MPR: Changing Course: The Future of the Mississippi River

Life on a Towboat
Take a slideshow and audio tour with the crew of the Milton V. Roth as it heads south from Saint Paul.

Links
Resources and Web sites to learn more about the Mississippi River.

MPR Forum
Join an online discussionabout issues affecting the future of the Mississippi.

Credits:
News Editor: Bob Collins
Art: Ahree Lee
Sr. VP News: Bill Buzenberg

The U.S. Congress is about to decide whether to fund a massive expansion of the locks-and-dam system on the Mississippi River. For years, the debate has fueled the division between the river's navigation interests and environmentalists. Lately, however, the two factions have sought common ground; recognizing that the survival of the Mississippi River is critical to their interests.

In this Minnesota Public Radio project, learn more about the river and the people who work and live on it.

		The Whistleblower An Army Corps of Engineers economist blows the whistle on those who he says have fixed the numbers to justify a $1 billion construction project benefitting navigation interests on the river. Read \| Listen

		Environmentalists Seize Scandal's Opportunity Until the Corps' plan was tainted by scandal, their efforts were stymied. Now, environmental groups say they have a good shot at defeating it. Read \| Listen

		A Greener Corps? For most of its long history of building dams and straightening rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasn't had to worry much about endangered species. But that's changing. Read \| Listen

		One Man and a Wheelbarrow Each year, Chad Pegracke picks up hundreds of tons of trash along the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries. Read \| Listen

		The Sins of Pig's Eye The Pig's Eye Dump has leaked pollution into the Mississippi River since the 1950s. Now, Minnesota is finally moving to try to contain the problem. Read \| Listen

		Last Chance for the Higgins Eye? Biologists on the upper Mississippi River are making a last-ditch attempt to save a little-known endangered species: a small, mud-brown mussel known as the Higgins' Eye. Read \| Listen

		Small Victories Take Flight For the first time in 40 years, peregrine falcons are nesting and raising young on the cliffs along the upper Mississippi River. Read \| Listen

Made possible by a grant from the Blandin Foundation

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