The River Blog

(10/22/09) | Filed Under: Greening Water Infrastructure by Gary Belan

It's with great excitement that I'm returning to the blogosphere after a bit of a hiatus. Why am I excited? Because I'm finally able to announce the release of our new stormwater policy tool "Local Stormwater Policy Innovation". This report was produced in conjunction with our partners Midwest Environmental Advocates, and I want to particularly thank Attorney Brent Denzin for his hard work and dedication to making this report happen.

(07/09/09) | Filed Under: Dams & Dam Removal by Kavita Heyn

It’s an exciting summer for steelhead in the Wind River watershed, WA. Starting this week, a dam removal is taking place all summer long on Trout Creek, a tributary to the Wind River, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Hemlock Dam Removal is the result of many years of hard work building partnerships and developing designs and plans to remove this 26 foot high dam, an aging concrete structure that been a serious barrier to steelhead passage on Trout Creek since it was constructed in 1935 as an irrigation dam for the old Wind River Nursery.  The dam was determined to be a High Hazard dam, which means it could fail, resulting in danger to human life, especially as the reservoir behind it was frequently used as a swimming hole. When I visited Hemlock Dam before the dam removal began, I was shocked at how close the swimming area was to the dam - it would not take much for someone to get swept over the dam!  The reservoir also was a huge heat source for the creek - temperatures in it sometimes reached 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, conditions which are dangerous and even lethal to steelhead.

(07/09/09) | Filed Under: Wild and Scenic Rivers , Protecting Rivers by Caitlin Jennings

The Obama Administration announced yesterday that it also supports adding Illabot Creek to the Wild and Scenic River System. Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Patty Murray  have recently introduced legislation that would do just that.

(07/09/09) | Filed Under: Stormwater & Sewage by Angela Dicianno

On the last day of June NC Governor Beverly Perdue signed into law a bill that will begin the process of cleaning up the popular Jordan Lake in the Research Triangle area of NC. 

The lake was in trouble from day one with predictions of high pollution levels if the US Army Corps of Engineers went ahead with the plan.  The lake was built anyway. 

(07/07/09) | Filed Under: Dams & Dam Removal , Restoring Rivers by Serena McClain

American Rivers and others will be on the banks of Connoquenessing Creek in Butler County, Pennsylvania today as the Harmony Junction Dam is removed. As backhoes haul each piece of concrete from the river, those present will have a chance to reflect on the past and catch a glimpse of the future.

(07/06/09) | Filed Under: Blue Trails by Amy Souers Kober

A new wide-ranging report released today by the private, bipartisan Outdoor Resources Review Group recommends creating a new nationwide system of water trails to protect clean water, and promote recreation, health, and economic growth.

(07/01/09) | Filed Under: Stormwater & Sewage by Katie Swartz

With a goal of putting 500+ rain barrels on the ground by the end of 2009, I can safely say that we’re getting there.  It may be a slow and steady road, but it will be rewarding in the end when we are able to capture millions of gallons of water in the course of one year.

(06/30/09) | Filed Under: Stormwater & Sewage by Katie Swartz

On July 22nd, American Rivers and Midwest Environmental Advocates will host a free hands-on workshop

(06/30/09) | Filed Under: Dams & Dam Removal , Restoring Rivers by Amy Souers Kober

 This is a major week for dam removal, with news that underscores the national leadership of American Rivers and our track record of success in the field of river restoration.

(06/26/09) | Filed Under: Protecting Rivers , Blue Trails by Staci Williams

Saturday’s kick-off paddle for the Waccamaw River Blue Trail was a big success!  The morning began with a brief press event with guest speakers Bridgette Johnson, of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and Larry White, a Conway City Councilmen.  Ms. Johnson spoke of the economic benefits of a healthy Waccamaw River as well as the potential economic benefits of the blue trail.  Councilman White talked about the important role the river plays in the community by providing drinking water and recreational and fishing opportunities to the residents of Conway.  Several participants chose to listen from the water; eager to begin the morning’s paddle.