Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, flowing some 2,320 miles (3,730 km) from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi is the fourth-longest river in the world and the tenth most populated river on the planet, with nearly 18 million people living in its basin. The Mississippi has served as an important source of water for human activities like trade, transportation, power generation, and recreation. It is also known for its rich wildlife and its deep association with American culture.
The river is split into two major parts – the Upper Mississippi and Lower Mississippi. The Upper Mississippi is considered to be the source of the river, beginning at Lake Itasca and extending 820 miles (1,320 km) to Cairo, Illinois. The Lower Mississippi is the longest part of the river, spanning 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico.
Mississippi River in Oklahoma
The Mississippi River does not run through Oklahoma, but it forms part of the state’s far southeastern border. The river separates Oklahoma from Arkansas and Missouri, for about 350 miles (563 km) of its border. Oklahoma is one of the few states in the US that does not have the Mississippi River running through it.
The area along the northern boundary of the state, where the river resides, has historically been one of high importance to the state, as water provided a natural barrier against the Native Americans and the “big water” was utilized as a highway by both the French and the English during their exploration of the continent.
Rise in Mississippi River Levels
Due to the climate change, the magnitude, frequency, and duration of floods in the Mississippi River basin have increased. These changes have resulted in elevated river levels, which is causing severe flooding in coastal areas. Flooding put more than a million people in the area at risk, and it can have devastating environmental, economic and social impacts.
According to experts, one of the factors contributing to rising Mississippi River levels is the increased development along the river’s banks. The growth of large cities such as Memphis, Tennessee and Vicksburg, Mississippi are responsible for the large increases in river levels. As more people move into the area, more land is used for urban development and infrastructure projects, leading to an increased human influence on the environment along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Local Ecosystems Impacted
The rise in river levels resulting from climate change and urban development has had an impact on the local ecosystem in Oklahoma, as it has in the rest of the Mississippi River basin. Rising water levels have caused erosion, reduced soil fertility, and affected the abundance of aquatic biodiversity in the area.
The increased river levels have also had a detrimental effect on the habitats of the plants, birds and other wildlife that live along the banks of the Mississippi. The influx of water has caused the trees and vegetation in the area to become stressed, which can lead to decreased growth and poor health of the wildlife in the area.
Negative Effect on Farmers
Rising river levels also have a negative effect on farmers in the Mississippi River basin. The flooding and erosion has led to a decrease in agricultural land, making it difficult for farmers to grow their crops and livestock. The influx of water has also caused the loss of soil nutrients, which can lead to decreased crop production.
Moreover, increased river levels can cause a decline in the quality of the water, leading to lower crop yields due to the presence of toxins and other pollutants. The sediment that accumulates in the soil can also decrease the quality of the land, leading to a decrease in agricultural yields.
Management of Thrid-Party Intervention
The US government is taking steps to address the rising river levels and the negative impact it has on the environment, wildlife and farmers in the region. Federal, state and local governments have implemented a variety of measures to reduce the effects of flooding, such as constructing dams and levees, and improving drainage systems.
Third-party organizations such as the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are actively monitoring the river levels and providing assistance in the form of flood hazard reduction efforts, habitat preservation and streambank restoration.
Educating the Public
In order to address the negative impact of the Mississippi River on the environment and communities in the region, organizations have also been focusing on educating the public about the issues. Media outlets have increased their coverage of the river’s changes, helping to spread awareness and provide education on the potential impacts these changes can have on communities.
The local and state governments have also taken initiatives to inform the public by trying to provide the necessary information that people need to be aware of the risks. This includes information on safety precautions, ways to help protect communities and methods of volunteering to help with relief efforts.
Environmental Control Measures
In addition to encouraging public awareness and education, organizations around the Mississippi River basin are also working to protect the environment by monitoring and controlling river activities. This is done by issuing permits for dredging operations, controlling agricultural runoff and regulating the levels of pollutants in the river.
These measures are helping to reduce erosion, increase the water quality, and protect wildlife species in the area. Organizations are also advocating for increased funding for measures to reduce the long-term impacts of flooding and the overall ecological health of the Mississippi River.
Economic Development
Governments are also focusing on economic development initiatives that promote growth and prosperity for communities affected by the Mississippi River. These measures include investing in local businesses, providing job training opportunities, and supporting sustainable development projects.
Economic development initiatives are being used to create employment opportunities, raise the standard of living, and promote environmental and economic stability. This is helping to ensure a more vibrant, sustainable economy along the Mississippi River.
Technological Development
In order to better manage and protect this important waterway, organizations are also investing in the development of new technologies to monitor the river systems. This includes the use of remote sensing technology and unmanned aerial vehicles for mapping and data collection.
The data collected through these technologies is then used to track river levels and water quality in the area and can be used to detect potential pollution sources, predict future changes, and inform decisions about protecting the environment.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Mississippi River is an integral part of the environment and culture of the region, and as such it is important to ensure its protection. This can be done through both public education and the implementation of measures to protect the environment and promote economic growth. The use of new technologies is helping to monitor the river, enabling organizations to make informed decisions on how to best manage and protect it. With the right measures in place, the Mississippi River can continue to be a source of life for future generations.
