ABOUT BACK TO THE RIVER
Our Vision
& Goals
& Goals
VISION
The Missouri River corridor project will exemplify the best efforts of a partnership committed to balancing the needs of natural and human systems. The project will support and enhance conservation, economic development, recreation and education along the river which unites our urban and rural landscapes.
GOALS
The Goals of Back to the River reflect a comprehensive vision for the future of the Missouri River corridor. Individual Back to the River projects will address these goals to varying degrees, supporting the overall aim of developing a vital, sustainable regional community.
Back to the River supports creation and expansion of parks, recreation and opens space along the Missouri River, providing enhanced public access for a variety of outdoor activities and interests.
Back to the River encourages economic development opportunities which are compatible with natural ecosystems and the built environment within the Missouri River corridor.
Back to the River promotes the interpretation of historic places and events along the Missouri River.
Back to the River encourages projects which preserve, enhance, restore and create wetland and river habitat for native plants and wildlife.
Back to the River promotes informational and educational programs which provide learning opportunities for all ages to gain a greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Missouri River’s value.
Back to the River advocates actions to improve the water quality of the Missouri River, assuring a safe and attractive environment as well as a healthy and reliable source of drinking water.
Back to the River encourages balanced and appropriate use of the Missouri River floodplain, achieved through integrated structural and non-structural measures.
Board of
Directors
Directors
Chair
J. Robert Kerrey
President
Larry Foster
City of Council Bluffs, Iowa
Vice-President
Jim Becic
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
Treasurer
Karen Bluvas
At-large
Secretary
Mark Brohman, Executive Director,
Nebraska Environmental Trust
Frank Albrecht
Nebraska Game and Parks
Chris Hamblin
Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce
Cassie Seagren
City of Omaha, Nebraska
Pete Castellano
At-Large
Clare Duda
Douglas County, Nebraska
Gayle Malmquist
At-Large
Chris Shewchuk
City of Bellevue, Nebraska
Rodney Storm
City of Blair, Nebraska
Bruce Fountain
Sarpy County Board
Our Mission
Back to the River, Inc. seeks to enhance quality of life for citizens of the region by supporting the creation and expansion of parks, recreation and opens space along the Missouri River, as well as by:
- • Providing enhanced public access for a variety of outdoor activities and interests;
- • Encouraging economic development opportunities which are compatible with natural ecosystems and development within the Missouri River corridor;
- • Promoting the interpretation of historic places and events along the Missouri River;
- • Encouraging projects which preserve, enhance, restore and create wetland and river habitat for native plants and wildlife;
- • Promoting informational and educational programs which provide learning opportunities for all ages to gain a greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Missouri River’s value;
- • Advocating actions to improve the water quality of the Missouri River, assuring a safe and attractive environment as well as a healthy and reliable source of drinking water; and
- • Encouraging balanced and appropriate use of the Missouri River floodplain, achieved through integrated structural and non structural measures.
This objective is currently being achieved through comprehensive planning. Back to the River’s initial Comprehensive Plan, encompassing the 64 linear miles of the Missouri River in the project area from Mondamin, Iowa, in the north, to the mouth of the Platte River in the south, will serve as a guideline for the Board as well as outside developers.
Back to the River has commissioned a comprehensive trails plan and has assisted in the development of a pedestrian crossing study. These plans are far from static, and will be modified as opportunities to better the river environment present themselves.
Encompassing the 64 linear miles of the Missouri River in the project area from Mondamin, Iowa, in the North, to the mouth of the Platte River in the South.
