Advocacy group calls Colorado river endangered
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: KOAA
An organization that advocates healthy rivers has named the scenic Cache la Poudre River north of Fort Collins among the 10 most endangered rivers in America.
American Rivers says the river, currently used for fishing, rafting, camping and hiking, is threatened by a proposal to divert water to serve the fast-growing population on the Front Range.
The Northern Integrated Supply Project proposes new reservoirs and pipelines to provide 40,000 acre-feet of new supplies to about 15 water providers. The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District says providers need new water supplies to serve a growing population, or they run the risk of shortages or of drying up farmland. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing the proposal.
Here is American River's complete list of most endangered rivers:
1. Catawba-Wateree River (N.C., S.C.)
2. Rogue River (Ore.)
3. Cache la Poudre River (Colo.)
4. St. Lawrence River (N.Y., Canada)
5. Minnesota River (S.D., Minn.)
6. St. John River (Fla.)
7. Gila River (N.M., Ariz.)
8. Allagash Wilderness Waterway (Maine)
9. Pearl River (Miss., La.)
10. Niobrara River (Wyo., Neb.)
