Wisconsin lies right at the heart of America and is known as the ‘Badger State’. From the north, it has a border with Lake Superior – the largest of the Great Lakes, and all the way down to the south, is connected with Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. But something which makes Wisconsin’s geography even more interesting is the fact that it borders the mighty Mississippi River. But does it really? This article will take a deeper look at Wisconsin’s relationship with the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, and has historically been incredibly important for the movement of goods and services between American states. Every year, people and businesses depend on the mighty river for transportation, commerce and more.
The answer to this question then, is yes: Wisconsin does indeed border the Mississippi River. It is bordered by the river at the southwestern corner of the state, where Wisconsin meets Iowa, and Illinois on the opposite side of the river. Wisconsin has two regions which border the Mississippi River: La Crosse County and Allamakee County. The two regions are integral parts of Wisconsin’s history and their connection with the Mississippi River preserves the traditional route of trade.
More than just being a border the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River helps to form the beautiful scenery for which the state is known for. The La Crosse area, in particular, has immense natural beauty with forests, meadows, hills, and valleys as well as the incredible riverfront views. The area is perfect for taking part in water sports such as boating, fishing, and swimming as well as kayaking and canoeing. The Mississippi River has recently become one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and travelers alike.
Furthermore, along the Wisconsin border in the Mississippi River Valley is a marshland which is home to a variety of species and located between the edge of the city and the river. This region is vital to local and migratory birds, especially during the months of May, June and July. Its importance to local wildlife is even further supported by organizations such as the Mississippi River National Wildlife refuge who are dedicated to preserving the unique natural environment.
Wisconsin’s connection to the Mississippi River has political implications too. In 2014, Wisconsin and Minnesota requested that all states on the Mississippi River work together more closely. These steps included signing a formal agreement to help facilitate navigation, to promote safety and environmental regulations, and to strengthen cooperation in programs ranging from flood control to navigation.
Wisconsin’s distant yet unified relationship with the Mississippi River offers a unique sense of beauty, culture, and history to the people of the state. Its importance is not just a geographical one but holds strong connections in the economic, political, and natural aspects of the region.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River has a significant positive impact on the economy of Wisconsin. It is estimated that around 22.3 million dollars contribute to the Wisconsin economy each year, with a large portion coming from recreational activities around the river. This income creates many jobs and helps to sustain both the state’s economy and its local communities.
The river is also an important source of transportation and transport-related services, such as transportation of manufactured goods like grain, coal and other items from Wisconsin to other regions. This helps to ensure a more efficient flow of goods and services for both Wisconsin and nearby states.
The Mississippi River also plays an important role in local tourism. The river provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, bird-watching, and even hunting. Additionally, the river serves as an important form of recreation expertly attracting professional athletes, as well as both local and international tourists.
Environmental Impact
The relationship between Wisconsin and the Mississippi River goes further than simply offering economic benefits. It’s also essential for the environment and helps to preserve biodiversity. The presence of the river and its wide range of habitats creates a unique environment for helping to sustain aquatic life. There is a high level of species richness in the river, which is due to its diverse environment.
The Mississippi River is also incredibly important for providing clean water to Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. It’s sometimes referred to as the ‘Lifeblood of America’ as it is essential for both the environment and for human life.
Organizations such as the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) have been working hard to promote the sustainable use of the river’s water resources. MRCC is a coalition of the three states which make up Wisconsin’s border with the Mississippi River and their efforts are important in protecting and nurturing the environment in the region.
Wisconsin and the Mississippi River have a long and important history together. The continuous connection of the two provides various benefits to the state and its economy, culture, and environment. The boundaries of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River are intertwined in numerous ways and illustrate the power the river plays in sustaining the state.
Trade Relationships
Due to its location along the Mississippi River, Wisconsin has been able to form strong trading relationships with other states. This has resulted in the exportation of goods such as coal, grain, and other items from Wisconsin to other states.
By being in such close proximity to the Mississippi, Wisconsin is able to act as a gateway for trade between the east and the west. This has been incredibly important for the state as it provides numerous economic benefits as well as allows for two-way transportation, meaning goods and services can travel in both directions.
The positive trading relationships that Wisconsin has established due to its border with the Mississippi River are both encouraging and helpful. With lower cost of transportation, Wisconsin is able to grow both domestically and internationally. It also helps reduce air pollution, as goods are transported in less carbon-intensive ways.
Environmental Regulations
Wisconsin has numerous environmental regulations in place to protect the health of the Mississippi River, as well as its environs. This includes restrictions such as limits on the amount of pollution that can be placed into the river and limits on the amount of chemicals that have been used to treat wastewater.
Also, the state has begun to focus on initiatives such as watershed restoration, and the use of buffer zones along the banks of the river, which are aimed at limiting the amount of runoff from nearby businesses, towns and cities. These areas also provide greater wildlife sanctuaries for local species, which in turn are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
Furthermore, state agencies such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, have been monitoring and studying the river’s ecology and regularly report the findings. Most recently, Wisconsin, in partnership with other states in the region, has proposed and approved the installation of an air quality monitoring system to help protect the state’s air quality.
Conclusion
Wisconsin and the Mississippi River form a unique relationship which is both influential and diverse. This relationship provides economic and environmental benefits to the state, and offers traditional routes of trade and transportation which are essential for the state’s growth. Additionally, new initiatives such as the air quality monitoring system, show how Wisconsin is dedicated to preserving the environment of the area and keeping their connection with the Mississippi River strong.
