|  | River Citizen, This monthly newsletter is a marker of time that allows us as a community to reflect on what has been going on and what is coming up for our cherished Mississippi River. Furthermore, when you read this, you are connecting with our 20,000-person River Citizen community. We are relatives and neighbors, united by our commitments to care for the people, land, water, and wildlife. As Spring speeds into Summer, seed your life with all that you want to grow. We’ll be here with you, for the River. In your May 2021 Newsletter: - Team Attempting to Break Guinness Mississippi Speed Record Launches!
- You are invited to River Days of Action June 10-20th, 2021
- Plastic Pollution Data Collection and Cleanup Success
- MS River Restoration and Resiliency Initiative Updates
- Upcoming River Events
- Most Endangered Rivers
- River in the News
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| | Mississippi Speed Record Launched 5/4! Here's how to follow along: |
| “Our goal is to set a new record, but our mission is to raise awareness of the need to preserve the Mississippi River Basin,” said Scott Miller, Mississippi Speed Record team captain |
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| The four-person Mississippi Speed Record (MSR) team officially launched on Tuesday, May 4th for their Guinness World Record-breaking attempt of fastest time canoeing the entire ~2,300 miles of the Mississippi River: 18 days, 4 hours, and 51 minutes. Follow the team on Facebook and with the live Garmin tracker. Here is the approximate schedule. The Mississippi River Network is proud to partner with MSR. Please join us in cheering them on! |
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| | Success on the Path to a Plastic-Free Mississippi River |
| | A big thank you to all who participated in the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative! From April 1 - 25, 2021, nearly 50,000 items (48,442 to be exact) from Louisiana to Minnesota were logged into the Marine Debris Tracker app. The most common items reported were: 1. Cigarette Butts, 2. Plastic Food Wrappers, 3. Beverage Bottles. The data is currently being analyzed and the results will inform mayors, local communities, and citizens to determine the necessary actions to help reduce and prevent plastic pollution from entering our waterways. |
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Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (MRRRI) Updates |
| | Did you know that the Mississippi River lacks a dedicated, holistic, federal restoration program? The Mississippi River Network is pleased to support the creation of a Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI), made possible by the vision and leadership of Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and many other engaged organizations up and down the River. |
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| | Upcoming Events from Mississippi River Network Members |
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| | Restoration on the Half Shell - When: May 18th (11:30 am-1 pm), May 19th (5:30-7 pm), May 20th (5-7 pm)
- Where: Virtual w/ a Coastal Louisiana focus
- About: Join the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana for Restoration on the Half Shell, a free three-part virtual series discussing how Louisiana’s coast functions, the challenges we face with land loss, the importance of the Mississippi River, and the plans for restoration. Hear from scientists, journalists, and community leaders working on these issues and join in the discussion. The series is presented in non-technical language for a general audience who want to learn more about timely issues impacting our coast and the diversity of communities and residents who live, work, and play along our coast.
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| | River Citizen Anti-Racism Monthly Resources |
| Environmental work and racial justice are inextricably linked and in fact, are all part of the same movement; to truly protect water, you need to protect communities and we know that Black and Brown communities face disproportionate environmental risks and impacts. To support our River Citizen community in being actively anti-racist and creating an inclusive, safe, and equitable Mississippi River for all, we are uplifting and sharing resources. |
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| | Two Tributaries on 2021's 'Most Endangered Rivers' List |
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| America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2021 underscores how threats to rivers are threats to human health, safety, and survival. The people most impacted are also leading efforts to save their rivers and lands. “If we want a future of clean water and healthy rivers everywhere, for everyone, we must prioritize environmental justice.” - Tom Kiernan, President, American Rivers. In 2020, the Upper Mississippi was listed as America's Most Endangered River. This year, two tributaries to the Miss have made the listing, the Lower Missouri River with cited threats of climate change and poor flood management, and the Racoon River in Iowa due to pollution threats from factory farms and industrial agriculture. |
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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. Contact: info@1mississippi.org. |
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