ROTR
Reflections of the River
Series Mission
Reflections of the River is uniquely positioned to bridge the gaps across the conservation spectrum, providing a platform for all perspectives to be heard and conservation efforts to be amplified. Our mission is to bring together developers, scientists, tribal leaders, community advocates, and conservationists—giving them the opportunity to address challenges that often go unnoticed or unspoken. By highlighting these perspectives, we aim to foster collaboration, spark dialogue, and create an environment where innovative solutions can emerge.
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This limited series is dedicated to shining a light on the interconnected stories of those safeguarding our waterways and to empowering all those working to protect our rivers, ensuring a future where these rivers thrive.
Episode Structure
Regions
Each episode highlights a specific region, allowing the series to address the pressing issues affecting that area—whether it's responsible development in Montana, water scarcity in the Southwest, dam removal in the Pacific Northwest, or the lack of access to clean drinking water in the Midwest.
People
Every episode will feature community leaders and everyday people on the front lines of these challenges, as well as representatives from local tribes, organizations such as American Rivers, corporate activists, and scientists.
Impact
Each episode will also conclude with practical ways for communities and individuals to get involved in the necessary application of river and water conservation, regardless of geographic location or economic status.
Episode Breakdown
Episode 1
The Pilot
MT & The PNW
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*Filming complete & editing in progress
Emphasis: Development, Collaboration, Stewardship
30 years after filming the iconic movie, A River Runs Through It, actor/activist Tom Skerritt returns to the Gallatin River in Montana to discuss the importance of river and water conservation. Features include actor Robert Redford; President of the non-profit American Rivers, Tom Kiernan; American Rock Climber, Conrad Anker; Shannon Wheeler, Chairman of Nez Perce Tribe, author John Maclean, son of famed author Norman Maclean, and more. Filmed in Washington, Montana, Idaho and featuring the Gallatin, Duwamish, and Columbia rivers.
Episode 2
The Southwest
UT, AZ, NV, CA, NM, CO
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*Location/interview planning & funding stages underway
Emphasis: Water Scarcity, Sustainable Environmental Management
This episode humanizes the struggle to navigate the water scarcity issues that have surrounded the Colorado River since the very beginning. With a focus on both the Upper and Lower Basins, the narrative explores the complex web of competing demands on this vital but diminishing resource. Extensive footage of the Lower Basin examines the Salton Sea region, highlighting the area's vast agricultural base and the environmental and social challenges it faces.
Episode 3
The Mississippi River Delta
LA, MS, AR, TN, MO
Emphasis: Land Degradation, Industrial Impact, Wetland Restoration
The oil and gas industries play a significant role in the economy of the South. However, the region faces increased storm severity and flooding, leading to a growing emphasis on building community resilience and restoring wetlands. Wetland restoration is seen as a key strategy to mitigate future flooding. The question now is how local activists and scientists can collaborate with the oil and gas industry to secure a sustainable future for the community, its rivers, and wetlands.
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Episode 4
The Great Lakes
WI, IL, MI, OH, PA, NY
Emphasis: Water Quality/Accessibility, Pollution, Ecosystem Health
The Great Lakes are the largest single source of fresh water on the planet, yet many of the surrounding states (specifically Michigan and Flint) lack access to clean water. It’s a national crisis. We The People Of Detroit is a rallying effort to improve policies and conditions around access and affordability at a national level. Other Rust Belt cities are currently undergoing urban revitalization and making significant gains in river conservation. The Cuyahoga River, which caught on fire in the 1960s due to severe pollution, was the catalyst for the Clean Water Act. Its passage led to significant cleanup efforts, improved water quality, and the transformation of downtown centers, which now see the river as an amenity.
Episode 5
Florida
FL
Emphasis: Population Growth, Wetland Loss, Conservation Collaboration
Wetlands, forests, riparian zones adjacent to waterways, and aquatic plants filter and cleanse the water, providing essential habitats and food sources that sustain healthy plant, fish, and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, the ecological health and integrity of the St. Johns River system is threatened due to inadequate protections and the cumulative impacts of a growing population. However, through coordinated conservation efforts and community involvement, there is hope to restore and protect this vital ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable future for the river and the diverse life it supports.
Episode 6
The Mid Atlantic
PA, NY, NJ, MD, VA
Emphasis: Success of Clean Water Act, Advocacy, Ecological Revival
The Potomac River, once seen as a liability, has transformed into a valuable asset, much like the Hudson River--thanks to the success of the Clean Water Act. The revitalization of these rivers serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us not to take restoration efforts for granted. The lasting legacy of these efforts is a call to action for all of us to continue protecting and preserving these waterways. Recent rollbacks by the Supreme Court on environmental protections are a wake-up call, emphasizing that clean rivers only remain so if we actively protect them.
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The Hudson River's story mirrors that of the Potomac, with a history of industrial pollution followed by a remarkable comeback. Alex Matheson, a riverkeeper, once paddled along the Hudson with The New York Times, discovering a river filled with garbage and even a dead body. Fast forward to today, and the Hudson hosts swimming competitions, boat liveries, and rentals, and is even home to whales and dolphins near the tip of Manhattan. These stories wrap up the series with a powerful message: it’s up to us to safeguard these rivers for future generations. Protecting our nation’s rivers is not only possible, but necessary.