On November 17, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the 1986 Water Resources Development Act through which Congress acknowledged the international importance of the river ecosystem and navigation system and enacted statutory authority and funding to pursue integrated, balanced management of the Upper Mississippi River.
We celebrate the tremendous success of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program established in the 1986 Water Resources Development Act. UMRR has matured into a highly effective federal state restoration program that provides significant return on the nation’s investment. With over 110,000 acres of new or improved fish and wildlife habitat, there is clear evidence that the program’s habitat restoration projects have improved the ecosystem, with clearer water, more vegetation, and increased fish and wildlife populations. Analysis of UMRR’s long term resource monitoring data has provided a much clearer understanding of the complex, dynamic relationships among various ecosystem components and watershed drivers.
We celebrate the strength of the regional collaboration among states, federal agencies, local governments, and nonprofit and private organizations who remain committed to working beyond their individual interests to pursue the best management approaches for all uses.
UMRBA will continue to foster collaboration, communication, and cooperative action to work productively and proactively in pursuing balanced management needed to meet the challenges of today and our future.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our predecessors who built the foundation on which we’re able to stand today.
