May Concludes the Annual Mighty Mississippi Clean-up Challenge

Each spring since 2022, District 1 Commissioner Linda Flanders challenges Minnesota counties along the Mississippi to unite in a friendly competition to see which county can collect the most trash from the river. Honorable mentions in this year's Challenge go to Beltrami, Winona, and Dakota County for their outstanding contributions. Congratulations to the 2025 champion, Hennepin County, which removed an astounding 20,500 pounds of trash from the river and surrounding watershed!

The Mississippi River continues to appear on the list of the most endangered rivers in the United States, facing serious threats from pollution and litter. Beginning in Minnesota, and flowing for nearly two thousand miles, the river is a lifeline for our economy, environment and overall well-being. The Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge seeks to address these concers and help get our river off the list!

Thank you to the countless volunteers in all counties who participated in this year's Challenge. Let’s keep the momentum going— please join us again in 2026!