Mississippi River History
The Mississippi River was first discovered by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541, in the region which he named La Florida. It is one of the longest rivers in the world, and the lifeblood of many large cities and towns. over millions of years the Mississippi River has seen its ups and downs, but has it ever gone completely dry?
Effects of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi is a major source of water for the Central United States and acts as a waterway for transport and trade. Along its banks you can find cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, and New Orleans, it is no wonder why it is so important for the prosperity of the regions surrounding it. In addition to the transportation of goods, the Mississippi also has a major impact on farming and agriculture.
Farmers use the river in order to irrigate their fields, providing them with a reliable source of fresh water year round. Without the Mississippi its contribution to the agricultural industry, this kind of high-yielding farming would not be feasible. Lastly, its winding course provides many recreational opportunities, and as a source of nourishment, it is a haven for a wide array of animals and vegetation.
Effects of Droughts on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has experienced a series of droughts throughout its history, most notably the Great Depression drought in the 1930’s. During this dry period the river Basin receded to levels unseen before in modern history. This drastically changed the environment, with the desiccation of Lake Oahe and the destruction of much of the plant and wildlife.
Unfortunately, the same period saw some of the states largest agricultural valleys and towns suffer through some of the longest periods of drought in the region’s history as well. Despite all this, the river never completely dried up and eventually the water returned and the land was able to recover.
Long-Term Impact of Drought
Although the Mississippi River never dried up, the impact of the drought was still severe. The US Fish and Wildlife Service observed a “decrease in the diversity of fish species and changes in habitat structure” and many of the plants that survived were not resilient enough to withstand the drought.
The agricultural industry was also hit hard as crops withered in soil that was too dry. This led to a sharp decrease in local income which further complicated the lives of farmers and fisherman in the area.
Government Interventions
The government was quick to intervene and help out. As soon as the drought began to take its toll, the government started programs and subsidies to support farmers, fishermen and other affected by the drought. These programs helped to ensure that food production and other local businesses went on as normal as possible despite the drought.
In addition, the government took steps to restore the environment around the river as much as possible. This included planting of new vegetation and the Habitat Restoration Project along the banks of the river. This project was aimed at recreating the lost habitats and ensuring that the river remained resilient in the face of future droughts.
Future of the Mississippi River
Today, the Mississippi remains as vital as ever, and improved conservation and management techniques have helped to make sure it remains a reliable source of water, food and trade. Studies conducted along its banks also suggest that many of its original habitats have been restored, and the amount of fish and wildlife present can attest to this.
However, that is not to say that the river is not without its problems. Climate change, over-fishing and water pollution still pose a huge threat to its ecosystems and its future. In fact, a 2016 study done by the US Geological Survey suggests that “human-caused changes are largely responsible for any changes in the ecology of the river in the last century”.
Environmental Activism to Protect the River
Fortunately, it is not all doom and gloom for the river. There are many initiatives being set up to help protect the river and its precious wildlife. Local environmentalists have called on businesses, politicians and the public to help restore the river’s ecosystems by implementing conservation practices and creating educational campaigns.
In addition, many organizations are working to increase public awareness and encourage the community to take action. The Mississippi River Network is an example of a major effort to bring together various organizations in order to protect and restore the river.
Climate Change and the Mississippi River
The effects of climate change on the Mississippi River can not be overstated. The frequency and intensity of droughts have increased, and future projections suggest that this trend is only going to get worse as time goes on. This is why it is so important for us to make sure that we continue to protect and monitor the river, to make sure that it can remain a reliable source of food, water, and trade.
Scientists believe that if we do not take steps now to mitigate the effects of climate change, we are likely to see an increased frequency of both flooding and drought along the river. As temperatures continue to rise, the water levels of the river will rise as well, leading to more frequent flooding of both the river and its surrounding areas.
How to Help Protect the Mississippi River
In order to protect the Mississippi River and its surrounding ecosystems, it is important to practice conservation habits whenever possible. This includes reducing our emissions and usage of water, as well as increasing educational campaigns to educate the public about the importance of the river.
Activists have also called on businesses to adopt policies to minimize their impact on the environment. This includes implementing more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing the usage of harmful chemicals.
Finally, individuals can use their own voices to lobby for environmental reforms and to spread awareness about the threats facing the river. By joining forces with local activists and organisations, individuals can have a real and lasting impact on the health of the river.
