The Executive Committee of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) has announced the formation of the Mississippi River Foundation (MRF). The Foundation will be administered by the LMRCC and will help fund habitat restoration to benefit the natural and environmental resources of the Mississippi River.

The Mississippi River is one of the largest and most important ecosystems in the world,@ said LMRCC Chairman, Jim Wise. AMany people today are very quick to recognize environmental needs around the world. What we are doing through the Mississippi River Foundation is to say, don=t forget about the crown jewel of ecosystems that is right here in our own back yard.@

According to Wise, the Mississippi River is the Amain artery of life in North America.@ The Mississippi is the third longest river in the world and flows nearly 2,400 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly 40 percent of North America=s waterfowl and 60 percent of all bird species migrate along the Mississippi River. Also, more than 240 species of fish, 50 mammal species, 37 species of mussels and 45 reptile and amphibian species are found within the Mississippi River system.

Millions of people also depend upon the Mississippi River for drinking water, transportation, agriculture and recreation,@ said Wise. AThe Mississippi River is an elemental part of our life, our economy and our culture. We must recognize its importance and work together to restore and conserve this natural resource that impacts us all.

The Mississippi River Foundation is a membership-based organization whose mission is to promote and provide funding to facilitate the protection, restoration, enhancement, understanding, awareness and sustainable use of the natural and environmental resources of the Mississippi River.

The MRF will host a logo design contest which is open to the public. High school and college students are encouraged to participate. Design submissions must be post-marked by October 15, 1999. Information on specific contest rules and design guidelines are available through the Internet at www.MissRiverFoundation.org or by contacting the Mississippi River Foundation at 662-236-1794 or writing MRF Logo Contest, 503 Heritage Drive, Oxford, Mississippi 38655. All designed submissions are welcomed.