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The River's Journey: A Community Engagement Toolkit

Workbook

United States

Publication date: September 30, 2026

File format: PDF

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The River’s Journey was developed to support conservation practitioners and partners working toward The Nature Conservancy’s Reconnecting Appalachian Rivers Initiative.

Subject Tags

  • Rivers
  • Community-based conservation
  • Equitable conservation
A cover of the report with title and photo of two kayakers on a river.
A River's Journey A community engagement toolkit for river restoration and dam removal projects in the Appalachians. © The Nature Conservancy

Overview and Context

Reconnected Appalachian Rivers

In the United States, nearly every river system is impounded, altered or regulated by a dam or other barrier, with fewer than 1 percent of river miles remaining fully connected from headwaters to mouth. This fragmentation prevents fish and other aquatic species from accessing critical habitat, degrades water quality, alters sediment and flow regimes, and can increase downstream flood risks.  As a result, freshwater biodiversity has declined nationwide. Fish abundance has dropped by more than 50 percent in many river systems, nearly 40 percent of U.S. fish species are imperiled, and roughly two-thirds of freshwater mussel species are at risk of extinction. In the Appalachian region, rivers support nearly half of all aquatic species in the United States and Canada, making these declines even more consequential.

Many barriers across the Appalachians are aging and no longer serving their original purpose, and with the intensifying effects of climate change, they pose growing risks to both communities and ecosystems. At the same time, dams and other barriers are often deeply embedded in the cultural, economic and historical fabric of communities, and perspectives on their future can vary widely. Decisions about whether to maintain, modify or remove a barrier therefore require careful consideration of ecological, social and economic tradeoffs. This creates an opportunity to evaluate the future of aging infrastructure in ways that reflect both community priorities and ecosystem needs.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), along with many local partners, is committed to protecting the globally significant landscape of the Appalachians and supporting efforts to restore the health and function of its rivers while enhancing community safety and resilience. This toolkit is designed to help practitioners engage thoughtfully and effectively with communities, dam owners and local organizations to explore options, navigate tradeoffs and advance solutions that benefit both people and nature.  

Acknowledgements

The River’s Journey was developed to support conservation practitioners and partners working toward The Nature Conservancy’s Reconnecting Appalachian Rivers Initiative. Considered a focal landscape of global importance, the rivers of the Appalachian region are home to more than half of all North American freshwater species. TNC is focused on harnessing the power of experience, partnerships and collective resources to free rivers and safeguard communities. This guide and associated resources are influenced by The Nature Conservancy’s Human Rights Policy and Core Value of Respect for People, Communities and Culture.

The authors of this guide are indebted to the Indigenous peoples and local communities who have cared for and sustained our earth’s river systems since time immemorial and for those whose continued care and stewardship are essential to clean and connected rivers.

Version 1.0: Edited and curated by Ally Snell.

Core writing team: Ally Snell, Sarah Madronal, and Katie Kennedy

Key Contributors: Marcela Maldonado, Emily Hadzopulos, Benjamin Wegleitner, Fred Wills, Brenda Gail Bergman, Charles DeCurtis, Marea Gabriel, Beth Styler Barry, and Molly Payne Wynne

TNC Authors