River Guardians made a splash advocating for the river in 2023

Thank you, River Guardians! 2023 was a huge year for river advocacy, and we have you to thank for it. 

Setting records and expanding opportunities

Our River Guardians base continues to grow, and with it, so does our capacity to advocate more for the river.

In 2023, River Guardians sent over 2,900 messages to nearly 200 decision-makers. River Guardians also set a record for FMR's most signed petition ever, with over 1,000 signatures calling for action on invasive carp. Thank you!

Not only did you take action by sending messages to decision-makers, you also participated in hearings, constituent meetings with legislators and other advocacy events that showed your love and support for the Mississippi River. Together, our actions are powerful. Like one of you said, what we do for the river shapes our present and our future:

Thanks to your support and enthusiasm, we've been able to provide more and more opportunities to show up for the river in different ways. We shared dinner and toured Ford Area C, drank coffee and made valentines for legislators during the legislative session and sipped hot cider on an urban river nature walk.

Take a look at the slideshow below for some of the highlights of the year.

FMR’s legislative priorities were also very successful this past session, which wouldn't have been possible without our River Guardians’ help. From securing $1 million to study the cutoff wall to supporting funding for Forever Green and clean-water crops, River Guardians made a major impact, ensuring FMR’s policy priorities advanced. Read more about how river issues fared last session.

Looking ahead to 2024

2024 will bring many more chances to advocate for the river and participate in events with FMR.

We're excited to announce that we'll be starting an advocacy event series that will span the length of the legislative session so you can learn more about our different policy priorities.

We'll kick off this series with a focus on invasive carp. To find out how we’re working to address invasive carp spread in Minnesota, sign up now for a community action meeting near you or sign up for our virtual option.

Once the legislative session starts in February, we’ll host our second annual Valentine’s Day event to introduce FMR’s legislative priorities and make valentines for the river to send to legislators. This will also be a chance to check out FMR’s new office. Stay tuned for more details soon.

As the session progresses, we’ll have more opportunities to engage and learn more about the different issues FMR is working on. I’ll be sure to keep River Guardians updated as these events approach. 

Thanks again for an impactful 2023

Once more, thank you for your continued support and advocacy for the Mississippi River. We look forward to making even more progress in protecting the river in 2024.