Restoring our River. Rebuilding Trust.

From our president

Dear friends of the Potomac,

For more than three decades, Potomac Conservancy has partnered with the community to restore the Potomac River and its more than 14,000 square miles of wild streams and forests. Our treasured river has taught us many lessons over the years. One of the most important: its recovery is something we must continually defend.

This year alone, our river has endured unprecedented sewage contamination, extreme drought, large fish kills, rapid deforestation, and unchecked data center sprawl. From one crisis to another this mounting pressure has pushed American Rivers to designate the Potomac the “Most Endangered River.”

This reality should cause us all to pause and reflect. The river upon which our nation was founded, the river that provides over 5 million people with drinking water, the river that fuels our local economy – is now the most vulnerable waterway in the country.

We cannot keep stacking stress on the Potomac and expect it to thrive.

Potomac Conservancy is meeting this moment with determination. Through our community-powered conservation and advocacy efforts, we are:

• Protecting streamside forests that naturally filter pollution
• Defending public funding for conservation and climate resiliency
• Advancing policies that safeguard clean streams

Together, we are proving that local action creates lasting change. Every forest protected, every mile of stream restored, every volunteer inspired, and every voice raised for clean water strengthens the Potomac’s resilience.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that one day the Potomac is swimmable and fishable for everyone.

With gratitude,

President, Potomac Conservancy