Congress recognizes two river anniversaries

This was a milestone year for both Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and the National Park we were created to protect — the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). So we were pleased and honored to be recognized recently by the U.S. House of Representatives. We are grateful to Minnesota Fourth District Congresswoman Betty McCollum who, taking note of the fact the FMR is celebrating its 20th anniversary and MNRRA is celebrating its 25th, read statements into the Congressional Record.

In the statement honoring FMRs 20th anniversary McCollum said Thanks to the tireless efforts of its staff, board and the hundreds of members and volunteers that support it, FMR is one of Minnesotas leading citizen organizations…Over the past two decades, FMR has nobly fought for the protection and improvement of the Mississippi River and watershed and their hard work deserves recognition.

In her statement on the 25th anniversary of the National Park, Congresswoman McCollum credited the late Congressman Bruce Vento who, she said provided the vision and legislative sponsorship that led to the creation of the park in 1988. The statement further notes that; This 72-mile park corridor winding northwest to southeast through the St. Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan area, crosses some of the most naturally, culturally, economically and nationally significant areas in the United States. It is the only national park dedicated exclusively to the Mississippi River.