Protect Minnesota's Rivers
Minnesota's rivers should be state treasures. But runoff from industrial agriculture threatens our rivers with algae blooms, harms fish and other wildlife and causes dead zones. The state of Minnesota can prevent excessive runoff pollution and protect our rivers by establishing and enforcing science-based pollution standards for farming operations, but big agribusiness and their political allies stand in the way. To stop runoff pollution to our waterways, we need to show massive public support for our rivers.
Agricultural runoff threatens our rivers
Industrial agriculture is causing serious problems for our waterways. Chemical fertilizer, manure and other substances from agricultural land are allowed to flow into our streams and rivers, causing out-of-control algae growth, threatening fish and other aquatic life, and making our waterways unsafe for fishing and swimming.
At stake: the health of our rivers and streams
Minnesota has beautiful waterways across the state — from mighty and scenic rivers like the St. Croix and Mississippi to precious streams that meander through our backyards. But these rivers and streams are at risk of becoming polluted and unsafe — places to avoid rather than enjoy.
We're asking the governor to take simple, straightforward action to preserve our rivers: set and enforce science-based standards for runoff pollution and hold big agribusiness accountable.
Minnesota's mighty rivers need our help
Our rivers are part of what makes Minnesota great. However, these rivers face increasing degradation at the hands of big agribusiness. The Mississippi River, which originates her in Itasca State Park, gets more and more polluted as it flows through Minnesota and the agricultural lands of the Midwest. When the river meets the Gulf of Mexico, excessive nutrients, mostly from agricultural runoff, cause a dead zone the size of New Jersey.
Minnesota needs to take steps to address this runoff. We need to set science-based limits for the pollutants that flow from farm operations into rivers and streams, and we need to hold polluters accountable. Unfortunately, big agribusiness has an incredible amount of political influence, which it uses to remain largely exempt from water quality standards.
Together, we can win
Public support makes it possible for our staff to conduct research, make our case to the media, testify in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., and persuade our leaders to make the right choices for our environment. By taking action online, you can help protect Minnesota's rivers.
Tell Gov. Mark Dayton to take action to protect our rivers from agricultural runoff pollution.
Key Facts
- Agricultural runoff can cause out-of-control algae growth, clogging our rivers and harming fish and other wildlife.
- The United States Geological Survey found that more than 70 percent of the nitrogen in the Mississippi River Basin comes from agricultural runoff.
- Big agribusiness spends millions of dollars lobbying in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. Your support can help us overcome their influence and preserve our waterways.