America's Most Endangered Rivers - (Page 16) NUMBER 9 PEARL RIVER MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA THREAT: I R R E S P O N S I B L E F L O O D P L A I N D E V E L O P M E N T The Pearl River is a recreation oasis for nearby communities, an important source of drinking water, and an essential refuge for fish and wildlife. But developers want to dam and dredge the river to create artificial lakes and islands for private development at a staggering cost to taxpayers. This boondoggle would destroy vital floodplain wetlands, cause irreparable harm to the Pearl River, and actually place people in the path of potential floods. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local governments need to reject this proposal for private profit at taxpayer expense and instead champion a comprehensive plan to protect and restore the Pearl River and its natural flood protection attributes. DAVID LEGG NUMBER 10 NIOBRARA RIVER WYOMING, NEBRASKA THREAT: U N S U S TA I N A B L E I R R I G AT I O N D I V E R S I O N S The Niobrara River is one of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Nebraska and is a regional and national treasure for its fish and wildlife, recreation opportunities, and tourism. But excessive irrigation diversions, largely a result of rising corn prices for ethanol production, are shrinking its flows and threatening these values. Water managers must act to prevent excessive withdrawals to protect the river’s health and the many quality of life benefits it provides to human and natural communities. 16 A M E R I C A’ S M O S T E N DA N G E R E D R I V E R S T M : 2 0 0 8 E D I T I O N | W W W. A M E R I C A N R I V E R S . O R G NATIONAL PARK SERVICE http://www.americanrivers.org
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