Health of the lower Susquehanna River and its watershed:
In its current state, the lower Susquehanna is a moderately degraded system, made worse by having the four dams break up its connectivity. Dams aside, the largest problems include agricultural land use practices, which degrade both soil and stream; toxic substances from urban sources; and invasive species. Upland threats that are beginning to manifest in the forested regions include the hemlock wooly adelgid and the emerald ash borer, which are devastating eastern forests. A big unknown is whether and how the watershed will be affected by the hydro-fracking activities throughout. Agriculture is a main contributor to the sediment loading to the Susquehanna, and it is generally acknowledged that dealing with this source is the ultimate solution needed. See more on this topic and other solutions in Watershed Management Plans.