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Middle Blue River (Kansas City, Missouri)
Two thirds of the water in the Kansas City metropolitan area drains into the Blue River. The river enters Missouri, coming from a largely agricultural and exurban upper watershed in Kansas, flowing largely through tracts of park land dotted with small industries. The middle segment of the river corridor is affected by urban river issues, like:
- poor infill development
- sedimentation
- nutrient overload
- invasive species
- combined sewer overflows
- lack of public awareness
However, the Middle Blue River corridor is also rich with sustainable redevelopment and restoration potential. Throughout the middle reach, there are many organizations and volunteers working to create trails, restore native natural areas and revitalize neighborhoods and brownfields.
The Middle Blue River partnership is focusing on three areas:
- restoring riparian forests, upland habitats and wetlands
- connecting the river to the revitalization of brownfields and urban neighborhoods
- engaging the community to connect people to the river – especially river neighbors