Celebrating 30 years of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration project

Scientists talked of work done to clean river

A big celebration of the Mississippi River draws a crowd to La Crosse’s Riverside Park.

Folks representing government agencies and recreational groups attended a ceremony on Monday, marking the 30th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration project.

While many of the speeches were about the scientific effects of work to keep the river clean and vital, U.S. Geological Survey director Suzette Kimball also took notice of people enjoying the waterfront.

John Anfinson of the National Park Service said the Mississippi River has gone through four stages in its history. In the current, fourth stage, Americans are working to restore the river’s wildlife and eliminate pollution.

La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat was honorary host of the gathering.

After the ceremony in the park, guests took a dinner cruise on the river aboard a barge connected to the tugboat “Megan McB,” back at work after an accident at the Dresbach dam three years ago.