Friends of the Rum River

Press Release: Friends of the Rum River meeting at Bunker Hills June 14Friends of the Rum River is pleased to introduce our next speaker, Jim Cummings, who will be presenting on "The History of Lakes Ogechie and Mille Lacs at the Headwaters of the Rum River." This repeat performance, back by popular demand, was originally presented at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, where Jim is Chief Interpreter and Anthropologist. It will be held this coming Thursday, June 14 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Anoka County Park Bunker Hills Activity Center. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the activities and aspirations of Friends of the Rum River.The Bunker Hills Activity Center is located just south of Bunker Hills Blvd NW, north of Hwy 242, and between Foley Blvd and Jefferson Avenue. Call Anoka County Parks at 763-862-4970 for more detailed directions, or check their website online at www.anokacountyparks.com.

"Friends of the Rum River" was originally organized in Mille Lacs County to address sewage input concerns into the Rum River at Princeton. The group was reformed in January, 2006 in Cambridge with the assistance of original members. Its intent now is to draw interest of river enthusiasts throughout the 1552 square mile watershed (drainage basin) of this "wild and scenic" river, which includes Lake Mille Lacs and extends 145 miles south to the Mississippi River at Anoka, passing through 11 counties in the process.

Meetings are held every second month, rotating up and down the watershed. An eight page newsletter is also published bimonthly, "News from the Rum River Watershed," which addresses concerns up and down the watershed.For information on a group of folks who are currently organizing to research the history of the Rum River, contact Lyle Bradley at 763-421-1663.

For more information on organizing a meeting of "Friends of the Rum River" in your area or to receive the free email newsletter, contact Kriste at 612-309-5838, or RumRiverNews@yahoo.com. Copies of "News from the Rum River Watershed" may also be viewed on-line at www.millelacsswcd.org. Hardcopies are made available at schools, libraries, government centers, food co-ops and coffee shops.Mission of Friends of the Rum River:To provide a base of knowledge that we can use to make wise decisions concerning the Rum River watershed, and to preserve, enhance and enjoy its resources.

Vision Statement of FRR:To improve our ability to care for the Rum River watershed and all of the associated watersheds that make up the Mississippi River system.