The Mississippi River watershed is one of the largest watersheds in the world, draining an area of the United States that spans 2.1 million square miles. The Mississippi River itself is 2,320 miles long and meanders like a snake through the middle of the country. It is one of the longest rivers in the world, traveling through 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The Mississippi River watershed drains 41% of the continental United States, beginning at the source of the St. Croix River in northern Minnesota, and extending along the Mississippi, Ohio and Red river valleys, encompassing all of the states up to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The size of the watershed is determined by the total area that drains into the Mississippi River, which includes 16 major tributaries such as the Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, Red and White rivers.
The Mississippi River watershed covers an astounding 1.2 million square miles of area, making it the third largest watershed in the world behind the Amazon and Congo Rivers. It is made up of 38 states and provinces and comprises an extensive network of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, tributaries, swamps, and streams that feed into the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River watershed provides water to an estimated 35 million people living in the states and provinces that lie within it. The watershed is an ecologically diverse system, with many unique habitats and species. A large number of migratory bird species use the Mississippi River Valley as a flyway, while a variety of freshwater fish call the waters of the Mississippi River home. There are also some endangered species and threatened habitats in the region, such as the Pallid Sturgeon, the American Alligator and the endangered Bald Eagle.
Experts agree that the Mississippi River and its watershed is facing numerous threats, such as overfishing and pollution. Threats of climate change, water scarcity and flooding, as well as the possibility of a decrease in the water levels of the Mississippi due to development and dams, have caused many to worry about the future of the watershed.
Recently, conservation efforts have aimed at what is known as sustainable water management. This is when communities and governments work towards protecting the water quality and quantity of the watershed, as well as restoring and preserving the various habitats and ecosystems. Organizations such as The Nature Conservancy are working to create watershed-based management plans, which can help to protect and restore the many resources provided by the Mississippi River watershed.
Commercial Shipping
The Mississippi River is a significant economic resource, providing a vital shipping corridor for goods and services from around the world. In fact, it is the most heavily used river in the United States, with over five thousand cargo boats and barges moving over nine billion tons of goods each year. A huge portion of America’s agricultural goods, government commodities, and manufactured products come through the Mississippi River and its numerous ports.
The ports along the Mississippi River support over 110,000 jobs and produce an annual economic output of more than $135 billion. Not only is it a convenient route for commercial shipping, but it also provides an important avenue for oil, gas, and chemical transport. Furthermore, its outlet to the ocean incentivizes tourists and recreational activities, boosting the economy of nearby areas.
Conservation Oranizations
Due to the immense size and complexity of the Mississippi River watershed, there are many organizations that are dedicated to protecting its water resources. Leading the charge is the Mississippi River Network (MRN), a coalition of over 60 organizations that work together to coordinate local, state, and federal government to protect and restore the Upper, Middle, and Lower region of the watershed. Some of the latest initiatives include tackling issues such as urban runoff, agricultural runoff, underground injection disposal, and habitat fragmentation.
Furthermore, the MRN works with a number of state agencies that are devoted to protecting the water quality and quantity of the Mississippi River tributaries. Each state has its own set of regulations and policies regarding water quality and they often partner with the MRN to implement them. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency has a large role to play in protecting the Mississippi River, as it sets targets and guidelines for state and local agencies.
The Mississippi River Watershed Today
Today, the Mississippi River watershed continues to face numerous threats, including but not limited to, over-exploitation and pollution. Many state agencies are taking proactive steps to reduce runoff and agricultural pollution, as well as restoring habitats and reintroducing endangered species. Organizations such as the MRN are also working to protect the watershed by developing strategies and policies to ensure its health and sustainability.
Despite the challenges, the Mississippi River watershed is still a beautiful and environmentally important part of the country. It provides natural resources to millions of people and the well-being of the American economy, and with the right protections, it will remain so for generations to come.
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change is already having an impact on the Mississippi River watershed, as rising temperatures are shifting weather patterns, causing precipitation to be more frequent and intense. As a result, communities are at risk of flooding, water shortages, and changes in species populations. Additionally, warming of the river and its tributaries can harm sensitive habitats and freshwater species, particularly those that are adapted for coldwater environments.
Experts agree that climate change will continue to have significant impacts on the Mississippi River watershed in the years to come. To address this, agencies and organizations are developing strategies to help minimize the effects of climate change and protect the watershed. Some of these strategies include reducing emissions, conserving water, and restoring habitats and wetlands, which provide buffers to flooding and increased runoff.
Future of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River watershed is an integral part of the American landscape and its health is essential to the environment, the economy, and the livelihoods of those who depend upon it. With the right management plans and strategies, the Mississippi River and its tributaries have the potential to continue to benefit all who come into contact with it.
It is important to remember that climate change will have an increasingly significant impact on the health of the Mississippi River Watershed, and it is up to all of us to be mindful of our actions and work together to preserve the resource for generations to come.
