MRBI uses a small watershed approach to support the states’ reduction strategies. States within the Mississippi River Basin have developed nutrient reduction strategies to minimize the contributions of nitrogen and phosphorus to surface waters within the basin, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The overall goals of MRBI are to improve water quality, restore wetlands and enhance wildlife habitat while ensuring economic viability of agricultural lands. Launched in 2009, the 12-state MRBI uses several Farm Bill programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), to help landowners conserve America’s natural resources through voluntary conservation. Questions should be sent to the press release for more information. Public comments should be submitted through the Federal Register notice by April 7, 2023. Information gathered through the Federal Register notice will help inform NRCS efforts to identify and prioritize improvements to this initiative starting in fiscal year 2024. NRCS recently published a Federal Register notice to seek feedback on how best to target program benefits, quantify impact, and improve program delivery and outreach in the future. To address these water quality concerns and agricultural sources of nutrients and sediment, NRCS is working with farmers and conservation partners to implement conservation practices proven to improve the overall health of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River watershed not only provides drinking water, food, industry and recreation for millions of people, it also hosts the migratory flyway and home for more than 325 bird species.Įlevated nutrient levels in the Mississippi River flow downstream and are contributing to the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic (low-oxygen) zone. There’s something for everyone, in every season.Known as “America’s River,” the Mississippi River is North America’s largest river, flowing over 2,300 miles through America’s heartland to the Gulf of Mexico. And when you need a break, the main streets of historic river towns, often right along the river, offer the perfect stopping places to enjoy a meal, make a purchase from a unique shop, or stay overnight. With the river on one side and rugged bluffs on the other, the scenery is spectacular. The 52 miles of Highway 35 between Stoddard and Prairie du Chien are part of the 250-mile Wisconsin Great River Road, the state’s only designated National Scenic Byway. Whether you’re taking it all in from a motorcycle parked on the edge of a bluff, gazing from the seat of an antique car during a fall color tour, or observing from the deck of a boat out on the water, you won’t find a more diverse and thriving scene. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise.Īnd there is simply enjoying the view. And 40% of America’s ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl fly along the Mississippi River on their fall and spring migrations. The area has over 250 bald eagle nests and 15 colonies of herons and egrets. Over 300 species of birds, 51 species of mammals, and 119 species of fish can be found here. Interested in wildlife and natural resources? The Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a continuous stretch of river, wetlands and forests, offers unparalleled natural habitat. Between 75 and 80 trains pass by per day, to the delight of avid train spotters on area observation decks. And speaking of trains, active railways run the entire length of the Great River Road. One 15 barge tow can carry 787,000 bushels or 6,804,000 gallons-the equivalent of 870 large semis-and it’s as long as two 100-car trains. One barge can carry 52,500 bushels of grain or 453,000 gallons of fuel. Watch boats and barges lock through Lock and Dam #8 near Genoa or Lock and Dam #9 near Lynxville. Interested in commerce? There’s no better place to view commercial transportation than along the Mississippi River Valley. In the city, you can visit Villa Louis to experience how three generations of frontier entrepreneurs lived in the Victorian era. Just south of the city in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll see where Marquette and Joliet first saw the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers in 1673. Just across the river at Effigy Mounds National Monument, you’ll find burial mounds constructed by prehistoric peoples in the shapes of mammals, birds and reptiles. Interested in history? Visit Prairie du Chien, the oldest settlement on the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
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