The Mighty Missouri. The Big Muddy. The Muddy Mo. In these parts, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know we are talking about the Missouri River.

Bismarck-Mandan is among several cities, including Pierre, S.D.; Omaha, Neb.; Kansas City, Mo.; and St. Louis, to have this marvelous river run through it. It is a blessing for all.

The Missouri River is the 15th longest in the world at 2,341 miles. It has close encounters of great importance to about 10 million people from 28 Native American tribes, 10 states and a small part of Canada.

It has significant historical magnitude and might be best known because of American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who journeyed the length of the river with the Corps of Discovery.

The Missouri River is simply a fabulous treasure.

So why do some area North Dakotans treat it like a garbage dump? And why do others use and abuse it without regard or respect for what it has been and what it is today and at the expense of others who are responsible in their recreational use of the river?

Our collective neglect has not gone unnoticed. We have only ourselves to blame this summer when we see an increased presence in law enforcement. The state has provided substantial financial support to "encourage" us to clean up our acts.

For sure, part of the problem has been increased interest and river traffic, causing congestion and other potential conflicts and public safety concerns. The problems have included irresponsible discarding of trash, unsafe watercraft operation and too much alcohol consumption.

This year's target area for remediation is from Double Ditch to the Fort Lincoln State Park. Officials will be monitoring river users and are urging good judgment, common sense and courtesy.

It's too bad it has come to this on our little section of the Missouri River. It would have been better for individuals to self-police themselves. But those who continue to abuse this treasure deserve the punishment they will receive.