The Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River started in 1990 due to increase interest in the Minnesota River. The CCMR works with small groups to large businesses to educate them on how to clean the Minnesota River effectively. This process includes lectures and pamphlets that spark ideas and emotion that this problem effects them. The main purpose to the CCMR is to prove that even a child of five or six need not think they are incapable of service, but to show them logical and effective ways to help.
             These programs show people the problems with the river through sight, touch, smell, and if so brave, taste. When a group like 4H or Boy Scouts asks the CCMR to assist them in their cleaning process, the CCMR will find an effective role they can play. Small children can carry out the storm drain awareness program. The program stencils the drain cover with simple messages, like NO WASTE. This program works because it keeps environmentally friendly people, environmentally friendly. A simple reminder will, and can help. Another task that is simple and makes people see, touch, and smell the problem is the river bank cleanup program. This program gives the children or adults hands on feeling, that they are doing something. For more adult groups, water clarity monitoring will help research for other groups, and information will be stored at the Minnesota River Data Center.
             Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River works with the local government as well as lobbing federal government. Their everlasting battle for the Minnesota River has educated locals to realize what the river can do for them. In the words of the CCMR, "We seek to educate, inform, persuade and entertain in a way that allows others to unleash their own talents and creativity to help the river." The final goal is to have a wildlife area that is protected against pollution and abuse. Imagine an area similar to the Boundary Waters surrounding the river, th...