Knowledge Flows Between Illinois and Mato GrassoThe Nature Conservancy and the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, have agreed to exchange information about the Illinois and Cuiabá rivers. These large-floodplain rivers — tributaries of the Mississippi and Pantanal, respectively — share ecological and economic similarities. Both are affected by intensive agricultural development. “Learning will flow in two directions,” said Michael Reuter, associate director of the Conservancy’s Illinois Chapter. The Cuiabá teaches us how a large-floodplain river system functions in its natural state, while the Illinois and Mississippi offer lessons about restoration and the costs of overdevelopment. - September 2001 |
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