The Multi-benefits of Natural Infrastructure on the River

Record flooding in 2019 on the Mississippi and its tributaries have left many River communities wondering what's next. How do we rebuild and/or prepare for increasingly catastrophic high water events? Natural infrastructure provides many benefits and should be included in flood control policy and planning.

Learn more: petition for expanded use of natural infrastructure on the Mississippi River.

Natural Infrastructure on the Mississippi River refers to River system elements like wetlands and floodplains which act as 'safety valves' that take in floodwater, create wildlife habitat, and can help reduce the costs from flood damage.

Wetlands and Floodplains are most often connected to the main River channel and allow for sediment to settle and for the filtration of excess nutrients (like N, P) which are polluting the waters leading to hypoxic or dead zones.

The Mississippi River Network has launched a petition for the expanded use of natural infrastructure on the Mississippi River- click the button below:

 
 

Cypress backwaters in Missouri- floodplain and wetland habitat provides space for water during River flooding events. Photo credit Pixabay.

 
 

The Upper Mississippi River is #3 on American Rivers Most Endangered Rivers List. 

 
 

Upper Mississippi River #3 Most Endangered Rivers List

American Rivers has released 2019's 10 Most Endangered Rivers in America. This year, the Upper Mississippi (as it runs along Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri) is #3.

From American Rivers: "The Upper Mississippi River is vital to the nation’s economy and is a globally significant ecosystem. However, this iconic river is threatened by illegal raises to the levee system that cut the river off from more than 170,000 acres of floodplain, increasing flood risk for communities and degrading vital fish and wildlife habitat. In order to safeguard communities and restore river health, state and federal agencies must enforce laws that prohibit reckless raising of levees and prioritize use of natural and nature-based flood protection solutions". 

Learn more on floodplain laws and take action here.

 

Thanks for submitting your comments!

There is no doubt that together, we can do more. Thanks to all the River Citizens that submitted public comments on the proposed rule changes to the Clean Water Act. You all helped bring a loud voice for the River and Clean Water!

Here's a snapshot of advocacy efforts:

  • 306,832 comments were submitted online to the EPA
  • River Citizens1Mississippi 130+ comments submitted from
  • Tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of comments submitted other ways (like mail, pictured) from individuals and groups

Clean Water Action delivers more than 72,000 comments to EPA

 
 
 

Get out there! May River Events:

May 3rd- Celebration of the River with Friends of Pool 2 (MN)

  • FOP2 Celebration of the River with friends, food, speakers, River updates, and FREE boat bucket giveaway!. 5-8pm. More info- Friends of Pool 2 Event Invite

May 4th- Erase the Trace-trash bash in St. Louis, MO

May 11th- Community Canoe 1/2 day Trip in Clarksdale, MS.

April 18th- Paddle Fest in W. Alton, MO

 

River in the News:

 

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. If you enjoyed, consider forwarding this email on to a friend.

Our thoughts of safety and healing go out to all the people, land, and wildlife of the Mississippi River experiencing flooding disaster.

-Michael Anderson, 1Mississippi newsletter curator

 

 

Mississippi River Network
   
 info@1mississippi.org

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