From the sparkly water and cool pockets of shade to the animals of all shapes and sizes, there is something magical about our local creeks, streams, wetlands and rivers — big and small. There are mysteries below the surface that capture our imagination. These are places where exploration, learning and fun go hand in hand, places that stir up our desire to discover more about the world we live in and lull us into relaxation as we listen to the water ripple past.
The small rivers and streams where we splash around, peek under rocks and catch critters are the places where we make genuine memories with family and friends. These experiences are at the core of our collective history and would be forever lost if we failed to protect them.
Over 40 years ago, people stood up for their way of life and the health and safety of their families by demanding U.S. waters be kept safe from pollution. These demands led to the Clean Water Act. Since then, industry lobbyists and politicians have muddied the definition of which waters are protected. As a result, some rivers and streams flowing into the Mississippi River have been assaulted by industrial dumping, while others have become harder to protect. Without a clear definition of what is protected, 59% of our neighborhood streams and at least 20% of our wetlands are threatened.
Protect neighborhood waterways that make up the Mighty Mississippi
The EPA and the Army Corps have collaborated with all invested parties to clarify existing law and ensure clean water protections for streams and wetlands. If approved, this rule would clarify the types of waters protected by the Clean Water Act, greatly improving all of our nation’s waterways, including the Mississippi River.
As part of the official rulemaking process, River Citizens can insist that EPA and the Corps ensure protection for all streams and wetlands scientifically proven to have significant impacts on downstream waters. Smaller streams, creeks and wetlands help reduce flooding, supply drinking water and provide critical support and habitat for fish and wildlife in downstream waters. And, as any kid who grew up near a creek can attest, small streams provide access to adventures, exploration and wildlife; they truly are some of our most treasured—and accessible—places.
As always thank you for your attention and efforts to protect our greatest River,
Annette
1 Mississippi Outreach Coordinator
Trivia Question:
What year were the first water protections put in place in the United States? (Careful, I’m tricky!)
a. 1776
b. 1876
c. 1899
d. 1972