The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States and for good reason. It is the second longest river in North America, stretching between Minnesota and Louisiana. It is also the largest river in the United States by discharge, with an estimated volume of 617,000 cubic feet of water per second over its entire length. But, does the Mississippi River run through Iowa?
The answer is yes. The Mississippi River forms part of the boundary between Iowa and Illinois, touching the eastern boundary of the state. While there are no major cities that sit directly on the Mississippi River in Iowa, the river does form an important part of the state’s landscape. According to Dr. Colin Schmitt, a professor of geography at the University of Iowa, “The Mississippi River and the blufflands along the eastern side of the state create an iconic landscape.”
The Mississippi River also provides vital economic, ecological, and recreational benefits to the state of Iowa. In economic terms, the river is important for transportation, providing a link between the Upper Midwest and the rest of the United States. For example, it is used to transport corn and soybeans grown in Iowa to the Gulf Coast and beyond. In terms of ecology, the river supports a variety of habitat types, such as wetlands and grasslands, which are home to diverse plants and animals. Finally, the river provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, ranging from hikes along the banks of the river, to fishing and boating on its waters.
However, the Mississippi River is not without its problems. One of the biggest issues the river faces is pollution. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the river is impacted by various types of human-caused pollution, such as sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents. Additionally, the river is subject to periodic flooding, which can be a major problem in Iowa, where there is a high level of agricultural activity next to the river.
Fortunately, efforts are being made to combat these problems. For example, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been working with local stakeholders to develop plans to reduce pollution and combat flooding. Additionally, many public and private organizations are working together to protect and restore the river’s health. For example, The Nature Conservancy has been actively restoring important wetlands on the Mississippi River in Iowa, restoring them to their former glory and creating important habitats for wildlife.
The Role of Local Stakeholders In Conserving the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is more than just a river: it is an important part of the culture and economy of Iowa. For this reason, it is important that local stakeholders have a say in its conservation. There are several ways in which stakeholders can take action to protect the river. For example, local community efforts such as river cleanups and educational programs can help to raise awareness about the importance of the river and the threats it faces.
In addition, local governments can help protect the river by enacting laws and regulations that limit water pollution and protect wildlife habitats along the river. Moreover, local stakeholders can advocate for the protection of the Mississippi River at the state and even the federal level. For example, stakeholders in Iowa could call their representatives and urge them to support legislation that would strengthen existing regulations protecting the river.
Finally, local stakeholders can put pressure on local businesses to clean up their operations and reduce their impacts on the Mississippi River. This could take the form of boycotting certain businesses that are polluting the river, or lobbying businesses to reduce their negative environmental impacts. Whatever the case, it is important that local stakeholders work together to ensure the long-term health of the Mississippi River and its ecosystem.
Preventing Floods On The Mississippi River
Flooding is one of the main threats to the Mississippi River, and it can have devastating consequences for the communities and ecosystems along its banks. Fortunately, there are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of flooding. For example, in Iowa, local stakeholders are working together to improve the state’s watershed management system. This includes such measures as increasing green infrastructure, like wetlands, and implementing conservation tillage, or reduced tillage, in agriculture.
Additionally, the Mississippi River Commission and the US Army Corps of Engineers have been working together to create and improve the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) project. This project involves the construction and repair of levees, floodwalls, and other measures to protect cities and towns from flooding. This project is especially important in Iowa, where flooding can be particularly hazardous.
Finally, local stakeholders also have an important role to play in flood prevention. For example, local governments can partner with organizations, like The Nature Conservancy, to restore wetlands along the river. Such wetlands act as a buffer zone, and can help to mitigate flood risk. In addition, local businesses can implement practices to reduce runoff and prevent flooding, such as using permeable pavement or limiting hard surfaces. All of these measures are important for reducing the risk of flooding on the Mississippi River in Iowa.
Decreasing Pollution In The Mississippi River
Not only is the flooding of the Mississippi River a problem in Iowa, but so is pollution. Pollution in the river can take many forms, ranging from industrial and agricultural runoff to sewage, and it can have devastating effects on the health of the river and its ecosystem. Fortunately, there are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce pollution in the river.
One such measure is reducing runoff from agricultural operations. In Iowa, this can be achieved through the implementation of cover crops and other techniques, such as no-till farming. Cover crops help to preserve topsoil and reduce runoff from farm fields, while no-till farming helps to reduce pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, local stakeholders can encourage agricultural operations to adhere to regulations set out by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Another way to reduce pollution in the Mississippi River is to reduce runoff from other sources. This can include industrial operations and urban development. Local stakeholders can call on businesses to adhere to green standards and reduce their impacts on the river, and can lobby for stricter regulations for businesses that waste and pollute. Similarly, urban development can be managed in a way that reduces runoff, such as through the adoption of green infrastructure, like vegetated stormwater management systems.
Restoring the Mississippi River Ecological System
The health of the Mississippi River and its ecosystems are inextricably linked, and restoring the river’s ecology is essential for preserving its integrity. For example, restored wetlands can act as keystone habitats, providing food and shelter to a wide range of species, including rare and endangered species. In Iowa, The Nature Conservancy has spearheaded an effort to restore degraded wetlands, with encouraging results.
In addition, local stakeholders can also help to restore the river’s ecology by limiting their own impacts on the river. For example, avoiding use of fertilizers, herbicides, and other chemicals in agriculture can help to reduce water pollution and restore the river’s natural balance. Furthermore, efforts to reduce runoff and erosion can also help, as this can help restore river banks and aquatic habitats. Finally, people can enjoy the river responsibly, helping to protect fragile ecosystems and promote the recovery of fish and wildlife populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is an important part of the historic and cultural identity of Iowa, as well as an essential part of the state’s economy and ecology. It is essential that local stakeholders take action to protect the river, and that they join forces to preserve its health. From reducing runoff and preventing flooding, to reducing pollution and restoring habitats, there are a number of steps that local stakeholders can take to protect the Mississippi River in Iowa.
