February’s forum speaker will be Olivia Dorothy with American Rivers.

In 2019, American Rivers listed the Upper Mississippi River as America’s third Most Endangered River© due to climate change and a series of unauthorized levee raises that threaten public safety and the environment. Half of the floodplain between the Quad Cities and St Louis has been disconnected, contributing to degradation of the Mississippi aquatic ecosystem and the decline of several species. Over the past decade, levee districts in this region have raised their levees without the requisite permits and approvals, avoiding the necessary mitigation for impacts flood stage, wetlands and threatened and endangered species. To address the flood-related issues on the Upper Mississippi River, the region needs to develop a holistic flood risk management plan that makes room for rivers and will guide decision-making throughout the basin. Other regions have developed similar plans that we can model locally, but more public engagement is needed to push leaders towards long-term solutions.

There are 2 chances to see Olivia’s presentation. Please RSVP to [email protected] and mention which forum you plan to attend.

Tuesday, Feb.18 from 12-1PM at the Davenport Public Library-Eastern Ave. Branch (6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA). Free to attend, $5 required for lunch.

Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 5-6PM at the Davenport Public Library-Fairmount St. Branch (3000 Fairmount St., Davenport, IA). Free to attend.