The Living River:
Communities, Watersheds & the Future of the Mississippi
Featuring Watershed Conservationist:
Barry W. Drazkowski
This dynamic presentation provided a comprehensive look at the urgent environmental challenges facing the Upper Mississippi and how regional action can secure its future.
On September 22, Watershed Talks hosted The Living River: Communities, Watersheds & the Future of the Mississippi, featuring longtime conservationist and river advocate Barry W. Drazkowski. Drazkowski delivered an extraordinary overview of the river's history, demonstrating why healthy policies must look beyond local floodplains to connect with the entire watershed. He highlighted the critical work of the Izaak Walton League across Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and examined forward-thinking initiatives like the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI).
The session provided attendees with an eye-opening look at the severe environmental challenges facing the river—including habitat degradation from sedimentation and the toxic impact of agricultural chemicals on water quality—while inspiring communities to become active, informed citizens in preserving the river's ancient floodplain.
About the Speaker
Barry W. Drazkowski is an environmental leader and land steward based in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, drawing on decades of professional expertise with the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Barry W. Drazkowski is an environmental leader and land steward based in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, drawing on decades of professional expertise with the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.