How to Save a River presents in a concise and readable format the wisdom gained from years of river protection campaigns across the United States. The book begins by defining general principles of action, including getting organized, planning a campaign, building public support, and putting a plan into action. It then provides detailed explanations of how to:

• form an organization and raise money
• develop coalitions with other groups
• plan a campaign and build public support
• cultivate the media and other powerful allies
• develop credible alternatives to damaging projects