The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching between northern Minnesota and the greater Gulf of Mexico. With a total length of 2,350 miles, crossing ten states, the river encompasses numerous features and its bevvy of oxbow lakes are just one of them.
Oxbow lakes are located on the fertile floodplain of ancient rivers, and exist because of the river’s meandering nature. Over time, a river may meander so much that it forms a loop, which is essentially an oxbow lake. The Mississippi River is an ideal place for this to occur, and you can find quite a few of these naturally created lakes along its path.
The average depth of an oxbow lake, such as those located along the Mississippi River, is roughly three to seven feet. Due to its meandering nature, the width of the river changes constantly. In a loop, the width can differ in some sections, but all in all it ranges from 600 feet to less than 400 feet.
The ecosystem of an oxbow lake is unique, providing a stunningly diverse home to different flora and fauna. These smaller bodies of water provide vital habitat for migratory fish, such as the paddlefish, American shad, American eel, and the nearly extinct pallid sturgeon. It also provides an important migratory stop for birds, such as ducks, geese, and storks.
The fish that inhabit these oxbow lakes feed on the abundant insects, as well as rodents and other small mammals that often live on the banks of the river. The more remote lakes located along the Mississippi provide critical habitat to animals such as beavers, minks, and otters that rely on the estuaries for their survival.
The small loops of water created by oxbow lakes also aid local fishing communities. This is because the deeper, cooler water helps to maintain the oxygen levels and supports a stable fish population. The deep water also serves to shelter the fish from strong currents and bad weather.
On the other hand, oxbow lakes can also cause many problems. The smaller loops of water are slow moving, meaning they are more prone to the buildup of silt over time. This can its lead to the lake becoming clogged, eventually choking off the oxygen supply to the fish. Although this appears to be an issue, one big benefit is that the buildup of silt works to nourish the wetlands, which are also beneficial for fish and wildlife.
Benefits for Local Communities
Oxbow lakes along the Mississippi River can be beneficial for local communities. For example, some of the oxbow lakes are incorporated into wildlife reserves, and are often used for recreational fishing and hunting. The wildlife reserves along the Mississippi also help to minimize the impact of flooding which is especially important for those living in rural areas. Oxbow lakes may also provide a potential source of irrigation for farmers, allowing them to water their crops.
Oxbow lakes can also provide suitable habitat for some of the rare and endangered species that inhabit the river basin. The wetlands act as a balancer of a healthy ecosystem, providing a diverse population of species that support each other as part of a greater food chain.
Generally speaking, managing the oxbow lakes on the Mississippi River is crucial if we are to protect the ecological balance of the area.
Current Management Efforts
Efforts are being made to control construction near the oxbow lakes on the Mississippi River, as these bodies of water provide an important part of the ecosystem. Construction near the oxbow lakes can damage the marshland and muddy the water, which inhibits fish, reptiles and birds from breeding in the area.
It is becoming more and more apparent that we need to be mindful of the practices we allow in and around the oxbow lakes on the Mississippi River. Designating areas as protected wildlife reserves and not allowing practices, such as water or oil drilling, in and around the lakes is a great first step. This can go a long way in preserving the ecological balance of the area, while protecting the endangered species that inhabit the river basin.
Environmental groups are also working hard to clean up the water pollution and runoff from construction sites, which are major sources of contamination to the oxbow lakes on the Mississippi River and the surrounding areas. Communities have also come together to clean up and add signage to these areas, with the goal of educating people about the importance of these delicate ecosystems.
Climate Change and the Oxbow Lakes
With climate change having an increasingly noticeable impact on the planet, it comes as no surprise that it also has a serious effect on the oxbow lakes on the Mississippi River. As the water levels of the river rise, so do those of the oxbow lakes, leading to large areas of flooding and destruction of the marshlands. This can be particularly damaging to fish, mammals, and plants that rely on the wetlands.
Unfortunately, we can only do so much in terms of controlling the effects of climate change on these bodies of water. That said, measures can still be taken to reduce the impact of this phenomenon, such as encouraging sustainable farming practices, using renewable energy sources, and investing in better flood control technology. Despite our best efforts, however, the effects of climate change on the oxbow lakes of the Mississippi River may be unavoidable.
The Economic Impact of the Oxbow Lakes
The oxbow lakes of the Mississippi River are of great economic importance, particularly for the fishing industry. The fish caught from the oxbow lakes provide a vital source of food, employment and income for local communities. In fact, the ecological productivity of the area is estimated to be worth billions each year.
As well as being important for the fishing industry, conservation efforts protect the wetlands, which helps to boost the local economy. This includes the protection of marshlands, which are a great source of carbon storage. Nature-based tourism is also growing in popularity, with people visiting the area to witness the spectacular sightings of the wildlife that inhabit the oxbow lakes.
Conclusion
It is clear to see that the oxbow lakes of the Mississippi River play an essential role in the ecology of the entire river basin. Not only do they provide food, habitat and irrigation for a variety of species, but they are also incredibly important for local communities and economies.
Given its importance, it is essential that measures are taken to protect these bodies of water from current and future threats. This includes monitoring the effects of climate change, pollutants from construction, and runoff from farming. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to work together to ensure that the oxbow lakes of the Mississippi River are protected for future generations.
