Floor SpeechCeremonial2023-09-26

HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY

EnvironmentTrade

Context

On 2023-09-26, Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered trade policy.

Full Text

HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E885] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the vital work of the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on the 30th anniversary of its founding. Founded in 1993 to be ``a voice for the river,'' this nonprofit organization has grown to more than 2,500 members and countless volunteers. These dedicated guardians and the nearly two dozen staff are committed to protecting the health of America's greatest river as well as its creatures and the communities that live along its banks and rely upon its waters. Founded in 1993 by Peter Gove, attorney George Dunn, former Mississippi National River & Recreation Area superintendent John Anfinson, and river boat dispatcher Hokan Miller, FMR started with a mission to engage the public to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities region. Whitney Clark joined the organization as Executive Director in 1997, quickly growing the organization and expanding its mission from community stewardship projects to include legislative advocacy concerning the entire length of the Mississippi river beyond Minnesota. The Mississippi River is one of our nation's most important natural resources, cherished each year by millions of residents and visitors alike. As one of the world's longest rivers, the Mississippi is a defining geographic feature of North America with a watershed that drains all or parts of 31 states and provides drinking water for 20 million Americans. The river's ecosystem is a natural resource of global significance, with nearly half of North America's ducks, geese and swans relying on the Mississippi River for food, direction, and resting places during seasonal migrations. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its staff, board and the hundreds of members and volunteers that support it, FMR is one of Minnesota's leading nonprofit citizen organizations for land conservation, watershed protection and river stewardship. As the ecological vitality of the Upper Mississippi River continues to be under threat, FMR faces the important task of protecting the river's ability to support native plant and animal species. FMR provides expertise and technical assistance critical to the protection of the Mississippi River and they engage public and private landowners, local governments and concerned citizens as stewards of the river for current and future generations. Now, FMR continues to lead efforts critical to the long-term wellbeing of the entire Mississippi River as a vital partner in supporting the Mississippi River Resilience and Restoration Initiative, which will create a comprehensive federal strategy to coordinate efforts on conservation and environmental restoration along the entire river corridor. FMR's years of advocacy have helped to make the Twin Cities a model for watershed planning and decision-making. Today, FMR's advocacy extends well beyond Minnesota to the entirety of the river, from the northernmost headwaters in Lake Itasca to the Mississippi Delta. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and dedication of the many members, volunteers, and staff of Friends of the Mississippi River as they commemorate their 30th anniversary. May Friends of the Mississippi River continue its mission to restore and protect this river for future generations of Minnesotans and indeed all Americans. ____________________

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HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E885] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the vital work of the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on the 30th anniversary of its founding. Founded in 1993 to be ``a voice for the river,'' this nonprofit organization has grown to more than 2,500 members and countless volunteers. These dedicated guardians and the nearly two dozen staff are committed to protecting the health of America's greatest river as well as its creatures and the communities that live along its banks and rely upon its waters. Founded in 1993 by Peter Gove, attorney George Dunn, former Mississippi National River & Recreation Area superintendent John Anfinson, and river boat dispatcher Hokan Miller, FMR started with a mission to engage the public to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities region. Whitney Clark joined the organization as Executive Director in 1997, quickly growing the organization and expanding its mission from community stewardship projects to include legislative advocacy concerning the entire length of the Mississippi river beyond Minnesota. The Mississippi River is one of our nation's most important natural resources, cherished each year by millions of residents and visitors alike. As one of the world's longest rivers, the Mississippi is a defining geographic feature of North America with a watershed that drains all or parts of 31 states and provides drinking water for 20 million Americans. The river's ecosystem is a natural resource of global significance, with nearly half of North America's ducks, geese and swans relying on the Mississippi River for food, direction, and resting places during seasonal migrations. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its staff, board and the hundreds of members and volunteers that support it, FMR is one of Minnesota's leading nonprofit citizen organizations for land conservation, watershed protection and river stewardship. As the ecological vitality of the Upper Mississippi River continues to be under threat, FMR faces the important task of protecting the river's ability to support native plant and animal species. FMR provides expertise and technical assistance critical to the protection of the Mississippi River and they engage public and private landowners, local governments and concerned citizens as stewards of the river for current and future generations. Now, FMR continues to lead efforts critical to the long-term wellbeing of the entire Mississippi River as a vital partner in supporting the Mississippi River Resilience and Restoration Initiative, which will create a comprehensive federal strategy to coordinate efforts on conservation and environmental restoration along the entire river corridor. FMR's years of advocacy have helped to make the Twin Cities a model for watershed planning and decision-making. Today, FMR's advocacy extends well beyond Minnesota to the entirety of the river, from the northernmost headwaters in Lake Itasca to the Mississippi Delta. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and dedication of the many members, volunteers, and staff of Friends of the Mississippi River as they commemorate their 30th anniversary. May Friends of the Mississippi River continue its mission to restore and protect this river for future generations of Minnesotans and indeed all Americans. ____________________