The Mississippi river has always been a source of life for the people living throughout its 3,000-mile path. It is an infamous resource for the Midwest, providing both transportation and recreation. But, over the past few years receding water levels have forced the river to be closed to all river traffic due to shallow areas. So, the inevitable question is – has the Mississippi river crested?
The answer to this question isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a complicated look at the various bodies of water that make up the Mississippi river and the various levels they are currently at. While some levels are surprisingly high, others are declining or at a standstill.
Overall, experts say that the Mississippi river has not crested yet and is off to a very strong start for the year. Water levels in some areas have been increasing steadily since the start of the year – far surpassing average capabilities. This can be seen from the amount of rainfall in comparison to the amount of snowmelt present in the area which has gotten more and more abundant as time passes by.
Of course, this does not mean people should not be worried about the future of the river. The recent rise in temperatures from global warming have caused more and more potential for droughts and floods. This means that water levels will likely rise and fall much more rapidly in the future, making future predictions of the river’s state much harder.
Furthermore, the large pressure being put on the Mississippi river by shipping and other industries cannot be overlooked. This can create a disruption of water levels as large boats and barges make their way along the river. This type of activity is becoming increasingly more common as the Mississippi river is one of the most used river systems in the United States.
Finally, the presence of invasive species in the river can also be considered a major factor in what becomes of its state. These species feast on native fish and can cause a serious disruption to local ecosystems. This issue has become much more severe in recent years as the spread of these species has become much wider due to a lack of management.
The Impact on Local Economy and Recreation
The effects of the changing water levels of the Mississippi river can be seen throughout the areas it runs through. Many towns and cities rely on the tourism and money drawn in from fishing and boating to drive the local economy. These activities have been greatly affected by the varying water levels and more severe floods or droughts could have serious long-term effects.
Furthermore, droughts can cause a strain on the local wildlife that live in or around the waters of the Mississippi river. Animals that depend on the rich water system of the Mississippi river will be deeply affected if its water levels fall too low at any given time.
Although there is some hope with the current levels of the Mississippi river, its future remains uncertain. To prevent any further disruption, it is important that people take the proper steps to ensure its maintenance. This means keeping invasive species out, maintaining appropriate levels of shipping, and reducing the potential effects of flooding and droughts.
The Challenges in Keeping the Waters Healthy
There are many challenges that come with managing the Mississippi river effectively. Environmental laws are always changing and can be difficult to keep up with during times of drought or flooding. Furthermore, the costs of maintaining the river can be expensive and can often be limited by budgeting constraints.
Additionally, despite their importance, environmental issues often get overlooked in times of economic crisis. This makes it difficult to dedicate resources to the conservation of the Mississippi river and its many inhabitants, regardless of the need.
It is also important to note the effect that human activity has had on the river in the past. Pollution and wastewater increase in times of drought and these can have a damaging effect on the surrounding ecosystems. Pollutants can lead to the death of fish and animals that rely on the river, furthering the damage already caused by water decline.
Efforts to Preserve the Mighty Mississippi
Of course, many efforts have been made to preserve and protect the river over the years. The US Army Corps of Engineers, for example, has implemented various programs and restrictions to try and manage the water levels along the Mississippi river.
Furthermore, conservation efforts have been made to restore habitats and wetlands that have been damaged over time. Organizations such as The Nature Conservancy have been instrumental in restoring forgotten or degraded areas to their original state and helping to create better habitats for the animals and plants that live there.
Finally, with the influx of people now interested in the conservation of the Mississippi river, more and more projects and initiatives have been formed. These initiatives bring a sense of community to the area and can help to raise awareness about the need to protect the river and its inhabitants.
What Can We Do?
Despite the complexities and difficulties in managing the Mississippi river, there are still ways that we can help to preserve it. Taking part in local conservation initiatives, such as river cleanups or tree planting, is a great way to contribute to the health of the river. Furthermore, monitoring and reporting of any environmental pollution or degradation can help to identify threats and work on solutions to restore the river to its full potential.
Moreover, we can all help to reduce our personal impact on the river by things such as reducing energy consumption and preserving water. This can ensure that our actions help provide a better and more sustainable future for the Mississippi river, and all its inhabitants.
Conclusion
The future of the Mississippi river is uncertain and ever-changing. The river’s health depends on careful management and protection from many different sources. While the river has not crested yet, it is still important to be aware of its declining health and potential threats to it in order to maintain its invaluable resource for generations to come.
