The Missouri River Joint Water Board (MRJWB) will presents a series of public meetings on “The Importance of the Missouri River,” including a meeting in Minot on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The Missouri River is an essential water resource in North Dakota, used for hydropower generation, irrigation, drinking water supply and recreation.

The MRJWB’s mission is to bring the Missouri River political entities into a partnership to develop and implement solutions to water resources problems and issues within the Missouri River corridor.

The public meetings are presented as part of the MRJWB’s Educate, Advocate, and Engage (EAE) program. The program is designed to educate the general public and policymakers about the concerns of the users of North Dakota with the Missouri River system; advocate these concerns in clear and concise communications to state and federal leaders and regulatory agencies; and engage with all the interests in the state, all the users and those who rely on or enjoy the benefits of the river system, so their inputs and voices are heard in how the system is managed.

The series kicks off Monday, Sept. 23, in Dickinson and in Williston, where a meeting will be held at the Western Area Water Supply Authority at 7 p.m.

Meetings will be held on Sept. 24 at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, Santee Room, in New Town from 1-3 p.m. and in council chambers in Minot City Hall from 7-8:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 meetings will be held in Beulah and Washburn, and Sept. 26 meetings are scheduled for Mandan and Killdeer.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate.