The LTRM element is one of two components of the federally mandated Upper Mississippi River Restoration - Environmental Management Program. A cooperative program between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

The mission of the Long Term Resource Monitoring element is to support decision makers with the information and understanding needed to maintain the Upper Mississippi River System as a viable multiple-use river ecosystem.

The LTRM short term goals are:

• Develop a better understanding of the Upper Mississippi River System and its resource problems.
• Monitor resource change.
• Develop alternatives to better manage the Upper Mississippi River System.
• Provide for proper management of program information.