The rivers of the American West have shaped the pattern of human development across the region. In turn, human activities are rapidly changing the rivers that sustain them.
Today, nearly half - 49% - of all river miles in the West are no longer in their natural state. In all, 140 thousand miles of rivers in the American West – a distance long enough to circle the Earth nearly 6 times – have been modified by dams, diversions, suburban sprawl, legacy mines, and other human development.
Today, nearly half - 49% - of all river miles in the West are no longer in their natural state. In all, 140 thousand miles of rivers in the American West – a distance long enough to circle the Earth nearly 6 times – have been modified by dams, diversions, suburban sprawl, legacy mines, and other human development.
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