The American Rivers organization has put out its most endangered rivers list for 2025. At the top of this year’s list is the Mississippi River. This river is the source of drinking water for millions of people near it. The river and those who live near it face a variety of potential problems. A big concern this river faces is flooding.
America Rivers advocates for the availability of federal help for flood relief. At the moment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is being reviewed. There is even concern that the agency may be dismantled by Donald Trump’s administration. This agency can provide crucial assistance to Mississippi River protection efforts.
Endangered Rivers List Ranking
The American Rivers organization focuses on protecting rivers from imminent threats. Every year, this organization compiles a list of the most endangered rivers in the country. Three main factors influence deliberations regarding which rivers are included. First, each river should face a crossroads via an upcoming monumental decision. Second, each river should be significant to life near that particular river. Third, the current threat to each river should be sizable.
This year, the top spot on this endangered rivers list belongs to the Mississippi River. According to American Rivers, this river provides “drinking water for 20 million people.” The river is also essential for business and agriculture. In addition, the river offers recreation opportunities. However, flooding is a major threat to the river and its surrounding areas. Help is needed. FEMA needs to be available to provide that help. Currently, the FEMA organization is being evaluated.
Threats to the Mississippi River
Flooding is one threat that the Mississippi River regularly faces. The American Rivers organization states: “Flooding is the most costly and common natural disaster… within the Mississippi River Basin.” Mississippi River flooding has caused damage to local homes and businesses. The river flooding can negatively affect plant and animal populations. Flooding can also cause harm to local drinking water supplies.
The Guardian also presents other areas of concern. Threats to the Mississippi River described by The Guardian include toxic chemical runoff. The Guardian also states that the river faces “sea level rise… hastening wetland loss.” In addition, the river area faces times of periodic drought.
The Mississippi River and FEMA
FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is currently in a precarious situation. The agency is undergoing a review by Donald Trump’s administration. According to The Guardian, FEMA has been facing “hundreds of layoffs.” The Guardian states that there have been “calls by Trump to abolish the entire agency.”
FEMA is an organization that can protect and revitalize the Mississippi River. FEMA’s help with the river’s flooding is one way. According to American Rivers, FEMA, and federal agencies in general, can “produce flood risk maps.” In addition, FEMA can work with other agencies to provide flood safety standards. FEMA and other agencies can also help rebuild homes after floods. Generally, the American River organization advocates for federal help for communities dealing with flood damage. This organization also recommends that FEMA pay attention to the health of the Mississippi River.
The River’s Crucial Role
The Mississippi River affects many and needs protection. It flows across ten states and is over 2,000 miles in length. The Mississippi River Basin in its entirety is even more expansive. The American River organization states that the basin is “home to roughly 70 million people.”
The Mississippi River plays a role in the lives of people who live near it. For instance, the river provides people with work in shipping and recreation. According to the American River organization, the Mississippi River is also essential to wildlife. The organization states that the river provides homes for “many rare, threatened, and endangered species.”
