River conservation is a vital part of ensuring our waterways stay clean and healthy, free of pollution and manmade dangers.

While the Pacific Northwest may not contain a large concentration of endangered rivers, every body of water in our great nation is connected like arteries in a human body–making conservation throughout the United States (and beyond) crucial for the health and prosperity of our most valued resource.

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As kayakers, we can help make public education an essential part of keeping our waters clean and clear–and ethically take steps to help protect our rivers every time we head out on the water.

Kayakers also have the critical opportunity to join together with nonprofit organizations dedicated to the conservation and habitat restoration of local and national rivers, lakes, and streams, and to make a positive impact with our voices and votes to implement change across our country.

What is river conservation?

River conservation is the preservation of the natural habitats and biodiversity of our wild rivers through education, restoration, and management. It protects our most precious natural resource for present and future generations.

Why save our American Rivers?

Our rivers are a crucial part of the health of our nation, encouraging biodiversity, providing clean filtered water, reducing the impact of devastating floods, and preserving vital ecosystems necessary for animals and plants to thrive.

America's most endangered rivers

Did you know that a river can become endangered? Unfortunately, river endangerment is becoming an all too common due to pollution, climate change, and development.

“95% of all birds and animals spend all or a significant portion of their life cycle in or near rivers.”

— American Rivers Podcast, "The Value of Rivers"s

Currently, there are ten rivers classified as "endangered" in the United States, putting the entire country's ecosystem at risk.

These rivers include:

Colorado River
Snake River
Mobile River
Coosa River
Mississippi River
Lower Kern River
San Pedro River
Los Angeles River
Atlantic Salmon Rivers
Tar Creek

For more information on America's most endangered rivers, click here.

River conservation kayakers on a river with evergreen trees

Challenges facing river conservation in the United States

While there's no doubt about the importance of river conservation, there are challenges that complicate the process. Some of the most impactful include:

Floods
Water pollution
Dams and hydropower
Climate change
Droughts

“More than 2.6 million miles of paved roads carve up important habitat, and tens of thousands of dams and other barriers disrupt the flow of rivers, yet a significant portion of the nation’s public lands and rivers lack permanent federal or state safeguards.”

— Pew Trust

River conservation nonprofit organizations to support in the United States

Although these river conservation challenges can seem daunting, many nonprofit conservation organizations are dedicated to protecting our rivers through education and action.

Listed below are some of the most prominent river nonprofits in the States, and some organizations that specifically support the conservation of rivers in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho:

5 ways kayakers can help protect rivers

Kayakers have the unique opportunity to support the continued efforts for river conservation. We have a special vantage point from our individual experiences with nature on our paddling adventures.

Who doesn’t have an incredible story to tell from a kayaking trip?

From amazing wildlife observations, to breathing fresh alpine air into our lungs and releasing stress, to witnessing the incredible change of seasons through plant growth and leaf peeping opportunities in the fall, to bonding with our loved ones while on a paddle.

As an outdoor recreational activity, motor-free, human-powered recreational kayakers are one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to enjoy the Great Outdoors.

And by taking these five conservation-forward steps, kayakers can help leave our rivers cleaner and healthier than we found it.

Rinse down your kayak after each voyage. Spray down all the the mud, water, vegetation, and then let your recreational kayak dry fully in the sun.
Eliminate litter through river cleanups and your pack-in/pack-out efforts. Even human waste should be packed out. Consider planning a river clean-up event too!
Help prevent water pollution. An actionable way kayakers can do this is inspect their boat materials and replace, repair and retire their boats when necessary to help prevent the potential release of chemicals.
Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion. Don’t launch your kayak from a sensitive area.
Observe wildlife ethically. Some animal species are very sensitive to human impact. Keep a respectful (and legal) distance from any wildlife you may encounter on your paddle trip.

Two key rivers that I find myself paddling on quite often in the Portland, Oregon area, are the Tualatin River and Willamette River. These are incredible community-led groups taking initiative to help protect and restore these important Oregon resources, and that offer great opportunities for kayak fans to get involved.

If you're looking for more information on river conservation and how you can help make a difference, click here for more details on where you can join a local or virtual river cleanup challenge.

Learn more about American river conservation with these great resources

We have an ethical responsibility to take care of our environment for our fellow humans, creatures, planet, and future generations.

And as part of our Flatwater Kayak Club community, we know you care about protecting our beautiful environment - from wildlife to waterways - just as much as we do.

If you're interested in further education about American river conservation, including current bills in front of Congress, check out these great resources that provide up-to-date news and community opportunities to get involved and help make a difference.

A great episode for kayakers to start with is called The Value of Rivers on We Are Rivers podcast. This fascinating discussion amongst water and river conservation experts and economists explores how vital rivers are to our environment, economy, and way of life – rivers are literally the lifeblood for our planet’s ecosystem.