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The Significance of the Natural Resources of the Upper Mississippi River System

About half of the 30 million residents of the watershed rely on the water from the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries for municipal and industrial water supplies.  It provides for over $6.6 billion dollars in revenue annually from some 12,000,000 visitor-days of use by people that hunt, fish, boat, sightsee or otherwise visit the river, its magnificent bluffs and communities.  Recreation and tourism employ 143,000 people in the corridor.  It is a migratory flyway for 40% of all North American waterfowl.  It is a globally important flyway for 326 bird species (60% of all species in North America).  At least 260 fish species have been reported in the basin (25% of all fish species in North America).  The river is habitat for 37 species of fresh-watermussels.  The river corridor is habitat for 45 amphibian and reptile species and 50 mammal species.  It is critical habitat for 286 state-listed or candidate species and 36 federal-listed or candidate species of rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals endemic to the Upper Mississippi River Basin.  It provides the important, but intangible, benefit of over 1,300 river miles of diverse natural, rural and urban open space for human exploration, experiential education, spiritual renewal and aesthetic enjoyment.  It is a 2.5 million acre large river floodplain  for us to use, understand and appreciate. It is a place for this and future generations to learn how to restore and maintain a “living river” in the face of a global human population that will grow by 1 billion people in the next 12 years.
From the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee
 
 
 
 
GOALS

 
*Build a strong community member base


*Establish and maintain a strong donation program


*Develop a web-page and strong Internet presence (user friendly)


*Hold monthly meetings to build membership and fulfill mission statement


*Provide resources to governmental agencies charged with maintenance and     improvement of the river and surrounding habitat


*Develop a working relationship with the media


*Develop relationships with decision makers regarding refuge funding and policy


*Develop K-12 and adult educational programs to increase awareness of refuge habitat


*Help to provide information about refuge events and resources available to the public


*Establish a regular communication with members


*Develop merchandise sales to promote the mission of Mississippi River Wild and provide funding for refuge activities.