|  | Fall greetings River Citizen! Do you get reflective around this time of year? There's something about fall harvests, bird migrations, and brisk mornings that just slows me down. I've been thinking about how River Citizens like you, took so many actions for our Mighty Mississippi this past summer. From record-breaking petition signatures leading to the introduction of the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative to River Days of Action which engaged more than 2,500 people at over 40 events coordinated by 59 organizations and community groups. Our team at the Mississippi River Network is humbled by you all. As Fall settles on our River and transformative times continue to surround us, I find comfort along familiar river banks. I'm reminded of the saying: you don't step into the same river twice. As River Citizens, I know you understand this. What does it mean to you, friend? -Michael Anderson, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Mississippi River Network |
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| | What is the MRRRI Act and why is it needed? |
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| The issues facing our River are major - extreme flooding and drought, habitat loss, and social and economic inequality to name a few. How these issues look for the people, land, water, and wildlife differs from region to region but are consistent along our River from the headwaters in Minnesota down to Louisiana's Gulf Coast. Thankfully, we can learn from the River how to act as 1 Mississippi. Together, we have the pieces to make the needed changes. The newly introduced Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative, or MRRRI Act, is a major piece in creating a healthier River for all. Our Policy Director, Maisah Khan, shares more about how the MRRRI Act would work and why it is needed in Mississippi River states like Missouri. |
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Quad Cities Continue the Plastic Pollution Initiative |
| "This new data provides important insights for communities all along the Mississippi River,” said Melvin Carter, Mayor of Saint Paul, MN. |
| This past Spring, many of you contributed to the nearly 70,000 litter items that were logged into the Marine Debris Tracker app as part of the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative. Last month, the Mayors of the Mississippi River (MRCTI), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, and the University of Georgia, released a critical report on the state of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River corridor. Recommendations and lessons learned are included in the report. The top items included cigarette butts, food wrappers, and beverage bottles. |
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| What's Next? Data Collection: October in the Quad Cities Along our Mississippi River, the cities of St. Paul, St. Louis, and Baton Rouge were the three pilot locations for citizen and community science data logging and cleanups. Now, the initiative is expanding with targeted data collection in the Quad Cities throughout the month of October.
Learn more here about how you can make a difference and help beat plastic pollution. |
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More Mississippi River Happenings |
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| May The River Be With You Podcast Jump on board the big muddy with your guide Mark "River" Peoples and feel the powerful, storied currents of the Mighty Mississippi River pull at your feet and open your imagination. "May The River Be With You" focuses on how the largest river in the U.S. influences and impacts our culture, from arts and education to ecology and commerce. In each episode, we discuss how the river affects us all in unexpected ways while also featuring music, poetry, tales, and myths inspired by the river itself. |
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| | World Rivers Day: Thank you River Citizens for your support A 'Big River' thanks to all who supported the people, land, water, and wildlife of our Mississippi River in September by donating to the Mississippi River Network and storm relief to various Louisiana-based organizations. Your support makes a difference. Thank you. |
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| | Make your voice heard at Gulf Hypoxia Task Force 2021 Public Meeting All are welcome and no experience is required to take this advocacy action. We will let you know when details are posted but we anticipate the meeting occurring late fall and virtually. The Gulf Hypoxia Task Force is a group of agencies tasked with coordinating nutrient pollution management. Our policy director, Maisah, is building a group of interested folks right now. Email mkhan@1mississippi.org to join the group and get ready to make a difference! |
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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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