers provide, communities can protect their rivers and foster sustainable and affordable water supplies, strong economies, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and enhanced quality of life.

American Rivers provides practical

guidance for communities working to meet water demand by protecting river health. By emphasizing the many benefits rivers provide in addition to drinking water, ours is a balanced approach to thorny water supply issues.

Traditional projects like dams and reservoirs do one thing—store water— and often not very well. A river is more than just water to the people who depend on it. The true cost of a dam is far more than its astronomical price tag. Recreation, wildlife, clean water and cultural heritage drown in an

impoundment. Often, these dams do not even boost water supply as intended; a famous example is Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, where annual evaporation and seepage from Lake Powell can reach a million acre feet—enough to supply the entire city of Los Angeles for a year.

Our balanced approach was key to success this year in helping guide the management of the Columbia River.

The Columbia—with a basin the size of France—is the largest river in the western United States. For many

●

●

●

1 3

DEBI BISHOP | ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

years, the river lacked an adequate management plan, one that addresses needs for cities, agriculture, fish, wildlife and water quality.

American Rivers was a key player in development and passage of a law, signed by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire in February 2006, that directed the Department of Ecology to develop new water supplies for communities along the Columbia River and, at the same time, protect both the

1 4

●

●

●

Columbia River and the lower Snake River mainstems. Active and effective at every step of this legislation’s progress, American Rivers is now guiding its implementation.

American Rivers serves as one of four executive committee members of the Columbia Water Policy Advisory Group, comprised of more than 30 stakeholders representing diverse interests including farmers, cities and tribes. In that role, American Rivers

helps direct resources to cost-effective water supply tools like conservation and water transactions, and away from costly and environmentally harmful new dams.

Governor Gregoire appointed Michael Garrity, associate director of Columbia Basin programs for American Rivers, to an important task force on climate change and water supply.

The task force is determining how best to manage Washington state’s water to ensure sufficient water for people and nature in the face of global warming.

Through this appointment, Garrity advocates water policy and management reforms that are sorely needed to improve and sustain the health of Washington’s rivers.

“Community leaders and policy makers throughout the Northwest and the rest of the country know they’re getting sound advice from American Rivers,” said Garrity. “We combine passion for rivers with practical expertise in safeguarding the many benefits rivers provide to communities.”

©FRIENDS OF MILWAUKEE’S RIVERS

©JULIE WEST

©DAVID R. SOETE

America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2007

G

ood ideas have staying power. And that’s especially true of the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report, which marked its 22nd year of publication in 2007. Distributed to civic leaders, media and lawmakers, the report elevates the profile of rivers facing key turning points—when citizen action can make a real difference in the rivers’ futures.

In 2007, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report reached its largest audience to date, some 13 million people who can take action to

protect a river they love.

At the head of this year’s list was the Santa Fe River in New Mexico. The Santa Fe Watershed Association has been leading the fight to persuade the City of Santa Fe to restore the river’s flow, which is nonexistent in lower sections of the river. Santa Fe Mayor David Coss told National Public Radio that he welcomed the Santa Fe’s designation by American Rivers as the nation’s most endangered river, believing that “it will motivate the community to find ways to conserve water even as the city grows.”

River advocates around the country appreciate the bright media spotlight that results from this report. The Chuitna River in Alaska was on this year’s list because of a proposed coal strip mine along its banks. Bob Shavelson, executive director of Cook Inletkeeper in Alaska, wrote: “Just wanted to say thanks to everyone at American Rivers for all the help with the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ listing for the Chuitna. We got great media coverage on an issue that has been tough to elevate, and it’s started the

In 2007, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report reached its largest audience to date, some 13 million people who can take action to protect a river they love.

●

●

●

1 5

AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS OF 2007 R IVER ( AND LOCATION )

C HALLENGE

S OLUTION

1.

Santa Fe River (New Mexico)

Lack of water

City of Santa Fe should guarantee adequate flows

2.

San Mateo Creek (California)

Proposed highway

State and federal agencies should deny permits

3.

Iowa River (Iowa)

Weak enforcement of Clean Water Act

State should rapidly finish strict anti-degradation rules, prevent further discharge permits

4.

Upper Delaware River (New York)

Proposed power line

Congress should pass legislation to protect river

5.

White Salmon River (Washington)

Condit Dam

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should decommission dam and provide restoration plan

6.

Neches River (Texas)

Proposed dam projects

Uphold National Wildlife Refuge designation

7.

Kinnickinnic River (Wisconsin)

Toxic sediments

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should fund removal of contaminated sediments

8.

Neuse River (North Carolina)

Poorly planned development

Use discharge permit process to clean up river; moratorium on new hog operations

9.

Lee Creek (Arkansas/Oklahoma)

Proposed dam/weakened state protection

Maintain strong state protections for waterways

Proposed mine site

State should reject mining permits

10. Chuitna River (Alaska)

Want to know more? www.AmericanRivers.org/EndangeredRivers

1 6

●

●

●

momentum we’ll need to stop the mine.”

In 2007, American Rivers listed the Upper Delaware, a national Wild and Scenic River, because a new power line and electric transmission corridor has been proposed in its watershed. “It was terrific working with your organization,” wrote Marcia Nehemiah, secretary of the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition. “I learned a lot and have faith that the designation will go a long way toward protecting the Upper Delaware.”

It already has. American Rivers followed up the designation with an action alert enabling online activists to request that the U.S. Department of Energy block the power line. In July, New York Senator Charles Schumer declared that the “proposed route is by design inappropriate,” and in August, he and Senator Hillary Clinton introduced legislation to stop the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from appropriating the land for the power lines.

The America s ost ndangered Rivers report also serves as a valuable educational tool—for all ages. The Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee, threat-

©DAVID GROENFELDT

ened by contaminated sediments, was the site of an enthusiastic cleanup by local fifth grade students. The students expressed civic pride and a clear understanding of the connection between river and community: “The river cleanup was tons of fun. Helping the community felt great,” wrote one student. “I learned how picking up trash can really help the community look better. It was a great opportunity for me to help the environment. I couldn't believe that there was so much trash there,” another wrote.

Last year’s listing of the Pajaro River in California as the nation’s most endangered river inspired nearby Mount Madonna School in Watsonville, California to incorporate the river into its curriculum. “[The school] has cho-

sen to create an all-school curriculum focus on the Pajaro River watershed because American Rivers named the Pajaro as America's Most Endangered River™ in the United States for 2006,” said Science Teacher Weston Miller.

Students investigated the challenges facing the Pajaro and its watershed, and worked on projects such as planting native grasses and slowing stormwater runoff. In October they held a press conference to share what they had learned, as well as their vision for the future. “We’d like to make it cleaner and eventually swim in it,” one eighth grader said. Students also produced a video about the river, the watershed, and living responsibly, which they made available online. It is not hard to imagine that the Pajaro will be in better hands when these eighth graders grow up to be city council members or county commissioners.

But today, they aren’t the only ones who’ve responded to the call to restore the Pajaro; following our designation, the state of California set aside $25 million to incorporate environmental,

Thousands learned about the endangered Neuse River on YouTube, one of several river videos this year. Watch them at www.AmericanRivers.org/ EndangeredRivers.

water quality and water supply goals into the river’s flood protection plans.

The report’s longevity reflects its value as a tool for fostering activism, political change and public education.

In its 22-year history, the report has featured, and helped to save, dozens of America’s rivers from diverse threats.

In 1985, it helped save Maine’s Penobscot River from a dam; and after the 1998 report, Montana voters blocked construction of a cyanide heap-leach gold mine in the Blackfoot River’s watershed. To view the 2007 report or the video segments on each of this year’s designated rivers, visit www.AmericanRivers.org/Endangered Rivers.

●

●

●

1 7

RIVERS OF AMERICA’S PAST FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE

American Rivers works with communities to recognize and protect the natural, recreational and cultural values of their hometown rivers.

Protecting natural rivers gives tremendous gifts to far-sighted communities, including clean, dependable water supplies, healthy recreation and tourism opportunities, historic preservation, as well as vital habitat for threatened wildlife.

©CARTER GOWL

©JEFFBRIGHT.COM

©TIM PALMER

Treasuring America’s Wildest Rivers

©VASILIY KOVAL | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I

n 1968, the U.S. Congress passed a law acknowledging that the value of our nation’s rivers runs deeper than the water they provide or the energy they generate when dammed. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides a sort of national park system for rivers. It calls for the nation to set aside rivers that “possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values.” It directs that those rivers remain clean, clear and freeflowing for present and future genera-

tions. Over its 40-year history, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has protected rivers as diverse as Massachusetts’ Concord River, the North Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, the Rio Grande in Texas, and Maine’s Allagash.

Despite the Act’s 168 success stories, hundreds of the nation’s unique and remarkable rivers remain at risk.

American Rivers believes it is time for the nation to focus on the true value and significance of this law and the rivers it protects. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Wild and

Scenic Rivers Act, our “40 x 40 Challenge” establishes a national goal of designating 40 new “Wild and Scenic” rivers across the country by the end of 2008.

Two candidates—Wyoming’s Snake River and Arizona’s Fossil Creek— illustrate why the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act remains relevant and necessary. In May, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming introduced legislation to designate 443 miles of the Snake River and its tributaries as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Snake Headwaters Legacy ●

●

●

1 9

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

PROFILE: LESSONS FROM FOSSIL CREEK

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

ANDREW FAHLUND VICE PRESIDENT FOR CONSERVATION, AMERICAN RIVERS

Andrew Fahlund has always loved rivers. “Even as a kid, I understood that my town and communities everywhere were missing out on something special when they turned their backs on the rivers that ran through them.”

Fahlund first learned of Arizona’s Fossil Creek in an environmental impact statement on the future of the stream. “I knew that we had to do something to bring it back to life,” he said. “It sounded so unique. It bubbles up out of the desert ground cool, clear and saturated with calcium carbonate. As it gurgles down the stream channel, the calcium coats twigs and leaves—making them look like fossils—and gives the waters a striking turquoise hue.”

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

At his urging, American Rivers became one of the most effective advocates for restoring Fossil Creek. It wasn’t easy. The dam owner, Arizona Public Service Company, was resistant at first, and there were regulatory hoops to jump through as well. Nevertheless, in the summer of 2005, water returned to the stream for the first time in 100 years and the groups that made it happen celebrated the historic occasion: the Yavapai-Apache Nation, American Rivers, our conservation partners, state and federal agencies, and even the power company. “They eventually embraced and owned the decision as being good for the people of Arizona.”

“I remember the remarks given by Vincent Randall, a Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Council member,” said Fahlund. “He described what restoring the waters meant to his people, whose creation story says that they come from the Creek. VinAMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

cent had worked very hard on the restoration—even through a serious illness—so

2 0

●

●

●

when he spoke of redemption and the cleansing of the souls of his ancestors because the river would run free, his words moved everyone who heard him.”

Already, native desert fish in the Creek have shown signs of robust recovery and people have embraced the river. “It’s a special place, and there just aren’t enough of those anymore,” said Fahlund.

Act includes mountain rivers in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding national forests, which contain some of the last remaining native cutthroat trout habitats in the lower 48 states. When the bill is passed, it will comprise the largest addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in over 15 years. Senator Thomas passed away unexpectedly in June, but American Rivers is carrying out his legacy by working to secure Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the Snake.

Known for its waterfalls, deep pools, and unique habitats, Fossil Creek winds through Arizona’s high desert country. For a century, a dam diverted most of the river into a mileslong pipe and erased it as a living river.

But in June of 2005, after nearly a decade of negotiations led by American Rivers, Arizona Public Service Company agreed to decommission the dam and restore water to Fossil Creek.

Today, cottonwoods are returning to the creek’s banks, native fish have been restored, and travertine is once again

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

forming turquoise-colored pools on the river. But, as a 2006 editorial in the Arizona Republic pointed out, “In a desert state, this is a jewel. And, like any precious belonging, it needs insurance.”

American Rivers is continuing its advocacy leadership for Fossil Creek.

During 2007, American Rivers worked closely with members of Arizona’s congressional delegation to propose designation for Fossil Creek as a National Wild and Scenic River. Arizona Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl and Representatives Raul Grijalva, Rick Renzi, Trent Frank, Ed Pastor, Gabrielle Giffords, and Harry Mitchell sponsored bills in the Senate and House. “Fossil Creek is America’s best comeback river story, a river that was gone for a century and now is full of life,” said Andrew Fahlund, vice president for conservation at American Rivers. “Adding Fossil Creek to the Wild and Scenic River System will show the world what river restoration science can do.”

A Community Celebrates the Congaree River Blue Trail

B

lue trails are to rivers what hiking trails are to land—routes that allow people to access, enjoy and fully appreciate their rivers. Blue trails integrate paddling trails with riverside greenways, providing visitors with a rich understanding of river heritage, nature and the intimate connection between land and water. By reconnecting people with their hometown rivers, the Blue Trails Initiative™ at American Rivers creates a constituency for these special places—committed individuals who are willing to speak out

for the benefits that healthy rivers provide.

In June, American Rivers dedicated the Congaree River Blue Trail in Columbia, South Carolina, the first success story under its Blue Trails Initiative™. The people of Columbia and surrounding communities gathered at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre for the celebration.

After the dedication, 40 people— many of whom had never been on their hometown river before—set off on the four-mile inaugural paddle in

“

The key to protection of water lies in building a constituency for its stewardship. We are thrilled to be working with American Rivers by protecting the banks of these beautiful rivers for generations to come.”

JANE CLARKE CONGAREE LAND TRUST

●

●

●

2 1

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

REUNITING A CITY WITH ITS RIVER

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

BOBBY HORTON MAYOR, WEST COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Now the defining natural feature of West Columbia, South Carolina, the Congaree River was once largely unknown and unexplored by the city’s residents. Mayor Bobby Horton worked hard to increase citizen access and enjoyment of the river. Mayor Horton serves on the board of the River Alliance, one of the key local partners with American Rivers in creating the Congaree River Blue Trail. “The Blue Trail provides another important way for people to enjoy the water by giving them a chance to be on it,” said Horton.

“The Congaree River is historically important to our area,” said Mayor Horton. “For more than 100 years, it was the main commercial artery from Columbia to Charleston.” But in the last half of the 20th century, people

© RON AHLE

forgot about the Congaree. “Before the greenway opened in 2002, there was no public access to the river,” said Horton. “It was all privately owned.”

Today, the Congaree is West Columbia’s main recreational asset. The Three Rivers Greenway and the Congaree River Blue Trail have enabled West Columbians to become reacquainted with their river. “Now you see hundreds of people an hour strolling, jogging, and bicycling along the river,” said Horton, who takes frequent walks there himself. “In July, the Congaree attracted paddlers from 15 countries to participate in the world junior kayak

2 2

●

●

●

Increasing access to the Congaree has awakened a new sense of civic responsibility. Volunteers held cleanups during American Rivers® National River Cleanup™ week, and a local college is planning annual river sweeps.

“People realize it’s such an asset that they want to take care of it,” said the mayor. “We just don’t see trash lying around.”

© RON AHLE

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

championships.”

© THANIALEX | ISTOCCKPHOTO.COM

canoes and kayaks provided free of charge by a local outfitter.

“People are really beginning to understand how important an asset this river is to the region,” said Gerrit Jöbsis, Southeast regional director for American Rivers. “The Congaree River Blue Trail isn’t just a line on a map, but a real chance for people to connect with the river and realize they’ve got a stake in protecting it.”

The Congaree River Blue Trail starts near historic Columbia and enters the coastal plain with its high bluffs and floodplain habitats. It connects the city with the Congaree National Park, a protected wilderness and home to the largest continuous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

To create the blue trail, American Rivers worked with a coalition of local conservation groups as well as state and county agencies, and the Congaree National Park. This diverse group, with deep roots in the community, will help ensure a bright future

for both the blue trail and the river it navigates. “The key to protection of water lies in building a constituency for its stewardship,” said Jane Clarke of the Congaree Land Trust. “We are thrilled to be working with American Rivers by protecting the banks of these beautiful rivers for generations to come.”

Plans are in the works to expand this 50-mile blue trail to the Wateree River,

for a combined 125-mile trail network that explores urban and rural reaches, and the Congaree National Park’s expansive system of wetlands, swamps and channels. This vision includes improved access to the river along with interpretive kiosks, guides and other opportunities to learn about the rich heritage and ecology of the Southeast.

●

●

●

2 3

Rx FOR AILING RIVERS

American Rivers works to restore the health of America’s rivers—particularly those that have been dammed or walled off by levees. By educating communities about the valuable services that free-flowing rivers afford—including natural flood protection, clean water, open space, outdoor recreation, and enhanced quality of life— American Rivers engages communities and civic leaders as full partners in river restoration.

2 4

●

●

●

© CAROLINE BOTT, COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSN

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

© WATERCENTER

National River Cleanup™ 2007

© CHARLES T. BENNETT

| SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

O

n a late spring day, paddlers meandered down Indiana’s Wildcat Creek, filling three canoes and a kayak with debris before reaching the Wabash River. Four hundred volunteers combed the banks of Chester Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, recovering a stolen purse and a bag of Frisbees, among hundreds of pounds of trash. In Virginia, volunteers removed 47 bags of trash from the Cowpasture River near Millboro. These were scenes from the first National River Cleanup™ sponsored by American Rivers, which reached its zenith

June 2–10 in communities throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The National River Cleanup™ program began in 1992 as a program of America Outdoors; 2007 marked the first year American Rivers sponsored the event. Why did American Rivers take it on? According to River Cleanup Coordinator Heather Hamilton, cleanup events are positive, participatory and hands-on. River cleanups educate people about the serious—yet solvable—problems that

dumping and trash can cause in their hometown rivers. Even more important, these events reconnect people with one another and their local rivers.

“Action begets action. The better people feel about contributing to a river’s health through a cleanup, the more likely they are to contribute in other ways, too. It becomes their river,” Hamilton said.

Jane Winn, President of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, has held cleanups along Massachusetts’ Housatonic River for many years. ●

●

●

2 5

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

HOW IT WORKS: NATIONAL RIVER CLEANUP™ Anyone can sponsor a cleanup event. Coordinators simply need to identify a stretch of

“Without question, they help our constituency to grow. Every time we hold a cleanup, we add more names to our list of supporters. In addition, when people connect with the river and see the wildlife there, they are more likely to care about things less visible than trash—like fertilizers and chemicals.”

Cleanups also attract civic leaders— those who make important decisions about river use and health. This year’s event attracted dozens of leaders, from Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, to Mayor Mark Begich of Anchorage, Alaska. The Housatonic cleanup brought out Massachusetts state legislators and local city officials, who,

according to Jane Winn, “did their share at hauling heavy stuff out of the river.

Pittsfield Council Member Matt Kerwood was amazed at what people throw in the river—like the heavy kitchen stove he helped us drag up the bank.”

During the 2007 river cleanups, volunteers across the nation removed more than 600 tons of debris from rivers and riverbanks. Yet the value of the National River Cleanup™ program runs deeper still. This year’s event was the largest in its 16-year history; 95,000 volunteers in 50 states were prompted by civic pride and appreciation for the rivers flowing through their communities to take positive action.

online, and recruit volunteers. The website www.NationalRiverClean up.org provides suggestions on how to recruit participants and run a safe and successful cleanup. It also helps volunteers connect with events in their local communities.

2 6

●

●

●

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

waterway, register

Unnatural Disasters and the Corps of Engineers

I

n August 2006, American Rivers released a report on the flooding of New Orleans: nnat ral Disasters at ral Sol tions . The report makes clear what we have long known: the nation can no longer afford the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ antiquated approach to water resources projects.

The flooding of New Orleans was a man-made disaster. Coastal wetlands that had been lost to Corps projects were not there to buffer Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge before it slammed into the city. Just as experts had predicted, the Corps-built Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) funneled and intensified the storm surge right into the heart of New Orleans.

In 2006, the Corps finally accepted responsibility for the faulty floodwall and levee designs that led to the flooding of much of New Orleans.

The Corps’ mistakes in New Orleans echo through every corner of this nation. Poorly designed Corps

abstract policy,” said Melissa Samet, senior director for water resources at American Rivers. “We saw in New Orleans that when the Corps gets it wrong, people can die and natural systems we all depend upon can be engineered into oblivion.”

American Rivers was also instrumental in Senate passage of a process establishing truly independent review of costly or controversial Corps projects. Unfortunately, the robust Senate provision was not adopted by the WRDA conference committee. American Rivers will actively watchdog implementation of the review provision that was adopted and fight for improvements to ensure full and independent review, and other needed reforms.

The gains in WRDA would not have been possible without the tireless work of Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and John McCain (R-AZ), longstanding champions of fixing the Corps.

Sandy River Renaissance

S

ome 200 people showed up to watch the demolition of the Sandy River’s Marmot Dam in July. “A cheer went up from the crowd after the blast,” said American Rivers® Northwest Communications Director Amy Kober, who witnessed the event. “It’s not every day you get to watch a dam come down.

Marmot Dam stood for 95 years and it once served a valuable purpose. But we’re entering a new era, one in which people see tremendous value in letting the Sandy River run free.”

For the dam’s owner, Portland General Electric (PGE), removing an obsolete hydropower dam made economic sense. PGE will invest in wind farms, which can produce more power at a reduced cost. They also agreed to donate 1,500 acres of Sandy River Basin land to be part of a

COURTESY PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC

projects have damaged and destroyed rivers and wetlands that protect and sustain communities all across the country.

But more than the largest ocean-going ship, it takes a long, long time to turn around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For seven long years, American Rivers has led efforts to reform the Corps.

That steady, patient investment paid off in 2007 when Congress passed important reforms to the Corps’ planning process that would help protect communities, taxpayers and the environment. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA) will require the Corps to do a much better job of replacing habitat lost to its projects, require the Corps to update its antiquated project planning guidelines and establish a new floodplain protection policy. American Rivers also led a successful fight to require the Corps to shut down MRGO so that it no longer threatens New Orleans.

“Reforming the Corps isn’t just about

●

●

●

2 7

2 8

●

●

●

larger conservation area for wildlife and public recreation. The dam removal will give salmon and steelhead unimpeded access to some 100 miles of stream habitat above the dam.

Brett Swift of American Rivers served as lead negotiator for several environmental organizations who helped create a plan to remove Marmot Dam. She worked closely with state and federal natural resource agencies, local governments, businesses and Portland General Electric. Work is also underway to remove the Little Sandy Dam on the Little Sandy River, which will be demolished next year. “The undammed Sandy River, flowing freely from Mt. Hood to the Columbia, will be good for local businesses, clean water, fish and wildlife,” said Swift, deputy director of the Northwest Regional Office of American Rivers. “The river renaissance on the Sandy will be an inspiration for communities in the Northwest and across the country.”

P

ennypack Creek was once choked by a series of obsolete dams; the oldest was more than 300 years old. An urban stream that flows through Philadelphia to the Delaware River, the Pennypack has experienced a rebirth, thanks to American Rivers, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, and other partners. Three of the dams have been removed since 2005 and a fourth will be removed this year.

In all, American Rivers and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have helped remove nearly 50 obsolete and unsafe dams statewide. A $767,000 grant to American Rivers

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

COURTESY PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC

Pennsylvania’s Pennypack Reflects a Statewide Effort from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener program made this work possible. The funds established the “FreeFlowing Pennsylvania” program, which has leveraged more than $3 million in additional funding to support river restoration projects throughout the state.

Philadelphians are reaping real benefits from the Pennypack project, including a deeper connection with a natural, healthy stream. “I grew up in Pennypack Park, and spent hours splashing around in Pennypack Creek,” said Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. “I am proud our efforts have restored this creek so today’s children and future generations can experience even more of the magical place I discovered here as a young girl.”

“In restoring local streams,” said Sara Deuling, associate director of the Restoring Rivers Initiative™ for American Rivers, “we’re also looking at entire river systems. The Pennypack is one example of how we’re working to restore

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

A RIVER STATE

“

In my years of working on environmental

issues, I’ve encountered few organizations that would meet or beat American Rivers in competence and

Pennsylvania has more stream miles than any state except Alaska, so it is not surprising that Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is an enthusiastic river advocate. “We want people to enjoy our rivers. So we’ve made it a priority to restore free-flowing rivers wherever we can.”

Secretary McGinty’s environmental values were nurtured in Philadelphia, where she grew up. “Pennypack Creek was literally in my back yard,” she said. Over the years, McGinty has learned that rivers can help bring people together. “People who are diametrically opposed on other issues can come together

effectiveness on behalf

and find new partnerships in restoring their rivers and

of our country’s natural

streams. They learn that it’s rewarding to contribute to

resources. ” KATHLEEN MCGINTY SECRETARY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

something bigger than their own narrow interests.”

As DEP Secretary, McGinty believes that Pennsylvania’s waterways give it an advantage. “Part of being competitive is to demonstrate a high quality of life; accessible, clean, free-flowing streams are a big part of that.” As a result, Pennsylvania is a leader in river restoration; it has removed more obsolete dams than any other state, opened more than 580 stream miles, and constructed nearly a dozen fish passages in Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake basin since 1994.

American Rivers has partnered with Pennsylvania in restoring more than 50

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

the Delaware, Ohio and the Susquehanna systems to eliminate safety risks, create opportunities for recreation, and save taxpayers money by eliminating dams that no longer make sense, all while reinstating habitat for fish and wildlife as well as the natural sediment and nutrient flow.”

Statewide, Deuling works on permitting issues, engages new partners, collects data, meets with dam owners to explain the benefits of dam removal, and reviews projects and policies that affect rivers and river restoration.

“Removing these obsolete dams is a smart move that protects the environment, and promotes economic development,” said Secretary McGinty. “The commonwealth’s strategic investments in dam removal projects help streams return to their free-flowing, natural state, restore the natural ecology of those waterways, and support growing fish populations.

Healthy streams with abundant life attract tourists and anglers, and add to the quality of life in Pennsylvania.”

KATHLEEN MCGINTY SECRETARY, PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

streams. “American Rivers has been the brains and the brawn behind that work,” said the Secretary. “As a state agency, we have top-notch biologists, but our resources are limited. American Rivers’ experts have been indispensible in getting dams out and making sure that it is done properly.

Without question, Pennsylvania’s citizens play a pivotal role in the state’s river restoration efforts. According to McGinty, “It’s the commitment of citizens who respect and appreciate water resources as a treasure that really drives this work.

Government is, after all, about those priorities that citizens insist on. ●

●

●

2 9

● ● ● ●

PROFILE

A RIVER’S BEST FRIEND

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

DUSTI FAUCHER PRESIDENT, FRIENDS OF THE PRESUMPSCOT

Friends of the Presumpscot is a grassroots organization that, along with American Rivers, is largely responsible for the Presumpscot River’s new lease on life. President Dusti Faucher describes the group’s humble beginnings in 1992. “At first, we were just a group of neighbors very concerned about wastewater treatment and other plants that were going to be built along the river. We felt that with its dams and its slow-moving water, the river just couldn’t take it. So we held bean suppers and yard sales to raise money to stop the project. We hired a lawyer and posted signs along the roads. In the end, we defeated the plan.”

American Rivers helped Friends of the Presumpscot in many ways, particularly in

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

mounting a challenge to S.D. Warren Paper Company’s dam licenses. In 2000, it designated the Presumpscot as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers™. “That brought the public’s attention to the river,” said Faucher. “But American Rivers also provided us with legal help and effective strategies for contesting the licenses, and connections to financing—to individuals and foundations who were willing to take a chance on something that might not be a sure thing.” The financial support allowed Faucher to attend every single meeting that involved the river and its future. “That was exceptionally important. If you’re there often enough and you’re loud enough— eventually people will pay attention.” Ultimately, Faucher and Friends of the Pre-

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

It worked. The river is cleaner, several of the dams are coming out, and the com-

3 0

●

●

●

munity is once again embracing the Presumpscot. “It’s an amazing transformation,” said Faucher. “People are turning back to the river, rather than away from it. Land trusts have bought land, put in walking trails, and people are interested in restoring it. Portland Trails and the City of Portland purchased 57 acres along the river for a trail and natural area—the Presumpscot River Preserve.”

©

the river, which compelled them to enforce the laws to protect it.

CHARLES F. MCCARTHY | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

sumpscot persuaded state—and even federal—regulators that people did care about

New Life for a Forgotten River: the Presumpscot Revisited

“

provided us with legal help and effective

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

T

he Presumpscot River was once one of the most productive ecosystems in Maine and contained significant runs of now endangered Atlantic salmon and other species. However, decades of damage from dams that blocked fish migration resulted in a river that was virtually forgotten. But today the “river of many rough places,” as its name means in the native Abenaki language, is poised for rebirth, thanks to some very determined national and local activists.

In 2003, FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and the state of Maine ordered the S.D. Warren paper company—the owner of seven dams on the Presumpscot—to install fish passage and protect water quality at five dams, to fulfill conditions of their hydropower licenses. S.D. Warren fought this directive all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, but with the help of American Rivers and Friends of the Presumpscot River (FOPR), the state of Maine beat back the challenge, with a unanimous Supreme

American Rivers also

Court ruling.

Ironically, this decision helped rivers blocked by hydropower dams across the country, but did little at that time for the Presumpscot River, because the fish passage requirements in the FERC licenses were not applicable until fish passage was built at the lowermost dam, a nonhydropower structure. To jumpstart fish passage in the river, Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife considered invoking a law to require fish passage at the lowermost dam—this action prompted settlement talks among river advocates, state and federal agencies, and S.D. Warren.

In July, an agreement in principle was reached with American Rivers, FOPR, S.D. Warren, the Maine Department of Marine

Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that will remove the lower most dam blocking the river to the sea at S.D. Warren’s expense, and trigger sequential fish passage on 4 hydropower dams upstream. If the final agreement can be reached, this once polluted and heavily dammed river will be brought back to life over a fifty year period. The parties are now working towards the actual settlement agreement.

“This is a great turn of events for the Presumpscot,” said Robbin Marks, senior director for conservation programs for American Rivers. “After seven long years, we are hopeful that we can achieve an agreement that will ensure that the people of Maine are the big winners, with the return of a healthy, free-flowing river.”

strategies for contesting the licenses, and connections to financing— to individuals and foundations who were willing to take a chance on something that might not be a sure thing.”

DUSTI FAUCHER PRESIDENT, FRIENDS OF THE PRESUMPSCOT

●

●

●

3 1

© TIM PALMER

F

3 2

●

●

●

or centuries, the Hoopa, Karuk, Klamath and Yurok tribes whose lands border the Klamath River relied heavily on the return of spawning salmon and steelhead trout—and not merely for food. The fish are central to their cultures. At one time, more than a million salmon and steelhead navigated the river annually to spawn.

But damming and irrigation withdrawals have taken a severe toll on the Klamath River and the tribes. The four lowest dams generate little power and provide no water supply or flood control benefits, but they have contributed to a 90 percent decline in salmon, altering tribal life and crippling a once-valuable commercial fishery. The dams also promote large blooms of algae that produce a toxin harmful to humans and animals, and degrade water quality downstream all the way to the Pacific, nearly 200 miles away. In light of these challenges, in 2003, American Rivers named the Klamath one of the most

endangered rivers in the nation.

When American Rivers first proposed removing the Klamath dams, the idea was considered radical. But as more and more studies were completed, it became clear that dam removal was the best option for both economic and environmental reasons.

“The majestic landscape of the Klamath deserves an ambitious solution, and American Rivers is trying to bring that about,” said Steve Rothert, director of the American Rivers California field office. “Our goal is a healthy Klamath River and healthy, thriving communities from the river’s source to the coast.”

The Klamath dams no longer make economic sense—not for power company PacifiCorp, who owns the dams, and not for their customers. In January, the federal government called on the company to modify the dams to provide fish passage and make other improvements, which would cost an estimated $320

AMERICAN RIVERS COMPUTER SIMULATION

Rescuing the Klamath River

To provide people with a clear idea of what changes dam removal would bring to the Klamath, American Rivers created a three-dimensional computer visualization that depicts the river before, during, and after dam removal, as well as animations to illustrate how the reservoirs will drain, how vegetation will return, and the Klamath River ecosystem will be restored. To see these animations, visit www.americanrivers.org/klamath.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has provided more than $5.5 million over seven years to American Rivers to fund the Hydropower Reform Coalition.

According to the Foundation, “Federal hydropower licensing has proven to be one of the most powerful and effective tools available to restore rivers, and the Coalition has used the licensing process to remove dams and improve flows and habitats at more than two dozen rivers throughout the West. The new grant © TIM PALMER

million. Removing the dams entirely would cost only $100 million. The Klamath River dams supply less than one percent of PacifiCorp’s customer demand, and the California Energy Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior found that removing the dams and replacing their power would save PacifiCorp ratepayers up to $285 million over 30 years.

“The Klamath is one of the most notorious and intractable water disputes in the country,” said Rothert. “It is also one of the most beautiful and ecologically important regions in the United States, and one of the biggest opportunities for river restoration.

Removing the dams will reopen 350 miles of upstream habitat. The benefits to PacificCorp’s customers, shareholders and communities in the watershed will be enormous. If we solve the Klamath crisis, it will provide hope that we can solve any resource conflict in the country.”

will enable it to continue that work.”

●

●

●

3 3

Conflict to Communication: Common Ground with Washington Farmers

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

F

our lower Snake River dams stand in the way of restoring salmon runs to 5,500 miles of rivers in the Snake basin— some of the best remaining habitat in the lower 48 states.

The four dams generate hydropower, which studies show could be cost-effectively replaced with conservation and renewables. The dams also allow barges to transport grain from Idaho to the Columbia and on to the Pacific. American Rivers supports removing the dams, but recognizes the imperative of building community consensus and finding workable solutions for farmers, so our Northwest staff are collaborating with farmers, seeking ways to replace the barges with equally cost-effective transport means, such as rail.

American Rivers worked with the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition to convene meetings at diners and grange halls for farmers and grain elevator operators, asking for their ideas on the transporta-

tion issue. In February of 2007, American Rivers co-sponsored a forum with Washington State University Agricultural Extension Service that drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including an agricultural economist, commercial fishermen, farmers, conservationists, and representatives from the Washington Department of Transportation and railway and navigation interest groups.

The results so far have been positive.

The group agreed on a list of projects, such as railroad upgrades to provide farmers with alternative shipping options.

Several farmers and fishermen traveled to Washington, DC in March to meet with members of Congress and with editorial boards of regional newspapers to express concern about salmon recovery.

American Rivers believes that by listening and working closely with communities from Astoria, Oregon to Salmon, Idaho, it can help ensure a healthy river and a healthy local economy.

River Photography Society THE RIVER PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY is a small group of outstanding photographers who support our efforts to protect and restore our nation’s rivers by donating photography for use in our publications.

We are grateful to these talented friends of American Rivers who graciously donated their photography for use in this annual report.

JEFF BRIGHT is a photographer, author, graphic designer and river activist. A love of fly-fishing inspires Jeff to photograph, write and advocate for the world’s greatest steelhead rivers.

His work can be seen at www.JeffBright.com.

CARTER GOWL has spent the past 15 summers photographing dramatic landscapes and skyscapes in the Beartooth Range of Montana and Wyoming. He photographs in these mountains for three to four months each summer, and then returns to his home in Arlington,

Virginia to optically hand print these images using Ilfochrome—a medium noted for its exceptional archival properties, brilliant color, unsurpassed sharpness and notorious difficulty. His fine art prints are sold in galleries across the country and have been featured in publications and calendars, including the Big Sky Journal. Carter’s work can be seen at www.GowlPhoto.com.

PATRICIA PENNELL is an environmental edu-

tional film-based media, creating images

cator, photographer and writer with a strong background in botany and ecology. A recognized authority on rain garden construction and design, she uses photography to chronicle the use of rain gardens for stormwater management and stormwater education. She can be contacted at patricia.pennell@gmail.com.

that evoke an emotional response, while maintaining true to what he witnessed in natural subjects and landscapes. His award-winning photographs are held in private, corporate and gallery collections. David’s work can be seen at www.DavidHirschberg.com.

BETH MAYNOR YOUNG is an accomplished photographer who has spent much of her life chronicling the natural beauty and remnant wild places of the South.

Founder of the conservation photography firm, Cahaba River Publishing, her photographs give a moving vision of the natural world, and speak quietly—yet deeply—of our need to preserve the South’s unique natural heritage.

Her work can be found at www.CahabaRiverPublishing.com.

DAVID HIRSCHBERG works with tradi-

●

●

●

3 5

SUPPORTERS

We would like to thank all of our members and donors, whose generous support makes our work possible.

President’s Circle

Protectors

The Brunckhorst Foundation Caroline D. Gabel David Leuschen George Lund Susan McDowell David and Katherine Moore Family Foundation Fund Mr. and Mrs. Gilman Ordway George B. Storer Foundation Alex Taylor Margaretta Taylor W M Foundation Edward B. Whitney and Martha C. Howell

Anonymous (3) Gilbert & Ildiko Butler Bertram J. and Barbara Cohn Crown Foundation Sally Davidson Rick and Lotsie Holton Lucinda and Pliny Jewell Steve Leuthold Family Foundation Lee W. and Carol Mather, Jr. Margot Snowdon Jennifer and Edmund A. Stanley, Jr. Joanna Sturm John and Carson Taylor Douglas Walker Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation

Anonymous (3) Mayor Victor Ashe The Evenor Armington Fund Donald and Anne Ayer Dorothy Ballantyne Richard and Sarah Barton Stanley and Kristine Baty Eleanor C. Bookwalter and Otto Frenzel, III Katherine S. Borgen Dr. Peter Bross Mrs. W.L. Lyons Brown Martin S. Brown Family Ms. Judith M. Buechner Catherine S. Campbell Louis and Elizabeth Capozzi

Austen S. Cargill, II, Ph.D. Scott and Sara Carpenter Cox Family Fund Carson Cox and Debbie Haase John S. Cromlish Russell and Gemma Daggatt David and Vanessa Dayton Edward and Sherry Ann Dayton Mary Lee Dayton Andrew and Melissa Dent Strachan Donnelley, Ph.D Barbara DuBois Dr. Sylvia A. Earle John L. Ernst Eugene and Emily Grant Family Foundation Dr. Joseph and Susan Gray Greenhill Family Foundation © DAVID HIRSCHBERG

River Champions

3 6

●

●

●

© JOHN WOLLWERTH | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Boyce and Anne Greer David and Nan Grusin Nick and Leslie Hanauer Elizabeth and Whitney Hatch David and Elizabeth Hayes William and Lannie Hoglund Thomas Hughes Pamela Johnson Dr. Graydon C. Kingsland Sylvia Koerber Laurie and Rich Kracum Linda and Cody Laird Larsen Fund Robert and Judith McDermott Wallace and Anne McDowell David and Susan Mesker Jennifer and Jay Mills William H. and Sally B. Neukom Mr. and Mrs. Z. Cartter Patten, III Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas G. Penniman, IV Edward W. and Marna Pettigrew

Gordon and Susan Philpott Kate Puckett Molly Reinhart Mrs. Esther H. Rivinus Rowe Foundation Charles Schulze Tom Skerritt and Julie Tokashiki Skerritt Temple Smith Richardson Peter J. Solomon Family Foundation Bill and Ruth True Albert and Susan Wells Ted Williams Rebecca R. Wodder Dr. Ellen Wohl Anne Zetterberg

Stewards Anonymous (9) Paul and Maryann Allison David G. Andrews Glenn and Jennifer Archer Ralph and Robin Arditi Robert and Joan Arnow Mary Randolph and Walter Ballinger Hal Beckoff John C. Bierwirth Fred H. Blackwood Larry and Constance Blackwood Spencer and Lesley Bloch Dr. Philip and Faith Bobrow Margaret Bowman and David Hunter Raymond Bragar and Robin Hertz Mr. and Mrs. William S. Broadbent

Chris Brookfield Andy and Maryann Bugas Johannes Burlin and D.D. Danforth Burlin Mark Busto and Maureen Lee Daniel and Susan Carlson David Caulkins Ann and Doug Christensen Max and Laura Clough James E. Coleman, Jr. Joel and Melissa Coleman Mrs. Patricia R. Conkie H. Paul Cooler Dexter and Carol Coolidge Stephen Davies Loren Davis, D.D.S. Robert A. Denman Polk Deters Mitchell and Monica Dolin Edward and Lynn Dolnick James Dow Michael P. Dowling

Leo and Kay Drey Scott Duffens Audrey R. Faust Evergreen Hill Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Will Faber and Rena Pine Greg and Chris Fahlund Robert L. and Cynthia Feldman Jamee C. Field Charles and Lisa Claudy Fleischman Family Fund Charlotte Forsythe Fund of Headwaters Foundation for Justice Randall and Ellen Frank Christopher Garlitz Sidney and Caleb Gates Michael K. Gewirz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason David and Michele Glickerman Frank A. Godchaux, III Andrea J. Grant Carter Gray Keith Grinstein David Groff Joan and David Hadden Patrick and Bridget Hagan Jennifer Hamilton Jack and Lorraine Hannon Jessie M. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Frances W. Hatch Sidney and Margaret Herman Dr. Jane Hon William L. Hudson Dave and Marilyn Hunting Stephen Irish Greg and Carol James Anna S. Jeffrey

●

●

●

3 7

©BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

Robert and Heather Leigh Johnston Landon and Sarah Jones Judith Lee Jones Edward Juda John M. Kauffmann Anne Karalekas Matthew and Sara Kellogg George W. Kenaga George and Mary Helen Korbelik Charlotte Lackey and Donald Barnett Nicholas and Gardiner Lapham Murray E. Lapides Robert and Dee Leggett Richard and Fran Legon Carl and Sandra Lehner Daniel and Deanna Lentz Lester M. and Connie LeRoss

3 8

●

●

●

Linneman Family Foundation Lisel Loy and Martin Moe Elaine Ludwig Ralph A. Luken Elizabeth S. and Whitney MacMillan John and Caroline Macomber David MacGregor Malcolm The George and Miriam Martin Foundation Rob Masonis Susan Masonis Alexander Massengale George Matelich Patricia McCauley Morey McDaniel Cynthia McGrath Tom and Laurie McGuane DJ McManus Foundation Inc. Barbara Meyer Dr. Judy Meyer and Dr. Gene Helfman Dr. Kevin J. Miller Maryann Mohit and Erik Blachford Debra Montanino John and Susan Mullin Fund of The Community Foundation Groff Murphy William and Linda Musser Wilke and Karen Nelson Stephen Neu Bo and Nancy Newell Jeffrey Nielsen David Niemiec George and Manci Ohrstrom Frederick Osborn Charlotte Oliver and Buzz Dimond

Rodman and Christine Patton Nicholas B. Paumgarten, Sr. William P. Peabody Wally Pereyra Ann Marie Peters Rafe and Lenore Pomerance Bill Pope Mr. and Mrs. T. Randolph Potter, Jr. Margaret Y. Purves RGF Family Fund John J. Reilly Lisa Renstrom Philip Rever Frederic C. Rich Marie Ridder Gordon H. Rodda and Renee Rondeau Majorie and Richard Rogaliski Matt Rossmeisl Leland Russell Sandpiper Fund Elizabeth Sarles Julie Schroeder John P. Schuitemaker and Katherine W. James Schuitemaker Beth and Gary Schwarzman Kimberly Brown Seely and Jeffrey T. Seely Anne H. Shields Olinda and John Simon Ellen Singer David Skinner Hollie Smiley John H. Snyder Jill Soffer Greg Sparks Mike C. Stanley Michael Bredt Stanley

Tom Stepp Mrs. Frances W. Stevenson William Michael Summers Swimmer Family Foundation Julia Reynolds Swords Janet Tanner James L. Terrill Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Tharpe, Jr. Brad Thompson Beth Van Eman and Larry McVoy Joseph VanSickle Polly Victor Philip Vogelzang, M.D. and Katy McCoy Beatrice and Adalbert Von Gontard Christopher W. Walker Dr. Irving Weissman Mara Wharton Richard Thomas Wharton Mr. and Mrs. Holyoke L. Whitney William B. Wiener, Jr. Foundation Bob Wiggins Mary and John Willis Patrick S. Wilmerding Kendall Wilson Nancy Hamill Winter John D. Wolken W.O.O.D. Foundation Gay Wray H.S. Wright, III and Katherine Janeway Jason Wright Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas Helen R. Yeisley Robert P. Youngman

THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE PROVIDED FOR THE FUTURE OF

AMERICAN RIVERS IN THEIR ESTATE PLANS OR HAVE ESTABLISHED CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES OR OTHER LIFE INCOME ARRANGEMENTS.

Vera and Nancy Bagwell Joseph F. Bania Larry G. and Constance C. Blackwood Cleo Bell and Sidney Tice Betsy Case Inis Carpenter Estate Delores Cerro Estate John S. Cromlish Carolyn Dejanikus Joseph Dlugach Estate John L. Graham Beverly Greenhow Stephen C. Gruber Dave Grusin and Nan Newton, the Trustees of the Grusin/ Newton Charitable Trust Robert Heacox Gale B. Hill Perry Hopkins Sally L. Hubbard Leonora Hurst in memory of Kerney J. Hurst Stephen Johnson Edie Jorgensen Charlotte Lackey and Donald Barnett George Lane Martin Laufe

Kirk Lawton Robert Leggett Diane Lofland Larry Lundberg John McGough Donald L. McNabb Barbara McPherson Margaret D. Meyer Judy L. Meyer Howard W. Mielke Frances W. Miller Mary W. Namey Scott Olsen David Payer and Angela Matz Theresa Perenich Toddy Perryman Edward Pettigrew Bob Pierpoint Rebecca Post Margaret D. Purves Julie A. Roller Joan Samara Marc L. Silverman Farwell Smith Lauren Smith Philip M. Smith Patricia M. Sorensen Howard J. Steffens Whitney and Kate Sunderland Evelyn B.Teerlinck Wendy Watson James and Janet Wenninger Tim Wernette Luara Whitehall Estate Don and Trish Wolfe Roger Wrigley Betty Wrigley

Corporate, Matching and In-kind Donations America Outdoors American Canoe Association American Express Foundation— Employee Gift Matching Program Ameriprise Financial— Employee Matching Gifts Program Arizona Raft Adventures ARTA River Trips Bank of America BitMover, Inc Clyde’s of Georgetown, Inc. Computer Associates International, Inc. Conservation Law Foundation CONTECH Stormwater Solutions, Inc.

Coppersmith Gordon Schermer & Brockelman PLC Equifax Inc. ExxonMobil—Mobil Retiree Matching Gift Programs General Re Services Corporation GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Green Mountain Coffee Roasters HSBC History Channel Hogan & Hartson LLP IBM International Foundation— Matching Grants Program ING Foundation Johnson Outdoors JustGive Kraft Foods—Matching Gifts Program Microsoft Corporation Monsanto Fund Motorola, Inc.

National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial NetworkForGood.org Northwest River Supplies Paddling.net Inc. Patagonia, Inc. Pepsi Bottling Group Foundation, Inc. The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Matching Gift Program Perception Kayaks Pfizer Foundation—Matching Gifts Program Pitney Bowes Progressive Casualty Insurance Company American Rivers would like to thank Chesapeake Light Craft of Annapolis, MD for the generous loan of kayaks and gear for its 2007 staff retreat.

AMERICAN RIVERS PHOTO LIBRARY

River Legacy Society

●

●

●

3 9

© MATT BURKE

T HIS YEAR , Tom’s of Maine—the country’s leading natural personal care company—asked American Rivers to join them in their groundbreaking Rivers Awareness Partnership™. Tom’s of Maine is generously giving the program partners, American Rivers and River Network, $1 million in support over five years to enhance awareness, understanding and, ultimately, protection of rivers nationwide. This is our largest corporate partnership to date.

Tom’s of Maine has pioneered not only innovative natu-

Prudential Foundation— Matching Gifts Program REI River Odysseys West Rogue Klamath River Adventures Subaru of America, Inc. T. Rowe Price Associates Foundation, Inc. Thomson Financial—Matching Gifts Program Thule Car Rack Systems Tom’s of Maine Tyco—Matching Gifts Program United Technologies—Matching Gifts Center US Bancorp Foundation US Forest Service Vanguard Group Foundation— Matching Gifts Program Verrill Dana LLP Verizon Washington Mutual Foundation— Matching Gifts Program Wilderness Systems 94.7 The Globe

ral products, but also values-based business practices, guided by the philosophy of its founders, Tom and Kate Chappell (above)— that a business can thrive without losing sight of its core values of environmental and social responsibility.

The Rivers Awareness Partnership™promotes the connection between quality of life and river conservation by reconnecting communities with their rivers. Tom’s of Maine and American Rivers will achieve this goal through outreach, awareness building and hands-on involvement, such as with the National River Cleanup™, which Tom’s of Maine will sponsor.

Learn how you can participate in the Rivers Awareness Partnership™ at www.TomsofMaine.com/Rivers.

4 0

●

●

●

Foundation, Government and Other Grants Margaret T. Biddle Foundation Brico Fund Brunswick Public Foundation, Inc. The Bullitt Foundation Bureau of Land Management The Burning Foundation The Butler Fund for the Environment

California Hydropower Reform Coalition The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment Clovis Foundation Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Compton Foundation, Inc Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Trust The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc Dun Foundation El Dorado Irrigation District The Charles Engelhard Foundation Fanwood Foundation The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation French Foundation Garden Homes Fund The Fred Gellert Family Foundation Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund Harder Foundation The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Hydropower Reform Coalition The Joyce Foundation Laird Norton Foundation The Forrest and Frances Lattner Foundation The Lazar Foundation Thomas H. Maren Foundation MARPAT Foundation

Mars Foundation Martin-Fabert Foundation The McKnight Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation Messengers of Healing Winds Money-Arenz Foundation Charles Stewart Mott Foundation The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The New-Land Foundation, Inc. Northwest Fund for the Environment Park Foundation William Penn Foundation Penobscot River Restoration Trust Pew Charitable Trusts The Philanthropic Collaborative Prince Charitable Trusts Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation The Jim and Patty Rouse Charitable Foundation, Inc. Save Our Wild Salmon Elmina B. Sewall Foundation The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation The Smart Family Foundation South Yuba River Citizens League T & E Incorporated TAUPO Fund Town Creek Foundation, Inc. Turner Foundation United Way of Rhode Island University of California, Berkeley Wallace Genetic Foundation, Inc. Wilburforce Foundation Wyss Foundation

Your Legacy to American Rivers Will Have a Ripple Effect for Years to Come REMEMBER AMERICAN RIVERS IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS AND RECEIVE A LARRY G. BLACKWOOD RIVER PRINT Photographer and American Rivers member Larry G. Blackwood has generously offered to send a free print from his river photo gallery to American Rivers members who include American Rivers in their estates or make a lifetime planned gift, such as a charitable gift annuity.

According to Larry, “Photography is one of my passions. Rivers are another.

My wife (who is also a river enthusiast) and I have decided to leave a bequest to American Rivers. We are extremely impressed with the ingenuity, effectiveness and efficiency of this great organization, and want to ensure that the rivers we love will stay as natural and accessible as possible for generations to come. It would be my pleasure to send you a print from my river photo gallery if you join my wife and me in leaving a lasting legacy to American Rivers.”

©

LARRY BLACKWOOD

There are many ways to leave a river legacy — through your will, living

4 1

●

●

●

trust, IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy or a POD bank or TOD brokerage account. For further information, please contact Wilke Nelson toll-free at 877-347-7550 or wnelson@AmericanRivers.org.

● ●

● ●

● ●

4 1 4 1

American Rivers Board of Directors EDWARD B. WHITNEY Chair New York, NY ANTHONY A. LAPHAM ◆ Chair Washington, DC DAVID J. HAYES Vice Chair Arlington, VA DOTTY BALLANTYNE Treasurer Bozeman, MT THOMAS D. HUGHES Secretary Seattle, WA

CHRISTIAN HOHENLOHE Washington, DC

EDWARD W. PETTIGREW * Seattle, WA

RICK HOLTON St. Louis, MO

GORDON W. PHILPOTT St. Louis, MO

PAMELA JOHNSON San Francisco, CA

ANNE H. SHIELDS Chevy Chase, MD

LANDON JONES Princeton, NJ

TOM SKERRITT Seattle, WA

LAURA KRACUM Chicago, IL

ALEX TAYLOR Atlanta, GA (Grand Junction, CO?)

DEE LEGGETT Great Falls, VA RICHARD LEGON ** Fairfax, VA LISEL LOY Washington, DC GEORGE LUND Sioux Falls, SD

LOUIS CAPOZZI * New York, NY

ROBERT MCDERMOTT Alexandria, VA

RUSS DAGGATT Seattle, WA

SUSAN MCDOWELL Jackson Hole, WY

SYLVIA EARLE Oakland, CA CAROLINE GABEL ** Chestertown, Maryland RAY GARDNER ** Raymond, Washington

JUDY L. MEYER, PH.D. Lopez Island, WA JAMES O. MILLS Chattanooga, TN Z. CARTTER PATTEN III Chattanooga, TN NICHOLAS G. PENNIMAN, IV * Naples, FL

* Retired June 2007 ** Elected June 2007 ◆

Deceased November 2006

4 2

●

●

●

TED WILLIAMS Grafton, MA

American Rivers Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee JUDY L. MEYER, PH.D. Chair University of Georgia Lopez Island, WA

JAMES G. MACBROOM, P.E. Milone and MacBroom Cheshire, CT

Northwest Advisory Council

DAVID MARCUS Berkeley, CA

BRAD AXEL Seattle, WA

DAVID R. MONTGOMERY, PH.D. University of Washington Seattle, WA

WILLIAM FEINBERG Seattle, WA

MICHAEL MOORE, PH.D. University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI MARGARET PALMER, PH.D. University of Maryland College Park, MD DUNCAN PATTEN, PH.D. Montana State University Bozeman, MT LEROY POFF, PH.D. Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO SANDRA POSTEL, PH.D. Global Water Policy Project Amherst, MA

NORMAN CHRISTENSEN, PH.D. Duke University Durham, NC

JOAN ROSE, PH.D. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI

ROBERT GLENNON, PH.D. University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

JOHN SCHMIDT, PH.D. Utah State University Logan, UT

DAVID HART, PH.D. The Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia, PA

RICHARD SPARKS, PH.D. University of Illinois Urbana, IL

GENE HELFMAN, PH.D. University of Georgia Lopez Island, WA

DAVID GROFF Seattle, WA TOM HUGHES Seattle, WA MATT KELLOGG Seattle, WA JOHN SCHUITEMAKER Seattle, WA ARON THOMPSON Seattle, WA JULIE TOKASHIKI SKERRITT Seattle, WA

American Rivers Staff

ROB MASONIS Senior Director Northwest Regional Office

REBECCA R. WODDER President

BRIAN GRABER Associate Director, Restoring Rivers Initiative Northeast Field Office

KATHERINE BAER Director, Healthy Rivers

HEATHER HAMILTON Outreach Assistant

SERENA MCCLAIN Associate Director, River Renewal Campaign

LESLIE BECK Associate Director of Finance & Administration Northwest Regional Office

JENNIFER HESELMEYER Director, River Guardian Society

QUINN MCKEW Director, River Heritage

WILLIAM HEWES Conservation Assistant

JAMIE MIERAU Associate Director of River Heritage

GARY BELAN Associate Director of Healthy Rivers SARA DEULING Dam Removal Associate Pennsylvania Field Office BRAD DEVRIES National Media Director CATHY DULEY Director of Membership & Development Administration ANDREW FAHLUND Vice President for Protection & Restoration ROSS FREEMAN Associate Director of Conservation Northwest Regional Office EILEEN FRETZ Government Affairs Assistant MICHAEL GARRITY Associate Director of Columbia Basin Programs Northwest Regional Office

RON HINES Director of Accounting GEORGE JACKSON Grant Writer GERRIT JöBSIS Director of Southeast Conservation Southeast Regional Office FANETTE JONES Director of Administration BEATRICE KELLER Associate Director of Membership CHELSEA LANE-MILLER Associate Director of Outreach STEPHANIE LINDLOFF Director, Restoring Rivers Initiative New York Field Office ROBBIN MARKS Director of Hydropower Reform Campaign LINDSAY MARTIN Publications Specialist and Content Wrangler

ANN MILLS Executive Vice President DEBRA MONTANINO Vice President for Resource Development DAVID MORYC Associate Director of Northwest Government Affairs/Outreach Northwest Regional Office

KATIE ROENKER Development Associate STEVE ROTHERT Director California Field Office GARRETT RUSSO Press Secretary MELISSA SAMET Senior Director of Water Resources California Regional Office PHILIPPA SATTERWHITE Receptionist/Administrative Assistant JOHN SEEBACH National Coordinator Hydropower Reform Coalition JENNIFER SEVERIN Director of Development Northwest Field Office

JESSIE MUHM Development Associate

LAURA SHAW Staff Accountant

WILKE NELSON Deputy Vice President for Resource Development

REBECCA SHERMAN Northwest Coordinator, Hydropower Reform Coalition

CHAS OFFUTT Director of Internet Strategy

JOELLEN SHIFFMAN Director of Executive and Board Services

BETSY OTTO Senior Director for Healthy Rivers PETER RAABE Policy Director for Budget & Appropriations BONNIE RICE Associate Director, Northwest Wild Rivers Program Northwest Regional Office

CHAD SMITH Director Nebraska Field Office

DANIELLE STEWART Development Administration Associate BRETT SWIFT Deputy Director Northwest Regional Office ELI WEISSMAN Director of Government Affairs LAURA WILDMAN Director, River Science Program Northeast Field Office JOYCE WU Program Associate National Flood Protection American Rivers thanks our former staff, fellows, interns, consultants and volunteers for their dedicated service over the past year including: Jeremy Bento, S. Elizabeth Birnbaum, Anissa Bradby, Felicity Brown, Pete Carrels, Molly Cheatum, Andy Chinn, Andrew Cohen, Peter Gudritz, Patrick Hagan, Josh Klein, Erik Laaken, Elizabeth Maclin, Steve McCoy, Elijah Mermin, Robert Perks, Patricia Robért, Julie Schaffer, Walter Sisson, Maggie Surface and Nikia Wilson.

AMY SOUERS KOBER Northwest Outreach & Communications Director Northwest Regional Office

●

●

●

4 3

FINANCIALS

FY 2007 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES SUPPORT AND REVENUE

UNRESTRICTED

TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED

PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED

TOTAL FY 2007

Membership Contributions Planned Giving Corporate Donations Foundation Grants Government Grants Interest Other Realized Gain (Loss)

983,152 1,999,883 189,639 118,283 972,784 905,604 143,535 200,699 22,611

3,733 1,689,520 0 61,484 225,624

0 1,339 0

983,152 2,003,616 189,639 118,283 2,662,304 905,604 206,358 200,699 248,235

SUPPORT AND REVENUE

5,536,190

1,980,361

1,339

7,517,890

NET ASSETS RELEASED FROM RESTRICTION

1,920,044

(1,920,044)

-

-

TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE

7,456,234

60,317

1,339

7,517,890

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the total net assets of American Rivers increased by $203,943. This amount included a $164,139 increase in temporarily restricted net assets and a $1,339 increase

EXPENSES

UNRESTRICTED

TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED

PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED

TOTAL FY 2007

Total Program Services

assets. Unrestricted net assets increased by $38,465.

Program Services River Renewal Healthy Waters Water for Life River Heritage

in permanently restricted net

3,668,651 882,175 424,478 744,361

® American Rivers, Inc. is a registered charitable corporation under section 501(c)(3)

5,719,665

-

-

5,719,665

1,264,106

-

-

1,264,106

456,287

-

-

456,287

7,440,058

0

0

7,440,058

22,289

103,822

0

126,111

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

38,465 1,021,792

164,139 5,187,445

1,339 1,666,851

203,943 7,876,088

copy of the audited financial

NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR

1,060,257

5,351,584

1,668,190

8,080,031

Rivers.

Fundraising General and Administrative TOTAL EXPENSES CHANGE IN MARKET VALUE OF INVESTMENTS

of the Internal Revenue Code.

American Rivers’ financial statements are audited by Gelman, Rosenburg and Freedman, Certified Public Accountants. For a complete statements, contact American

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION JUNE 30, 2007 ASSETS

U NRESTRICTED S UPPORT & R EVENUE

Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Grants Receivable Accounts Receivable Other Assets – Principally Prepaid Expenses Furniture and Equipment – net of accumulated depreciation of $355,927

1,924,783 5,087,517 1,103,711 182,079 152,852 290,858

TOTAL ASSETS

8,741,800

Other 7% Government Grants 16%

Membership Dues 18%

Foundation Grants 18%

Corporations 2%

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Grants Payable Deferred Revenue Charitable Gift Annuities Payable Deferred Rent Abatement

222,646 211,786 8,375 60,054 158,908

TOTAL LIABILITIES

661,769

Planned Giving 3%

Contributions above Dues 36%

E XPENSES Administration 6% Fundraising 17%

Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted

1,060,257 5,351,584 1,668,190

TOTAL NET ASSETS

8,080,031

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

8,741,800

Program Services 77%

© CARTER GOWL

NET ASSETS

1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400 Washington, DC 20005

PENNSYLVANIA FIELD OFFICE

PHONE:

355 N. 21st Street, Suite 309 Camp Hill, PA 17011 PHONE: 717-763-0741 sdeuling americanrivers.org

WWW.A MERICAN R IVERS . ORG

OHIO FIELD OFFICE

202-347-7550 FAX: 202-347-9240 EMAIL: AmericanRivers AmericanRivers.org

348 S. Erie Street Toledo, OH 43604 PHONE: 419-936-3759 kswartz americanrivers.org

MASSACHUSETTS FIELD OFFICE 37 Phillips Place, 2 Northampton, MA 01060 PHONE: 413-585-5896 bgraber americanrivers.org

NEW YORK FIELD OFFICE 1 Danker Avenue Albany, NY 12206 PHONE: 518-482-2631 slindoff americanrivers.org

LEAD WRITER:

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE

CALIFORNIA FIELD OFFICES

C OLUMBIA 2231 Devine Street, Suite 202 Columbia, SC 29205 PHONE: 803-771-7114 gjobsis americanrivers.org

WATER R ESOURCES P ROGRAMS 6 School Street, Suite 230 Fairfax, CA 94930 PHONE: 415-482-8150 msamet americanrivers.org

D URHAM 1006 Lancaster Street Durham, NC 27701 Phone 919-286-4247 praabe americanrivers.org ATLANTA Opening Late 2007 jhoffner americanrivers.org

NORTHEAST FIELD OFFICE 20 Bayberry Road Glastonbury, CT 06033 PHONE: 860-652-9911 lwildman americanrivers.org

Carol Gardner Lindsay Martin REPORT DESIGN: Patrice Gallagher, Gallagher/Wood Design PRINTER: B&B Printing COVER PHOTO: Š Adobe Stock Photos PROJECT COORDINATOR:

DAM AND H YDROPOWER P ROGRAMS 409 Spring Street, Suite E Nevada City, CA 95959 PHONE: 530-478-5672 srothert americanrivers.org

NORTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE S EATTLE 4005 20th Avenue West, Suite 221 Seattle, WA 98199 PHONE: 206-213-0330 arnw americanrivers.org P ORTLAND 320 SW Stark Street, Suite 412 Portland, OR 97204 PHONE: 503-827-8648 bswift americanrivers.org