| | How about you, friend? What would you add to the list of 2023 highlights and things you are thankful for? Let me know by sending me an email. We are especially grateful for our River Citizens like you; we would not accomplish anything without your support. Thanks for being here and Happy New Year! -Michael Anderson, Director of Outreach and Education, Mississippi River Network |
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| The Mississippi River is central to America's story. Why doesn't it get more love? |
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| In our opinion, Madelin Heim at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently published one of the best articles of the year: The Mississippi River is central to America's story. Why doesn't it get more love? In this far-reaching article, Heim hypothesizes that the Mississippi River carries "less reverence than other iconic water bodies across the country. It doesn’t adorn car bumpers or keychains like the image of the Great Lakes. People may view it as a working river, not to be played with, or a source of problems. Worse, they might not think too much about it at all." Heim continues, "That attitude has serious consequences. While the Great Lakes have benefited for years from a billion-dollar program to protect and restore their health, legislative efforts to set up a similar program for the Mississippi have stalled. Meanwhile, the environmental challenges the river faces continue to stack up." Like you, friend, we know our treasured Mississippi River's people, land, water, and wildlife deserve more. Together, we will continue to make a difference and give the River the love and protection it needs! |
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| Here's what we had to say at the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force public meeting |
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| This week, Mississippi River Network staff and members were in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to attend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual public meeting of the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. The Task Force is the only state and federal agency body of its kind tasked specifically with goals related to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Mississippi River and the Gulf Hypoxia Dead Zone. We urged the Task Force to: - Increase public outreach and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) participation,
- Lead new efforts to understand how climate change will impact our River, and
- Make the most of new federal funding opportunities like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Read the full comment letter written by our Policy Director, Maisah Khan, and learn more about nutrient pollution here. |
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| Act Soon: Help us reach our year-end goal for the River! |
|  | We had a fantastic event earlier this week with Steven Marking. His show "Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi" was a moving portrait of the River. Steven showcased the River's people, land, water, and wildlife in a unique way that touched our hearts and minds. Everyone left the December 5th performance with a deeper understanding and love for the River and a renewed commitment to protecting the Mighty Mississippi. If you didn't attend, you can still experience a taste of this brilliant show. Steven's spectacular photography brought the River to life. You can get the beautiful "Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi" e-book featuring Steven's photographs free when you donate $50 or more before December 31st. And that's not all...thanks to a generous group of donors, we have $2,000 in matching funds, which makes every dollar you donate go twice as far. We're so close to reaching our modest year-end goal of $2,000 to help the River. We know the River is close to your heart - and even $10 or $25 will make a difference. Can the River count on you? |
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| |  | Post Sackett: What Can States Do?
Webinar Recorded 11/30/2023 With the May 2023 Sackett v EPA ruling significantly weakening the Clean Water Act, states are left playing defense when it comes to protecting wetlands. This panel discussion with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Earthjustice, Audubon, and the National Wildlife Federation covers policy solutions to ensure clean water for future generations. |
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 | Mississippi River Environmental Injustices Story Map Want to learn more about environmental justice and the Mississippi River? Our newest story map provides a primer to the environmental justice movement with a deep dive into four issues and communities along the Mississippi River, including stories and information from Cancer Alley, La Crosse, Prairie Island Indian Community, and Memphis. |
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 | Riverlands Illumination Walk
December 16 & 17, 5 - 8 pm CT
West Alton, Missouri The Riverlands Illumination Walk is a great way to welcome winter and connect with the River! It features an illuminated path, a "lit up" River Ark sculpture, and a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary. This event is great for all ages, and everyone is welcome! |
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| | 1 Mississippi is the national public program of the Mississippi River Network. Since 2009, 1 Mississippi has built a community of 20,000 River Citizens and inspired thousands of actions. From armchairs to wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a difference. |
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