Earlier this week, American Rivers released their yearly America’s Most Endangered Rivers list as part of their mission to protect rivers and raise awareness of their importance. Many rivers made the list because of extreme pollution or other immediate threats, but, according to Susitna River Coalition Executive Director Melis Coady, the Susitna River is a unique case. Coady said the Susitna is in good shape, but faces threats from a proposed industrial access road.
“For years now there’s been a proposed road that would just karate chop right through the watershed to reach some mining projects that are about a hundred plus miles from existing road infrastructure,” she said.
The project in question? The West Susitna Access Road–an industrial road paving the way for mining operations and oil and gas exploration. The access road has been in the works for years, and, according to Coady, has the potential to radically change the fish and wildlife habitat in the area.
Coady said she recognizes energy and resources are a necessity, but that it’s important to make sure the cons don’t outweigh the pros.
Coady added that the over 300 miles of river is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to get out and experience nature, and she worries industrial development on the river could damage the natural environment.
“If our wilderness here goes away, then how much further are we gonna have to travel to have those wonderful experiences in the future?” she said, “So, I just hope we don’t take our backyards for granted.”
Coady said she hopes the Susitna River’s placement on America’s Most Endangered Rivers list brings much-needed awareness to the river and the possible consequences the West Susitna Access Road could bring.
