The Mississippi River: A National Treasure
The Mississippi River is truly America’s River – a critical source of drinking water for 20 million people, a diverse habitat for wildlife, the backbone of our economy, and a rich part of our heritage. Like the bald eagles that live along its banks, the River is a national treasure.
Vast River tributaries connect people in 32 states to the Mississippi River region. Through these connections, we share personal stories and celebrate American culture. The River unites us, and we rely on it more than most of us realize. Though we live in all 50 states, we are, without a doubt, one nation and 1 Mississippi.
We count on the River, but can the River count on us?
Today, our great River is in trouble. Pollution from agriculture, urban runoff and factories, along with weak enforcement of regulations, 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. The River is a part of us and its poor health impacts us all.
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We are 1 Mississippi – Together we are protecting the River for future generations
The River is an orphan. As it winds its way from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, no one state or institution is charged with its management and protection. River Citizens want to change that. We speak up for the River and work to protect it. Together with the support of over 70 Mississippi River Network organizations, we will protect the River by asking decision-makers to:
Make the Mississippi River a national priority.
20 million people depend on the Mississippi for drinking water, and 12 million people live in communities bordering the River. We need decision-makers to create policies that lead to an environmentally and economically sustainable River.
Create and fund programs supporting River-friendly farming practices
Fertilizer runoff into the Mississippi River can make it unsafe for people and wildlife. Regulations and programs, such as some of those found in the Farm Bill, offer support to farmers who rotate crops, plant buffers, and take other actions to protect our water quality.
Make the Mississippi River a national priority.
20 million people depend on the Mississippi for drinking water, and 12 million people live in communities bordering the River. We need decision-makers to create policies that lead to an environmentally and economically sustainable River.
Update flood protection guidelines and policies to encourage natural or green infrastructure when appropriate
Nature can often manage flooding better than steel and concrete. Wetlands and floodplains act like giant sponges that absorb heavy rains. These methods effectively protect River residents from floods; their creation and management are far more economical than other methods and save precious tax dollars.
River Citizens – People the River Can Count On!
1 Mississippi brings people and organizations together to clean up and protect America’s greatest River. The first step is to become a River Citizen. River Citizens are the guardians and caretakers of the River; they are people the River can count on. Each day, whether in armchairs or wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a big difference. Join us and become a River Citizen today.
Step 1
Become a River Citizen
Yes! The River can count on me!
I am committed to protecting the Mississippi River. Please keep me informed about actions I can take to protect the Mississippi River as a River Citizen, and send me my free e-book!, Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi!
Step 2
LEARN ABOUT THE RIVER
We protect what we know and love. As a River Citizen, you’ll receive our email newsletter and updates, which offer countless ways to engage with and learn more about the River. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) , and YouTube, where we share about urgent issues facing the River, such as nutrient pollution, the importance of floodplains and wetlands, and bedrock legislation such as Farm Bill Conservation Programs.
Step 3
Take Action
There are many ways you can jump in and take action for a healthy Mississippi River. Our 10 actions list includes simple steps you can take at any time and wherever you are. Check out our action center for current action alerts, bigger projects we are working on, and ways to get involved.