Purpose of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Its purpose is to transport people, goods, and materials up and down the continent. For decades, the Mississippi has been used to connect major cities and towns, both big and small, isolated and connected. It’s been used to transport water power, oil, timber products, chemical fertilizers, and more. The Mississippi River has also been used as a major source of recreation. From fishing and camping to boating and water sports, the Mississippi River has given Americans a great way to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
The Relationship Between Mississippi River and Laurel Lake
Laurel Lake is located near the town of Natchez, Mississippi, and is fed by the Mississippi River. This large lake, which covers roughly 5,000 acres, was created mainly for the purpose of flood control in order to protect a large area from flooding in the lower Mississippi River. The dam that is used to control the level of the lake was constructed in 1960 and still serves this purpose today. It is made up of three sections: Natchez Lake to the north, Midway Lake in the middle, and the Cutoff Channel that connects the two sections.
Despite its connection with the Mississippi River, Laurel Lake is not a direct tributary of the Mississippi. Instead, Laurel Lake serves as a reservoir that can reduce the risk of flooding in the areas downstream of the lake, while still providing recreation and conservation opportunities.
Environmental Benefits of Laurel Lake
The presence of Laurel Lake has many environmental benefits. The lake is a major source of fish habitats and provides a food source for a wide variety of species, including largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, and crappie. The dense vegetation that surrounds the lake also serves as a nesting ground for waterfowl, songbirds, and bald eagles.
The lake is also used as a water source for a variety of activities, such as fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake also provides recreational opportunities, such as camping and hiking.
In addition, the presence of Laurel Lake can have a positive effect on water quality in the Mississippi River. The lake serves as a settling basin for sediment, which can reduce the amount of sediment that is released into the main river. This can help reduce the amount of pollution that gets into the Mississippi and its tributaries, thus improving water quality in these areas.
Economic Value of Laurel Lake
The presence of Laurel Lake has an economic value as well. A large influx of visitors come to Natchez each year in order to visit the lake and take part in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. The lake also serves as a source of income for nearby businesses, such as marinas, campgrounds, and bait shops.
Management of Laurel Lake
The management of Laurel Lake is overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a federal agency that is responsible for managing the water resources of the United States, including the Mississippi River. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing the levels of the lake in order to prevent flooding and to ensure that the water quality of the lake is maintained.
Protection of Laurel Lake
In order to ensure that Laurel Lake remains a viable and healthy ecosystem, a number of measures have been taken in order to protect the lake. For example, the Corps of Engineers has taken steps to limit the number of development projects in the vicinity of the lake. In addition, the Corps has also taken measures to control the level of the lake in order to prevent flooding and to maintain the water quality of the lake.
Impact of Humans on Laurel Lake
The presence of humans can have both positive and negative effects on Laurel Lake. On one hand, the presence of people can provide economic benefits, as well as recreational opportunities. On the other hand, human activities can also have an adverse effect on the environment. For example, increased development in the area can lead to increased runoff from roads and urban areas, which could adversely affect the water quality of the lake. Additionally, overfishing, pollution, and other forms of human interference can lead to the destruction of habitats and affect the quality of the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is not a direct tributary of Laurel Lake. However, the lake plays an important role in the management of the lower Mississippi River by providing flood control services and recreational opportunities. The presence of the lake also provides an economic benefit to nearby businesses, while also providing a source of food and habitats to a variety of aquatic species. In order to protect the lake and the surrounding environment, it is important that human activities are monitored and regulated.
