Action Alert: Public comment needed to Protect Clean Water
River Citizens, let your voice be heard by taking 30 seconds and submit a comment today to oppose a proposed rule change to the Clean Water Act.
As River Citizens, we know the Mississippi River is an iconic national treasure composed of many types of waterbodies (including wetlands and small streams). This proposal reduces Clean Water Act protections while cutting water quality safeguards and diminishing the role of science in decision making.
We want a healthy Mississippi River now and for the generations to come! Read more from Mississippi River Network's director, Kelly McGinnis, on Keeping the Connections and Take Action today to protect clean water. Thanks!
Flooding Continues- Spring Outlook
From trains pushing through flooded tracks in Davenport, Iowa to catastrophic flood damage in the Western part of the Mississippi River watershed, 2019's headlines have been inundated with the word 'flood'.
NOAA has issued its Spring Flood Outlook and is calling for 'historic widespread flooding to continue through May" with minor-major flood warnings up and down the River and across the watershed (video presentation from NOAA here). Stay alert and safe, River Citizens.
In response to flooding events increasing in frequency and severity, several towns along the Mississippi River are restoring floodplain and wetlands to better absorb flood waters.
Lastly, the transition from winter to spring can be a tremendous opportunity to witness your closest waterway to the vast Mississippi River system. Check out 1 Mississippi campaign manager Michael Anderson's recent blog on One River; Trillions of Tributaries.
Highlights from 2019 DC Fly-In
The 1 Mississippi campaign and member organizations of the Mississippi River Network landed in DC this March and held 29 meetings with staff of Mississippi River Senators and Congresspeople.
The focus was to advocate for River policy priorities that better the health and protection of the River. Discussions included: nutrient pollution reduction strategies, farm bill conservation programs, natural infrastructure.
Lastly, gratitude was expressed for support on the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (funds conservation projects in every River state!).
Get out there! April River Events
April 9th- Soil Health Summit in Springfield, IL.
-Bringing together various stakeholders on how policy can enhance soil health and stewardship. 1-7 pm. More info- Illinois Stewardship Alliance.
April 10th- Minnesota Water Action Day in St. Paul, MN
