River potential

The importance of the Mississippi River to the middle of the nation has existed since humans first settled here. The river was a source of food, water, trade goods and transportation. Now river tourism is seen as a market ready for expansion.

Already, says Dr. Ron Nassar of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the counties along the river from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico provide an enormous number of jobs related to river tourism. With better coordination of efforts to enhance wildlife watching, fishing, canoeing, biking and camping, the river could be a magnet.

Making the most of the Mississippi's potential seems like a great idea.