River Citizen,

Greetings from Minnesota, the River's headwater state, and place of continued Indigenous-led resistance to the construction of a replacement tar sands oil pipeline, Line 3. (Learn more from RISE Coalition regarding Line 3 and its threats to the people, land, water, and wildlife).

Meanwhile, our downstream neighbors at Louisiana's Gulf Coast are recovering from yet another deadly and devastating hurricane. As I write this, the death toll has risen to six and power is still out for nearly 1 million homes while flooding continues to complicate rescue efforts. Mississippi River Network member, Healthy Gulf, has compiled a Hurrican Ida relief list containing cited needs from frontline communities and organizations on the ground.

If there's a takeaway I am learning from years of layered catastrophes and forceful currents of change, it is that hope and restoration flourish on rolled-up sleeves working together. We must continue to overcome that which divides us. Like our treasured River, we reach our grandeur by uniting as 1 Mississippi.

In solidarity,

Michael Anderson, Mississippi River Network

This week, an order from the U.S. District Court in Arizona brought an end to the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” (NWPR). This Rule removed Clean Water Act protections from a large number of wetlands and streams that were covered under the Act’s definition of “Waters of the U.S.” 

This is a big win and a positive step forward for the people, land, water, and wildlife.

It’s time for a new vision

Now, we have a great opportunity to do something different. Let’s break this cycle of the same headlines year after year. The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (or MRRRI) is one new tool we can support right now. Matt Rota of Healthy Gulf in Louisiana recently shared that, “this legislation would create a Federal office focused on the health of the Mississippi and would include significant funds dedicated to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that feeds the Dead Zone”.

The MRRRI Act, or H.R. 4202, was introduced by Congresswoman Betty McCollum earlier this summer. Take action to support a new vision for the Mississippi River now by emailing or calling your congressperson (don't worry, it's easy to take action!).

The Stranded Ones by Mark River Peoples

If you've had the privilege of canoeing the Lower Mississippi River with Mark 'River' Peoples (Quapaw Canoe Company), then you know that River carries the soul of the Mississippi is all that he does. After a month of safely guiding Summer Camp youth from all walks of life, River offers his reflections. Enter into 'River Time' with Mark River's most recent blog - The Stranded Ones.

Help Us Flow Support to the Mississippi for World Rivers Day

To celebrate World Rivers Day on September 26, we are paying tribute to the Mighty Mississippi, the longest river in North America, and the fourth-longest in the world. Help us raise $2,500 to help the Mississippi River Network advance our mission of a healthy River for the people, land, water, and wildlife through our advocacy work and our 1 Mississippi program. Donate by September 26, and a generous donor will match total donations up to $2,500! It’s a fantastic opportunity to flow your support to the River, and make your donation count in a significant way.  

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!

September 18th Event: Mississippi Earthtones Festival

The Sierra Club Illinois' Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street invite you to the 15th annual Mississippi Earthones Festival Saturday, September 18th from 12:00 to 10:00 pm. Join fellow community members in celebration of the Mississippi River through art, music, and conservation. 

October 4th Event: Should you drink that? 

Attend the League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region's virtual October 4th event and learn more about how PFAS (often known as 'Forever Chemicals') have become such a big part of our lives and what we know about how they affect our health. Register here for this free webinar.