College of Arts & Sciences Missouri River Institute

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Outreach

MRI Outreach Activities

A component of the MRI is to promote the understanding and interaction with the river. This is accomplished through interaction with students and the public and is supported by MRI as described below.

canoeing

Research Symposium

The MRI's Annual Research Symposium is a full day event consisting of presentations and posters by university, federal, state and local organizations where science, history and policy of the Missouri River are addressed. The symposium is attended by professionals, faculty, students and the public. A keynote speaker presents an evening lecture on a special topic.

MNRR Water Trail

The MRI is part of an effort to establish a formal Water Trail along the Missouri River from Gavin's Point Dam near Yankton, SD, to Sioux City, IA. This water trail will encompass the entire 59-mile segment of the Missouri National Recreational River, as well as an additional 20 river miles from Ponca, NE to Sioux City, IA. The 39-mile segment of the MNRR will be added to this water trail in the future.

A water trail planning group comprised of several federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations has been formed. This group is working on improving public access to the river, compiling float trip information, creating informational brochures and signs, and building an interactive website that can be used to plan float trips.

Missouri River Information Clearinghouse

  • Web-based system with interactive maps
  • Databases that can be queried online (e.g., water quality)
  • Downloadable GIS datasets
  • Link to real-time conditions

River Festivals

MRI faculty and students participate in various river festivals and events. This gives MRI an opportunity to educate and share information with a large number of K-12 students. The benefits of introducing students of this age to the Missouri River and issues facing it will be realized for generations to come.

 MRI outreach