Life depends on rivers.
Our Mission
American Rivers is the only national organization dedicated entirely to protecting and restoring the rivers all life depends on. With a half-century of experience addressing river threats from coast-to-coast, we’ve protected more rivers and removed more dams than any other organization. As a trusted leader and coalition-builder, American Rivers has been a national thought leader in floodplain restoration and flood management for decades, and we are now on the cusp of dramatically expanding our impact and reach to catalyze new projects and pivotal policy change. American Rivers’ is championing just and transformational solutions to protect our last-remaining floodplains, restore damaged floodplains, and ensure that our most vulnerable communities are safe from flooding.
We are working to protect rivers for the long term by growing partnerships with Tribes, and urban and rural communities to implement projects and build grassroots advocacy power for healthy rivers and clean water more effectively. We are advancing transdisciplinary knowledge exchange by building a national workforce of floodplain-restoration experts through our facilitation of the Natural Floodplain Functions Alliance, and by addressing the lack of data on floodplain trends by developing baseline data and maintaining an inventory of restored floodplains.
How We Work
For 50 years, American Rivers has been a leader in protecting and restoring rivers throughout the country. Our practical, inclusive approach starts with collaboration and delivers results that improve people’s lives.
national expertise with local presence
American Rivers is one of the premier national organizations focused on clean water and river health, and we are known for our strong policy expertise and advocacy. We also work across the country via regional teams to protect and restore rivers and waterways through partnerships with local communities and other stakeholders.
innovation
Our national network of teams continually tests and collaborates on new approaches across regions. Staff experts from multiple disciplines share best practices and creative thinking. This innovation is essential as we see more flooding, droughts, and other extreme weather.
a comprehensive approach
No river has just one challenge. Aging infrastructure, pollution, climate change, environmental injustice, and the destruction of wildlife are all wreaking havoc on our waterways. American Rivers, with our multi-disciplinary experts, works with partners to find solutions to the many needs of any river.
collaboration and trust
American Rivers prioritizes developing deep relationships with those most impacted by environmental injustice through listening and humility. We build trusting and productive relationships with partners and look for opportunities to create multiple “wins” for communities.
American Rivers in N-EWN News
