The Mississippi River directly supplies drinking water to almost 1 million people in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, Minnesota. Its water-rich basin is also important for agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, tourism and recreation, all key sectors of MinnesotaÕs economy. Right now, water in the basin is relatively clean and inexpensive. But in other parts of Minnesota, water quality in rivers and lakes is being degraded by nutrients and sediment as surrounding lands are converted to urban and agricultural uses. As a result, communities are struggling with higher water treatment costs. In the Crow Wing River in central Minnesota, for example, a recent study showed that even modest changes in land use can have profound effects on the amount of contaminants in the water that must be treated. In the study, a 4.5 percent increase in the acreage of agricultural lands increased nitrate levels in the river 19 percent. We know that forest-to-agricultural land conversion in the riverÕs upper basin is happening fast. Between 2008 and 2013, more than 260,000 acres of forest, wetland and grassland have been converted to agriculture, with the largest proportion of this occurring in critical water supply source areas. According to a 2008 study by the Trust for Public Lands, for every 10 percent decrease in forest cover in the source area, the cost of water treatment for communities increases by 20 percent. Who is TNC and TNCÕs Principles of Corporate Engagement The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, and helping make cities more sustainable with ambitious 2030 goals. Working in more than 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org. For more information on TNCÕs 2030 Goals, go here: https://tnc.box.com/s/bcuyuinrtbdbesovxy5fr51h22amr3tc TNCÕs Principles of Corporate Engagement All of TNCÕs corporate engagements must have conservation benefits with lasting, measurable outcomes, and a direct connection to our mission. Please review our Principles of Corporate Engagement, which all engagements must meet: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/working-with-companies/corporate-principles/