|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
| FMR Friends of the Mississippi River |
|
| Our Mission | Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) advocates a new vision for the Mississippi, especially the river and its watershed in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Through active leadership and education, FMR seeks to preserve and restore the river's fish and wildlife, its vital floodplains and scenic bluffs, its natural and cultural treasures, its beauty and its romance. |
 |
| Our Vision |
We envision a river on which small boats are safe and welcome, to which we have clear and easy access and in which we can safely swim and fish. We envision a river that is cleaner, healthier, more alive and more inviting, a river no one can ignore or take for granted. |
|
| Our Organization |
With nearly 1,000 members, 16 active board members, and 8 full-time staff, Friends of the Mississippi River is a leading citizen organization working to protect and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Our three-fold approach to our mission embraces the goals of improving water quality, protecting riverfront land, and cultivating a "Sense of Place" by introducing people to the river through a variety of educational, recreational, and volunteer events. In 2001, our river stewardship programs engaged over 3,000 volunteers in hands-on activities that improve the health of the Mississippi River. Addtional details about our program work are available thoughout this site, and funder and financial information can be found in our 2000-2001 Annual Report (pdf format - 1.0 Megabytes). Friends of the Mississippi River is recognized as a charitable 501(c)3 organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and is incorporated and registered as a charity in the State of Minnesota. FMR has been reviewed by the Charities Review Council of Minnesota and their review is available for public viewing at their web site |
|
| The Mighty Mississippi River |
The Mississippi River is one of the world's great rivers. It is the defining geographic feature of the mid-continent, draining all or parts of 31 states and two Canadian provinces. The Upper Mississippi River is considered a natural resource of global significance. It is a flyway for neotropical songbirds and is used by up to 40% of North America's ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. Here in the Twin Cities, the Mississippi provides recreational opportunities for millions of people. Its numerous riverside parks and trails are used for hiking, biking, fishing and bird watching. The majority of Twin Cities residents consider the river essential to their quality of life. Unfortunately, the Upper Mississippi River is losing much of its ecological vitality - the very qualities that make it such an important part of our communities. Water quality is impaired in 82% of the river from the headwaters to Iowa's Quad Cities. Fish may be eaten without restriction from only 15% of Upper Mississippi waters. Poor water quality and loss of habitat due to development are limiting the river's ability to support life. As habitat is destroyed, plant and animal species are declining dramatically. The American Peregrine Falcon, the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel and the Iowa Pleistocene Snail have all declined to near extinction. Protecting the Mississippi's environment and increasing the public's access to and appreciation of the river requires your involvement. To find out how you can help, contact Friends of the Mississippi River. |
|
|
|