Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA)

The MRCCA program provides land use planning and zoning regulations for the 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River.   The MRCCA became a state critical area in 1976 to protect its natural, cultural, and scenic resources. 

The MRCCA has residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses.  It also includes river-related industry and transportation. Though the river corridor is developed, many intact and natural areas remain, including:

  • Bluffs
  • Islands
  • Floodplains
  • Wetlands
  • Riparian zones
  • Native aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna

More information on the MRRCA program and it's purpose, go to the DNR MRRCA Page.

MRRCA Property Owner Resources

A MRCCA permit is required for the construction of any new structure, building(s) or building additions, such as:

  • Decks
  • Retaining walls
  • Signs
  • The installation and/or alteration of sewage treatment systems
  • Vegetation removal