ENVIRONMENT

These rivers face a number of threats, from dams to pollution—and a possible reduction in conservation funding. (Nat Geo News)

Learn a little more about the most endangered river in the U.S.

Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map.

Discussion Ideas

• Take a look at today’s MapMaker Interactive map. What chief threat does American Rivers identify for each endangered river?
  • Lower Colorado: Demand for water from homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses is outstripping supply.
    • Learn more about threats to the Lower Colorado with our study guide.
  • Bear: A proposed dam will restrict flow.
    • Learn more about hydroelectric energy with our encyclopedic entry.
  • South Fork Skykomish: A proposed hydroelectric facility will redirect the flow of the river.
    • Learn more about hydroelectric energy with our encyclopedic entry.
  • Mobile Bay Basin: Demand for water from communities in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia is outstripping supply from the rivers that feed the bay.
    • Learn more about demand for freshwater with our activity.
  • Rappahannock: Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations may impact the river and surrounding communities.
    • Learn how fracking works with our video study guide.
  • Green-Toutle: Waste from a proposed copper, gold, and molybdenum mine may impact water quality and habitat.
    • Learn more about the impact of mining in river basins with our activity.
  • Neuse and Cape Fear: Waste from concentrated animal feeding operations may infiltrate runoff to these rivers.
    • Learn more about agricultural and industrial runoff with our encyclopedic entry.
  • Middle Fork Flathead: Spills or leaks from rail shipments of oil may degrade the river.
    • Learn more about concerns stemming from those oil wells with our study guide.
  • Buffalo: Runoff from one of the biggest concentrated animal feeding operations (hog farm) in the U.S. may infiltrate the river.
    • Learn more about runoff and the environment with our ‘picture of practice’ video.
  • Menominee: Tailings from a proposed open-pit sulfide mine may leach into the river.
    • Learn more about open pit mines with our photo gallery study guide.

• Have your students take a look at one of the endangered rivers. Can they identify the stakeholders?
  • What people, organizations, or communities benefit from the river? How?
    • indigenous species, including endangered species?
    • businesses that support recreation around the river, such as boat rentals, hotels, or restaurants?
    • residents who rely on clean water for health and hygiene?
      • are these residents worried that the ‘threats’ would impact the sanitation of their water?
  • What people, organizations, and communities benefit from the “threats” to the river? How?
    • residents who rely on jobs from industry?
    • businesses that support new industries, such as construction?
    • residents who rely on clean water and energy for health and hygiene?
      • are these residents worried about the supply of freshwater and energy if facilities for water storage or hydroelectricity are not built?

• Can your students suggest solutions or compromises between the stakeholders in these rivers?

TEACHERS TOOLKIT

Nat Geo: Top 10 Most Endangered Rivers in the U.S.

Nat Geo: Most Endangered River in the U.S.: The Colorado study guide

Nat Geo: Where are America’s Most Endangered Rivers? map

American Rivers: America’s Most Endangered Rivers for 2017