16-04-2025
Clearwater River named to endangered rivers list
Apr. 16—The Clearwater River and its tributaries landed on a list of the nation's most endangered rivers.
The Clearwater, its north, south and middle forks and the Lochsa and Selway which meet to form the Middle Fork were named the seventh most threatened river system by American Rivers. According to the group, changes adopted in the updated plan that guides management of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest put the rivers at risk to logging, mining and future dams.
The plan trimmed the number of streams and rivers recommended for protection under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers act from more than 80 to just 11. Rivers left off the list that is forwarded to Congress for possible designation include both the North and South forks of the Clearwater, as well as several creeks.
The plan also calls for an increase in logging.
Rivers and streams designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are protected from dam building. Activities like mining and logging are more difficult near protected rivers.
