Background Information
The Mississippi River is the world’s fourth-longest river and the second-longest in the United States. Starting in northern Minnesota and flowing south along the Iowa and Missouri borders, it crosses the continental divide in southern Minnesota and continues south through Louisiana and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Many states in the Midwest and the South, including Minnesota, have a significant amount of their land area drained by the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River Through Minnesota
The Mississippi River runs more than 2,340 miles long from the mountains of northwestern Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico. Much of the river’s course winds through Minnesota’s southeast corner, where it forms a significant portion of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Thus, the Mississippi River does go through Minnesota, though it does not form the bulk of the state’s border with Wisconsin.
Starting near Itasca State Park (where its source is located), the Mississippi River flows through six counties in northwestern Minnesota. The river then flows in a southeastern direction along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and continues through some of the state’s larger cities such as St. Paul and Minneapolis. From here the river continues south, eventually forming the Minnesota-Iowa border before continuing on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Importance of Mississippi River in Minnesota
The Mississippi River has been an important part of Minnesota’s history and culture. Historically, the river has been used by Native American tribes and early settlers as a transportation network and a source of food. Today, the Mississippi River remains an important part of Minnesota’s economy and also provides recreational opportunities.
The Mississippi River is also an important natural resource for Minnesota. The river and its tributaries provide abundant resources for significant wildlife populations, including over 200 species of fish and over 400 species of birds. Additionally, the wetlands adjacent to the Mississippi River provide essential habitat and are important destinations for recreational activities such as boating, fishing and wildlife watching.
Challenges Faced by the Mississippi River
Despite the importance of the Mississippi River to Minnesota’s history and economy, the river faces numerous challenges that threaten its health. Pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste are some of the primary sources of contamination, resulting in damage to the river’s ecosystem and the wildlife it supports.
Another major challenge to the Mississippi River is an increasing number of dams and locks. These infrastructure projects restrict the river’s flow and increase erosion, worsened by seasonal flooding. Changes in land management, such as intensive farming and urban development, can further increase flooding, making this issue more difficult to address.
Role of Conservation Efforts
Fortunately, numerous conservation efforts have been undertaken to improve and protect the Mississippi River. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated the river as an “Impaired Waterbody,” which allows for increased funding and improved enforcement of environmental regulations. Additionally, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides grants and education programs to promote reducing pollution and improving water quality.
Non-profit organization, such as, Mississippi River Connections also works to raise awareness of the numerous challenges faced by the Mississippi River and seeks to build partnerships to help protect and restore the river’s health.
Measures Implemented by Local Communities
Communities located along the Mississippi River have implemented various projects and initiatives to increase awareness of the river’s importance and promote sustainable practices. For example, the city of St. Paul developed the “Riverfront Revitalization Project” to restore over 10 miles of waterways and habitat, reduce runoff and sedimentation, and improve recreational access to the river. Other cities, such as Minneapolis, have also undertaken similar projects to aid in the protection and restoration of the Mississippi River.
Government Investment in the Mississippi River
The state of Minnesota has also increased its investment in the Mississippi River in recent years. Funding from the state’s “Clean Water Legacy Program” has allowed for the installation of new water treatment facilities and the development of educational programs to increase awareness of the river’s importance.
On the federal level, legislators recently passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides billions of dollars in funding for conservation measures. A portion of this funding is being used to re-establish natural habitats and mitigate the impacts of dams and locks in the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River in Relation to Minnesota’s Economy
In addition to its importance to Minnesota’s environment, the Mississippi River plays an integral role in the state’s economy. Its waters are important to local commercial and recreational activities such as fishing and boating, and its transportation corridors are essential for the shipping of goods throughout the region.
In fact, the river’s economic impact is estimated to be over $1.3 billion annually in Minnesota alone. The majority of this money comes from tourism, recreation, and transportation industries, such as the barge and port businesses located around the state.
Impact of Climate Change
As climate change continues to affect the Mississippi River, it is critical for stakeholders to recognize the potential impacts that could result. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could impact the river’s water levels, quality, and recreational activities. For example, increased flooding could lead to increased water pollution, while more frequent droughts could limit water availability and trigger an array of negative effects.
It is clear that climate change could pose a serious threat to the Mississippi River’s ecosystem. To protect the river, it is crucial that states and communities work together to address the impact of climate change and implement strategies to maintain the river’s health.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a critical part of Minnesota’s history and economy. It is a source of water for numerous communities, a transportation corridor, and provides essential habitat for wildlife. Additionally, its recreational and commercial activities bring economic benefits to many parts of the state. Although it faces numerous challenges, from industrial pollution to the impacts of climate change, the Mississippi River remains an integral part of Minnesota’s landscape. It is essential that stakeholders across the state recognize the river’s importance and work together to protect it for future generations.
