Natural Flowing Rivers are Best
Illinois has a longer border with the Mississippi River than any other state. The Mississippi is one of the longest rivers in the world, and it is an essential part of our national heritage.
Problem: Man-made Navigation and Flood Control Projects
Our big rivers have suffered over a century of degradation due to human-caused environmental impacts. Much of this degradation is a result of the proliferation of river navigation infrastructure (e.g., locks and dams) and extensive use of levees at the hands of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the conversion of floodplain habitats to row-crop agriculture.
Solution: Restoring the Natural State of Big Rivers
Prairie Rivers Network addresses these problems by opposing destructive navigation projects and policies while promoting river and floodplain restoration. We work with partners to protect and restore the Upper Mississippi River by advocating for reforms to the navigation system. Key actions that we are working on include:
- Reform laws and policies governing levee districts and drainage districts to support floodplain reconnection and headwater stream restoration
- Educate the public and decision-makers about the benefits of natural river, wetland, and floodplain functions
- Advocate for the funding of restoration programs that establish healthy aquatic and riparian habitats along rivers and streams
- Assess social vulnerability related to flood risk management policy
River Health & Resiliency Priorities
Nature has...
A century...
