The Susitna River Among American Rivers’ 2025 Endangered Rivers
The Susitna River, Alaska’s longest free-flowing, undammed river, is a lifeline for people, wildlife, and the environment — providing clean water to local communities and sustaining rich ecosystems that depend on healthy salmon runs.
This year, it ranks #8 on American Rivers’ 2025 list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, which highlights rivers facing urgent threats, that have high value to people and nature, and that present a critical decision point in the coming year where public action matters.
The Susitna regrettably is now seriously threatened. The proposed West Susitna Industrial Access Road would cross approximately 180 streams in the Susitna River watershed, threatening fish and wildlife habitat, subsistence resources, and outdoor experiences that are central to local livelihoods and the regional economy. Additional looming threats — including a proposed coal mine and the potential revival of a long-abandoned hydroelectric dam — risk altering the river’s natural flow, blocking salmon migration, and degrading pristine wilderness.
“The choice between one-time mining opportunities and causing irreparable harm that would destroy the region’s sustainable economies, versus ensuring salmon populations, pristine waters, and the incomparable natural beauty of this region for generations is an easy one,” said Sarah Dyrdahl, Northwest Regional Director for American Rivers.
Locally, the Susitna River Coalition, is fighting to save the river, leading resistance to destructive development projects, focusing on protecting fish habitat, promoting sustainable economies, and preserving wild public lands.
“This boondoggle project would open the door to large-scale industrial development in one of the world’s last truly wild places” said Margaret Stern, Program and Communications Director for the Susitna River Coalition. “We must ensure that local communities, hunters, anglers, and all advocates for wild spaces make their voices heard in ensuring the future of this unique region.”
The Moore Charitable Foundation is proud to support American Rivers, the Susitna River Coalition and the Defend the West Su Campaign in a shared mission to protect the Susitna River and uphold the long-term health of Alaska’s iconic landscapes and communities.
