Mississippi River Overview
The Mississippi River is a major river in the United States, flowing within a 4,000-mile course through 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It is the fourth longest river in the United States and provides an important route for freight vessels and serves to link dozens of major cities in these states. It also serves as a source of hydroelectric power and provides clean drinking water to millions of people. Its significance as an ecosystem building block, with extensive biodiversity, is immense.
The Mississppi River is connected to several other major waterways, including the Ohio River, the Missouri River, the Illinois River, and the Arkansas River. This complex network of rivers is the largest watershed in North America, covering more than two-fifths of the continental United States. In the early 19th century, the Mississippi River was a major path for travel and commerce for many settlers in the western United States. In addition to connecting the entire Midwest, it has also been a source of inspiration and literature, from writers such as Mark Twain, who chronicled its importance in his works.
Does the Mississippi River Go Through Georgia?
The short answer is no. The Mississippi River does not run through Georgia and does not form the border between Georgia and any of the other states through which it flows. Although the Mississippi is a major river, it does not have significant tributaries in Georgia. The closest body of water to Georgia that is part of the Mississippi River system is the Chattahoochee River, which flows through western Georgia and southern Alabama and then into the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the Mississippi River Basin, or watershed, does extend into Georgia. The city of Rome, in North Central Georgia, is located in the southeastern corner of the watershed, where it reaches its northernmost point. The boundary of the watershed passes through nine counties in Georgia, including Troup, Meriwether, and Heard, as well as parts of Morgan, Fayette, Monroe, Gwinnett, Fulton, and Cobb counties.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River in Georgia
The environmental impact of the Mississippi River on the state of Georgia is largely indirect, though still significant. As a major river system and the largest watershed in North America, the Mississippi is responsible for a huge percent of the continent’s biodiversity and serves as a critical ecosystem connector for many species. It provides a valuable source of water for many communities, some of which are in Georgia, and its impact on oceanic fisheries is immense.
It is also a major source of pollution in the form of runoff, and its nutrient-rich waters can contribute to excess nutrients in the rivers and lakes in its watershed. Pollution has been a problem in the Mississippi River Basin for decades, with fertilizers and pesticides as well as industrial and toxic byproducts upstream contributing to high levels of contaminants downstream. In Georgia, the Chattahoochee River, which flows into the Mississippi, has been identified as one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the nation.
Mississippi River Conservation in Georgia
In recent years, there have been several efforts to improve conservation of the Mississippi River and its watershed in Georgia, including the Chattahoochee River. This is being accomplished through projects such as the Chattahoochee River Clean Up and Watershed Protection. This project works to reduce soil erosion and nutrient pollution, while helping to improve water quality in the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries.
The project falls under the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is responsible for protecting and restoring the nation’s fish and wildlife resources. It works to reduce the amount of pollution in the Chattahoochee River, ensure adequate flows for species diversity and habitat, and enhance and connect fish and wildlife habitats throughout the watershed. By reducing the amount of pollution, slowing the rate of soil erosion, and implementing restored fish and wildlife habitats, efforts are being made to improve the environmental health of the entire Mississippi River basin, which reaches into Georgia and is the fourth longest river in the United States.
Alternative River Preservation Efforts
In addition to direct conservation efforts, communities and governmental entities along the Mississippi have implemented alternative preservation efforts. These include improving public access and utilization of natural resources, conserving critical habitats, promoting green infrastructure, and improving water quality and flooding management. For example, the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a growing network of trails along the Mississippi for biking and hiking, as well as other recreational activities, such as camping and paddling.
The MRT has been important in increasing public access and appreciation of the Mississippi River and its watershed in Georgia. In addition, the MRT is used to protect natural habitats and ecosystems by keeping people off of environmentally sensitive land, while also providing opportunities for recreation, transportation, and tourism.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also implemented a program to restore and improve the habitats and wetlands in the numerous tributaries of the Mississippi River. The goal of the program is to reduce the amount of sedimentation and pollutants in the rivers and streams, as well as to improve fish and wildlife populations.
Another important effort has been the restoration of historical sites along the Mississippi River, such as the Chestnut Bluff CCC camp in Rome, Georgia. This has been an important step in preserving the cultural heritage of the Mississippi River and encouraging public appreciation of the resource.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River on Georgia
The Mississippi River is a major contributor to the economy of the state of Georgia. Almost $21 billion in goods was shipped along the Mississippi River in 2017 through the Atlanta Port, while the Port of Savannah handled the highest volume of containers in its history that same year. In 2016, the value of exports from Georgia was greater than $33 billion and included grain, chemicals, and other products that are shipped from the Georgia ports along the Mississippi.
The state also relies on the Mississippi for shipping goods to other states and for receiving goods from other countries. This trade has generated more than $30 billion in economic benefits for Georgia businesses and residents, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of jobs that depend on commerce along the river each year. Furthermore, the Mississippi River is an important source of hydroelectric power, providing energy to many states in the region.
Mississippi River Tourism
Tourism is yet another economic benefit of the Mississippi River, with national parks and protected areas drawing in visitors from around the world. These protected areas also serve to preserve historic sites and ensure the ecological health of the region. The Mississippi River National Heritage Area was established in 2009 to support the preservation and appreciation of the historic and cultural significance of the Mississippi River.
The Heritage Area includes all or parts of the ten states that form the course of the Mississippi River, including Georgia. It is managed by the National Park Service and is a National Recreation Trail and National Water Trail, offering a variety of recreation opportunities, including paddling, camping, biking, hiking, and bird watching.
The region served by the Mississippi River also houses many nationally recognized festivals and events, including the Georgia Peach Festival, the Natchez Trace Parkway Tour de Trace bike ride, the Memphis in May International Festival, and the Delta Blues Festival, among many others. The presence of these events creates economic and social benefits for local communities, as well as a connection with the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River has played an important role in the history, culture, and economy of the state of Georgia, even though it does not flow through the state. Its resources and connected waterways provide an important source of transportation, commerce, and recreation, while its sprawling watershed serves as an important ecosystem and source of fresh water and habitat for many species. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but with continued effort and cooperation, the Mississippi River and its connected waterways can be preserved for future generations.
