ATTN: Fluvial Geomorphologists and River Runners

To me, as a young river scientist, the LA River represents the most engineered, least natural, poorest functioning river system in the United States. There may be other fluvial degenerates which possess more devastating concentrations of pollutants, but the channelized, cement flume that is the Los Angeles River is the worst. Only a small stretch of the river flows over natural substrate, however, even this portion is hemmed in by concrete banks. There has been talk of "restoring" the LA River for ecologic health, water quality, and aesthetic reasons, however, with California's recent economic woes and the degree of work that would be required, the chances of any reasonable restoration occurring is slim to none. Anyways, enjoy Conan's scenic float of the LA River. It looks like a fantastic wilderness experience.