The Nature Conservancy's big idea to protect the upper Upper Mississippi - talk by Matt Gladue on June 1

The upper Upper Mississippi  is that part of the Mississippi that starts at the Headwaters and flows to the Twin Cities.  Water quality in the upper Upper Mississippi River is very good.  The river, especially in the furthest north reaches, is protected by extensive forests and wetlands.  But threats to this river are growing - threats from land conversion and development.  The river is in danger of becoming polluted, like the Minnesota, which would endanger the water supply of millions of Minnesotans as well as damage this invaluable natural resource.

Matt Gladue's talk at the Annual Meeting engaged the audience in understanding the value of the upper Upper Mississippi - in the heart and soul of Minnesotans, as the source of drinking water for millions, and as an invaluable natural resource for wildlife and recreation.  The threats to the river are many, but it is within the power of Minnesotans to make a changes that will save the river.  

The Nature Conservancy has a big idea for saving the river.  They have identified critical conservation lands, about 2% of the land in the watershed, that if protected from development or restored to forest will help to protect the river.  Matt talked about this project, and that The Nature Conservancy is working on doing grass-roots organizing to develop public support.  They are also seeking organizations to partner with them in this effort.  To learn more about TNC's big idea, click here.

The videos below are broken up in part because Matt provided discussion periods during his talk and in part due to technical difficulties that resulted in small gaps.