Photo courtesy of Gayle Harper
Hello, River Citizens!
Spring has sprung! For many, being cooped up for much of the winter inspires participation in a longstanding tradition: Spring cleaning! We spend hours cleaning windows until they sparkle, boxing up winter coats and decluttering basements and attics.
Photo courtesy of New Living Houston on flickr.com
For River Citizens, it’s also the time to dust off our fishing poles, boats and binoculars. Whether casting for catfish, kayaking on the River or one of its tributaries, or observing migratory waterfowl and other birds as they fly to their breeding grounds, this is an exciting time to connect with the River as it comes alive with warmer temperatures.
Photo courtesy of Eric Warner (River Citizen from La Crosse, W
This is also the time of year to spring into action to help clean up and protect the Mississippi River. We know how important it is for River Citizens to have a healthy Mississippi River that is drinkable, fishable and enjoyable for all of us and habitable for wildlife.
But, pollution from agricultural and urban runoff and factories, along with weak enforcement of protections, has caused our once mighty Mississippi to decline. Loss of the River’s wetlands and floodplains have left us more vulnerable than ever to severe weather, while the loss of these and other native habitats has added dozens of species to the endangered species list.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The least tern is endangered in much of its Lower Mississippi River range. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Understandably, it can feel overwhelming when thinking about all of the problems the River faces. But, 1 Mississippi is monitoring these problems and also how our elected officials are responding to them. In the coming months, we will keep you up-to-date through our monthly newsletter, action alerts and posts on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll provide you with simple things you can do, like signing a petition or attending a 1 Mississippi event, that can make a big difference for the River!
The Mississippi River is part of us and its health impacts us all. We’ll be calling on you to join the movement for clean water and a healthier Mississippi River.
Many thanks, River Citizens, for all that you do.
Your friend and fellow River Citizen,
Brooke
Why are you a River Citizen?
I live in Memphis, where (I have been told) we have the most beautiful view of the Mississippi River anywhere! I can’t disagree with that when I see the sunset over the river. It is truly beautiful! And with the recent opening of Big River Crossing, we have a new perspective on the river that I never thought possible. The river is awe-inspiring and majestic. I can understand why the first people to live near it called it the Great River.
Please Tell us why YOU
are a River Citizen!
Would you like a 1 Mississippi t-shirt and signed copy of Paul Schneider’s book,”Old Man River?” Simply email me at bthurau@bluestemcommunications.org to submit your testimonial.
