| | River Citizens Uniting for Flooding Solutions | | As River Citizens, we know flooding is part of the River’s natural rhythm. Yet today, we are bearing witness to historic flooding on a changing Mississippi River. The intensity and frequency of precipitation events coupled with the effects of human-constructed infrastructure meant to 'control' the River are having rippling impacts across the Mississippi River Basin. Residents of vibrant River towns have been riding multiple crests this year, commonly forced to check-in on local storefronts and homes by boat, while levees and flood-barriers are breaching and inundating floodplain farm fields. Through it all, folks are demonstrating their resiliency and finding ways to work together and take action. Hopefully, the swollen rivers will subside as summer continues and as they do, we must organize and unite across the basin and move in a coordinated manner to address the changing River for the generations to come. Your participation is vital to the success of this mission. So, how can you help? Click the two petitions below, learn more about solutions, and sign-on. We need to be loud together for the River: | |  | | | Expanded use of Natural Infrastructure on the River Natural Infrastructure, like floodplains and wetlands, provides multiple benefits that are part of a healthy functioning river. They also act as ‘safety valves’ that take in floodwater, create wildlife habitat, and can help reduce the costs from flood damage and repair. Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to expand the use of Natural Infrastructure. | | |  | | | Enforcing Floodplain Laws to Protect People and Wildlife Several levee districts have acted outside of the law in increasing the heights of their levees. As a result, those downstream who cannot afford to raise their levees are affected the most and at the mercy of increasing aggravated flooding. Let state and federal agencies know you want enforcement of Floodplain Laws on the Upper Mississippi. | | | | Ignite change today, River Citizens, by taking a simple action of signing these petitions for the River. | | | | | | | | Coursing down the River - meet Maya! | | As the summer season kicks off on the Mississippi, those who hear the River's call gravitate to its waters. Some visit for a day trip, swimming its beaches or gather for a family BBQ and fish local spots. Others hear the River's call and are drawn to interact with the River from the Headwaters to the Gulf. Enter Maya Dizack of The Big Wet Trip. Maya's an aspiring environmental scientist who set off May 25th from Lake Itasca to be the youngest documented woman and woman of color to sea kayak the Mississippi River solo. Dizack is conducting daily water quality research including microplastic sampling and aims to engage with River Citizens (like you!) along the way to learn more about citizen science. Follow the 1Mississippi Facebook page and The_BigWet_Trip on Instagram for alerts on upcoming opportunities to meet Maya, hear her story/share yours, and participate in citizen science. First up: | | | | | | | | More Action for Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan | | The Mighty Mississippi can be thought of as a massive 'sponge', absorbing and carrying water (and whatever is in the water) downstream to the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, the River carries harmful pollutants from agricultural and urban runoff in the form of excess nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorous. This nutrient pollution leads to large algal blooms and subsequent hypoxic – low oxygen – zones in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a serious problem for environmental quality and economic vitality. The Gulf Hypoxia Task Force is a national policy group working toward a reduced nutrient-load entering into the Gulf and convened in Baton Rouge, LA this past May for both a public hearing and private meeting. Mississippi River Network's policy manager, Doug D., was in attendance and shares his reflections, Action Plans, and next steps in his latest blog "More Action for Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan". | | | | | | | | Building the Business Voice to Protect the Basin | | If you own or run a business – or you know people who do – you should know about how the voice of business can help protect and restore our river basin. The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is bringing together business leaders and diverse organizations to work towards government policies. ASBC makes the case that business depends on clean water, and so business leaders should want to reduce pollution and invest in infrastructure improvements. Business leaders can join ASBC’s campaign at any level of activity. If you own a business, you can start by signing on to the Clean Water is Good for Business principles or pass the info along here. | | | | | | | | Get out there! May River Events: | | June 8th - Great Rivers Greenway Life Outside Festival St. Louis, MO. 10-4pm - A free event that encourages the outdoor lifestyle and the festival has experiences related to active living, camping, climbing, cycling, mind and body, nature and conservation, paddling and running. There is something for all ages, abilities, and interests!
June 8th and 10th - The Big Wet Trip - Twin Cities Meet-Up - (see info above in email "Meet Maya")
June 10th- Plate to Politics in Springfield, IL. 5-8pm - Come listen to the stories of women who are passionate about healthy food, farming, and conservation, and using their passion as they serve in political office. More info and REGISTER- Illinois Stewardship Alliance
June 15th- Buck Island Adventure Helena, AR. 9am - 5pm. - Experience the East Arkansas Mississippi River Canoe Float by paddling with the Quapaw Canoe Company and Mississippi River State Park. 9am - 5pm. Click for more info.
June 18th- Tend the bluff prairie at Indian Mounds Park St. Paul, MN. 6-8pm - Remove invasive species and tend the native bluff prairie so its plants thrive through the summer. Their deep roots will help anchor the steep bluff soil and filter pollutants carried there by stormwater. More info - Friends of the Mississippi River
June 26th- River Soundings 2019 St. Louis, MO. 12:30 - 7:30pm - Free River conference with lectures and panel discussions from scientists, regulators, and clean water advocates. Learn about effective citizen activism and river policies in the St. Louis region on pressing River-related topics. More info- River Soundings 2019
| | | | | | | | 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, forwarding this email on today! For the River, Michael Anderson, 1Mississippi newsletter curator | | | | | | Mississippi River Network
info@1mississippi.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
