Petition to Congress: No More Dead Zone

Fully Fund Proven Solutions to Reduce Nutrient Pollution 

It's almost August on the Mississippi River and the water is finally receding out of flood stage where it has remained in many reaches of the River since last winter. The historic flooding in 2019 has been a giant 'flush' across America's watershed, washing excess nutrients into waterways and downstream, fueling the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone.

Take Action on 'one of the largest Dead Zones on record'

Nutrient pollution jeopardizes clean drinking water for 20 million Americans and fuels the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic Dead Zone. Experts from NOAA have forecasted this year's Gulf Dead Zone to be one of the largest on record at approximately 7,829 square miles (equivalent in size to the total landmass of Massachusets).

Fortunately, proven solutions exist and the River needs your help today. Click the button below to learn about proven solutions to reduce nutrient pollution and take action for clean water and a healthy Mississippi River. 

 

May The River Be With You Podcast Launches

 

Jump on board the big muddy with your guide Mark "River" Peoples and feel the powerful, storied currents of the Mighty Mississippi River pull at your feet and open your imagination. May The River Be With You focuses on how the largest river in the U.S. influences and impacts our culture, from arts and education to ecology and commerce. In each episode, we discuss how the river affects us all in unexpected ways while also featuring music, poetry, tales, and myths inspired by the River itself.

Join the May The River Be With You podcast crew at the upcoming launch party Aug. 8th in Clarksdale, MS. More info here.

 

Show up for the River - August Oppportunities

 

Mississippi River Commission low water inspection and public meetings aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI (pictured)

The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association is holding public meetings focused on reducing the risks of flooding, maintaining the navigation channel, managing river sediment, and preparing for a long term drought:

  • Aug. 3    9:00 am - 4:00 am   Winona, Minnesota 
  • Aug. 24  9:00 am - 4:00 am   Godfrey, Illinois
  • Sept. 7   9:00 am - 4:00 am   Cape Girardeau, Missouri 

The Mississippi River Commission will conduct its annual low-water inspection and public hearing trip meeting with local partners, stakeholders and residents and hear their concerns, ideas and issues.

  • Aug. 19  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Caruthersville, Missouri 
  • Aug. 20  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Helena, Arkansas 
  • Aug. 21  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Vicksburg, Mississippi 
  • Aug. 23  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Baton Rouge, La. 
 

At the intersections of Business, Sustainability, and the Mississippi 

 
 
 

As we noted in the June newsletter, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is engaging businesses in the effort to protect and restore clean water in the Upper Mississippi River basin. The business perspective is vital because too often we hear that investing in or improving regulations for clean water would be bad for business.

Of course, the opposite is true. And now ASBC has published a paper that makes the business and economic case for protecting the upper basin.

Please have a look and add it to the materials you use to advocate for a cleaner, better protected basin. Let’s hope tools like this will help engage more businesses in the effort.

Find the Business Case for Clean Water in the Upper Mississippi River Basin here.

 
 

In The Eddy

And an excellent opportunity to meet Paul Schneider in person August 15th in Dubuque, Iowa as part of Our Great River Series by the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

 

Congrats to Maya Dizack and The Big Wet Trip on making it source to sea by kayak! Maya is believed to be the youngest woman and person of color to solo kayak the length of the Mississippi River! Along the way, Maya conducted scientific water quality measurements and spoke with folks about citizen science. Michael McGuire, a blooming wildlife conservationist with a sharp eye and knack for producing stunning photos, provided support throughout the trip downstream. Check it out: 

 

Relay of Voices is an expedition connecting the voices of the Mississippi River region through shared movement and listening. The Relay team has made it to the Twin Cities, MN - check their latest blog:

 
 

River in the News

 

Thank you!

Thanks for reading this edition of the River Citizen Newsletter! We aim to keep you up to date on happenings up and down the Mississippi from federal policy to local engagement opportunities. If you enjoyed, forward this email on to a friend today!

For the River,

 

Michael Anderson, 1Mississippi newsletter curator

 

Mississippi River Network
   
 info@1mississippi.org

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