Mississippi River News & Updates

Ranger on Call Launched!

Fri, 26 August 2011 02:21:59 -0500

We're very happy to introduce to you a new program we've been working on called Ranger on Call! Ranger on Call is your guide to exploring some of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area's most special places. The guide features a series of twenty stops designed to expand your knowledge of the Mississippi River and provoke exploration. Listen to stories from all along the 72-mile corridor of our national park online, via podcast or by visiting the sites in person and dialing 1-877-727-1172 (toll free) for the cell phone tour.

Make Minnesota Farmwise a Success!

Fri, 26 August 2011 01:21:59 -0500

The MN Idea Open is a grant-making competition focused on creative ideas to solve water issues in Minnesota. Our idea is the Minnesota FarmWise program. This program will partner experienced water-friendly farmers with participating farmers to expand farmer-to-farmer education about water-friendly practice good for production goals and environmental goals. Join us in making the Minnesota FarmWise program a success by voting for our proposal.

North Mississippi Regional Park Heron Rookery Destroyed

Wed, 25 May 2011 09:21:59 -0500

The same storm system that devastated communities in north Minneapolis heavily damaged the popular heron rookery in North Mississippi Regional Park this past weekend. As many as 180 herons were killed and approximately 36 nests destroyed by the storm. National Park Service staff members worked with a recovery team to extract wounded herons from the island and survey damages left by the storm. See links for additional coverage.

Public Open House for Mississippi River Cleanup Plan

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 15:04:41 -0500

The National Park Service and Friends of the Mississippi River are co-hosting a public open house on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's recently released clean-up plan. The event will be held Wednesday, May 4th, from 3:30-7:30p.m. at the Merriam Park Library in St. Paul.

Volunteers Build Canoes for Canoe Adventures

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:28:41 -0500

Visit the NorthWest Canoe Company during a volunteer work time and you will hear the rhythmic sound of sanding and scraping punctuated by bursts of conversation and laughing. Volunteers with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area are building three voyager style canoes for use in the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures programs.

New Junior Ranger Newsletter

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:42:54 -0600

Looking for fun river-related program, events and news? Subscribe to the Junior Ranger Newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest Junior Ranger information!

Asian Carp Response Plan

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 10:22:07 -0600

Individual carp have been found in the Mississippi River as far north as Lake Pepin and Lake St. Croix, but no reproducing populations have been found in Minnesota. Because of their potential to disrupt the ecosystems of rivers and lakes, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is working on a plan to stop them as far down stream as possible.

Coon Rapids Regional Dam Commission Report (PDF)

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 10:45:50 -0600

The Coon Rapids Regional Dam (CRRD) Commission has published its recommendations regarding future options for Coon Rapids Dam. The commission was established by the 2010 Minnesota legislature and included community representatives, elected officials and representatives from federal, state and local agencies. The Park Service participated in the discussions as a non-voting member. Our comments are included as part of the full report.