Group: San Joaquin River 2nd Most Threatened In U.S.

American Rivers' annual top-ten list says Central California's largest river is threatened by "outdated water management."

In their analysis, the group says the San Joaquin River "is so over-tapped that it runs completely dry in stretches, threatening water quality, endangering fish and wildlife, creating uncertainty for farmers, and leaving communities vulnerable in the face of more frequent and severe droughts."

American Rivers calls on the California Water Resources Control Board to "increase flows in the San Joaquin so that the watershed is healthy enough to support fish and wildlife, sustainable agriculture and resilient communities for generations to come."

"The annual report highlights ten rivers whose fate will be decided in the coming year, and encourages decision-makers to do the right thing for the rivers and the communities they support," according to American Rivers.

The organization has put out the list since 1984.

American Rivers says rivers are selected based upon:

"A major decision (that the public can help influence) in the coming year on the proposed action; The significance of the river to human and natural communities; The magnitude of the threat to the river and associated communities, especially in light of a changing climate."