[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 15, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7499-S7500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN ANFINSON

 Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great 
advocate for the Mississippi River. After a distinguished career of 
public service at the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park 
Service, Dr. John Anfinson will retire at the end of this month from 
his position as superintendent of Minnesota's Mississippi National 
River and Recreation Area.
  During my time as a board member for Friends of the Mississippi 
River, I saw firsthand Dr. Anfinson's tireless commitment to the river 
ecosystem. John has delighted in introducing people to the mighty 
Mississippi as it flows through the twin cities of Minneapolis and 
Saint Paul and sharing stories about the historic, economic, and 
cultural significance of America's great river.
  In each of his roles, from historian for the Saint Paul District of 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to chief of resource management and 
superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of 
the National Park Service, Dr. Anfinson has shared his love for the 
Mississippi with countless people in the Twin Cities and beyond.
  Dr. Anfinson has been a leader in protecting the river ecosystem from 
invasive species and has been instrumental in saving and repurposing 
the Fort Snelling Upper Post buildings,

[[Page S7500]]

which will soon come back to life as a new community, housing families 
and individuals. He and his work remind us of the cultural, commercial, 
and ecological importance of the river. It is fundamental to our very 
identities as Minnesotans.
  Through his work, Dr. Anfinson has educated countless Minnesotans 
about the unique cultural heritage of the Mississippi, and he has 
inspired the public to appreciate and take advantage of the treasures 
the river offers to our State and country. He has contributed to our 
understanding of the history of the river through his books, ``River of 
History'' and ``The River We Have Wrought.'' His impact will be felt as 
generations and generations of Americans have the opportunity to learn 
about the Mississippi enjoy all that it has to offer.
  As our climate changes and our State changes in countless other ways, 
it is vital that we prioritize good stewardship of the river. That 
means cleaning the waters. That means maintaining our river communities 
and the infrastructure--natural and manmade--necessary to protect them 
from flooding. We will be challenged to constantly envision, plan, and 
take action to make sure we have a Mississippi River worthy of the 
legacy we want to pass on to the next generation of Minnesotans. Dr. 
Anfinson and his work will continue to guide us for years to come.
  It is an honor to offer my sincerest congratulations to Dr. Anfinson 
on his retirement. Minnesota thanks him for his countless contributions 
to the environment and our treasured Mississippi River.

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