Goodhue County was honored with the 2024 County Conservation Award for their participation in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge. Initiated by Commissioner Linda Flanders in 2022, the campaign aims to address trash along the Mississippi River. The first event in 2022 saw 60 volunteers collecting 30 bags of garbage. In 2023, the event expanded to three counties, Dakota, Anoka, and Ramsey, with 313 volunteers collecting 174 bags and over 2,300 pounds of waste. The 2024 event involved 825 volunteers from Dakota, Ramsey, and Hennepin counties gathering 14,950 pounds of garbage. The Association of Minnesota Counties praised the collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of grassroots action in protecting the river. Goodhue County sees this recognition as a significant achievement and plans to continue the campaign in 2025, urging other governments to join in the initiative. The Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge showcases the power of local governments working together to preserve the environment and make a positive impact. Goodhue County’s dedication to conservation and community involvement has set a positive example for others to follow. The County Conservation Award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the cleanup efforts.
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