[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.

                          ____________________