Why We Do What We Do
A cold and rainy day did not dampen the spirits of the 349 middle and high school students, and their associated volunteers, who attended the Missouri River Watershed School Festival on May 5, 2022. Nor did the winds of over 30 mph and rough waters keep around 60 volunteers from picking up over 1000 pounds of trash during the Missouri River Cleanup event on May 7. This year’s Lake Yankton Outdoor Festival is potentially going into the books as one of the best. As FOMNRR moves into the longer and warmer days of summer, it’s been a relief to be able to participate in these programs, which have been unavailable since Spring of 2019.
In addition to these recent events, FOMNRR’s many other accomplishments include the trails and signage for the Frost and North Alabama Trails near Vermillion, SD; a canoe/kayak access and overlook development at Niobrara State Park; access development and highway signage standardization within South Dakota and, hopefully, in Nebraska. We also continue to participate in planning efforts such as the US Army Corp of Engineers Master Plan for Lewis and Clark Lake, the Missouri Sedimentation Action Coalition Regional Sedimentation Action Plan, and the creation of bylaws, park rules, recommendations, and enhancements for Clay County Park in South Dakota. All of these past and current activities are examples of FOMNRR’s involvement for improving the quality of life along the Missouri National Recreational River.
And as we move forward, FOMNRR has a significant role to play in the Missouri National Recreational River’s future.
Potential projects include developing improved river access within Charles Mix County in South Dakota as well as outreach initiatives such as the Junior Ranger Academy for youth education and “Missouri River in the Classroom” for continuous education. We will also work with the Meridian Bridge Visitors Improvement Project in Nebraska and the Nebraska LB 406 (Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Special Committee).
These are accomplishments to be proud of, and there are even more opportunities ahead. None of this past or future work could happen without the dedication of FOMNRR members and donors who have supported our organization. FOMNRR is striving to get our message out to a wider, younger, and more diverse audience. The redevelopment of our website (www.fomnrr.org) by Heartland Internet Solutions of Yankton, SD, and our partnership for social media outreach with the Vermillion Chamber and Development Council, are ways FOMNRR will show a more active and approachable presence.
FOMNRR needs to grow in membership, resources, and expertise if we are to keep all of our efforts moving and sustainable. We encourage past, current, and potential members and businesses to go to our website and see if you share a common vision and mission. If you do, please support our organization, either through an active membership or a donation. One hundred percent of what FOMNRR receives supports the projects, activities, and educational opportunities described above.
