In the midwestern United States, the Mississippi River is the most prominent river in the region and is an integral part of American history, culture and economy. But how big is it? It turns out the answer depends on how you define “big”. The Mississippi River’s “watershed” encompasses an area of more than 1.2 million square kilometres. It is the fourth-largest river basin in the world, covering portions of 31 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. From its headwaters in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its outflow in the Gulf of Mexico, it is roughly 3,700 km long — making it the fourth longest river in the world. Its journey from its source to the sea is often called “The Great River Road”, because it passes through so many states and terrain. Due to its size and impact the Mississippi’s watershed touches the lives of millions and millions of people.
In terms of geography, the Mississippi River watershed is composed of the three main tributaries: the Missouri River and its largest tributary, the Ohio River, located north of the Mississippi; and the Arkansas River, located south of it. Then there are the numerous tributaries that make up the basin, including the Mississippi’s own tributaries, such as the Illinois and the Wabash Rivers. Many experts agree that the watershed’s main watersheds extend from the headwaters of all these rivers. This area is commonly known as the “continental divide.” It encompasses parts of Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, before finally entering the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is so large that it impacts the environment and wildlife. Birds, fish, and other wildlife depend on the health of the Mississippi River and its freshwater ecosystems. Because of the sheer size and complexity of its watershed, the interstate transport of water and soil may affect the waterways and areas far beyond their own boundaries. In addition to the obvious environmental effects, the rivers and streams of the Mississippi River watershed contribute to economic activity. From shipping and barge traffic to agricultural and energy production, the Mississippi and its tributaries are important to local, regional, and national economies.
The Mississippi River watershed’s size and importance aren’t going unnoticed. In recent years, scientists, researchers, and conservationists have taken an active role in monitoring, protecting and restoring the Mississippi, along with its tributaries, in order to promote the health of the river and its watershed. Federal and state governments, along with local and tribal organizations, have committed to protecting and managing the waterways in the basin for the present and for future generations.
The conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is also supported by many individuals and organizations. There are countless organizations devoted to the preservation of the Mississippi and its connected waterways, including non-profits, local governments, and universities. They are dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Mississippi River’s water quality and its aquatic habitats. Additionally, there are numerous community-level initiatives aimed at managing and promoting the Mississippi’s health.
The Mississippi is an incredible living system – one that connects an incredibly diverse collection of people, places and creatures. From the tiniest plankton to the majestic bald eagles, these living things and ecosystems depend on a vital and healthy Mississippi River. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to learn as much as possible about the Mississippi River watershed, so that we can continue to protect, restore and manage it for generations to come.
Impact of Agriculture on the Mississippi River Watershed
In the Mississippi River watershed, agricultural activities are a major contributor to water quality impairments and nutrient loading. The major sources of nutrients in the watershed’s rivers and streams are from agricultural runoff. The excess of nitrogen and phosphorous from agricultural runoff is causing algal blooms and other ecological problems, degrading the water quality and aquatic habitats in the watershed. As the Mississippi River is considered a drinking water source for many cities and towns and serves as the source of nutrients for many aquatic species, the management of agriculture runoff and its effect on the Mississippi River are a major concern.
The Mississippi Riverwatershed encompasses some of the most intensive agricultural consumption in the world, with much of the land dedicated to industrial crops. Animal husbandry, using fertilizers and animal waste, is also a major source of nutrient loading in the watershed. Agricultural runoff also contributes to the sedimentation and erosion of the Mississippi’s waterways. In addition, the unintended consequences of agricultural operations can include increased water temperature, decreased oxygen levels, and the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and chemicals, all of which have been linked to the impaired water quality the Mississippi River currently faces.
In recent years, farmers and government agencies have adopted best management practices to protect water resources from agricultural runoff. These include no-till farming, cover crops and crop rotations, terracing and other soil conservation techniques, extended crop rotation methods, vegetated buffer strips for riparian areas, and other conservation practices. Some government agencies, such as the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are also focusing federal funds towards agricultural runoff management.
Furthermore, numerous non-profit organizations are educating farmers and local citizens on how to employ these practices to reduce agricultural runoff and water quality impairments in the Mississippi River. All of this has led to a greater awareness of the need to protect the Mississippi River’s natural resources, and to the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices in the watershed.
The Impact of Industrial Activities on Mississippi River Watershed
Industrial activities, such as mining and energy production, are also major sources of pollution in the Mississippi River watershed. Mining activities in the watershed can cause acid mine drainage, which acidifies the water and can lead to the leaching of toxic metals and other pollutants. Oil and gas production can result in chemical contamination of waterways, as well as sedimentation from the construction of well pads and pipelines. Additionally, wastewater discharges from industrial activities can introduce dangerous chemicals, diseases, and organisms into the watershed.
Fortunately, the federal and state governments have taken action to reduce the environmental impacts of industrial activities. The Clean Water Act and other laws, such as the oil and gas development rules, prohibit industrial discharges into waterways. Additionally, oil and gas operators must comply with regulations that protect water quality, such as conducting regular water quality monitoring and obtaining permits prior to discharging wastewater.
Furthermore, the EPA has developed tools to help identify potential releases of toxic pollutants from industrial activities, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. This program helps to ensure that industrial activities are done in a way that does not contaminate the Mississippi and its tributaries. Additionally, the EPA is promoting the use of green practices in industrial activities, such as the use of renewable energy sources, which can help to protect the watershed from unneeded pollution.
Overall, the combined efforts of government, industry and citizens are helping to reduce the impacts of industrial activities on the Mississippi River watershed. However, monitoring and enforcement of regulations is still needed in order to ensure that the watershed remains healthy and prosperous for future generations.
Navigation and commercial shipping are important elements of the economy and culture of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi and its tributaries are traversed by thousands of barges transporting goods, such as grain, oil, chemicals, coal, and other items, each year. Navigation is also used for recreational purposes, such as sightseeing and fishing. Along with providing jobs and recreation, navigation on the Mississippi and its tributaries also is essential for the flow of material goods across the continent.
The Mississippi’s many locks and dams play an important role in making navigation possible. These structures help maintain the depth and velocity of the river, allowing barges to more easily traverse the length of the river. Furthermore, the locks and dams also help to reduce flooding, eliminate navigational hazards, provide fish passage, and ensure the safety of bridges, cables, and other structures that cross the river and its tributaries.
The debris, sediment, and other pollutants that are carried downstream by the Mississippi can clog ports and affect the safe passage of vessels. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, sediment deposition is the main factor contributing to navigation concerns, and it can reduce the depth of the waterways. To the dredge and maintain the width and depth of these waterways, the Army Corps operates dredging operations on the Mississippi and its tributaries. The dredging of these waterways is essential to the safe, efficient transportation of goods and materials on the river.
Additionally, the Corps of Engineers and other agencies have addressed navigational issues on the Mississippi by partnering with non-profit organizations, port communities, and other local stakeholders. This collaborative approach has helped to bring together resources, ideas, and stakeholders, allowing local initiatives and projects aimed at improving the navigation and transportation along the Mississippi and its tributaries. Ultimately, all of these initiatives are necessary in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of navigation on the Mississippi River watershed.
Recreation and Tourism in the Mississippi River Watershed
The Mississippi River and its tributaries are also important sources of recreation and tourism in the region. These waterways provide a variety of recreation opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, and camping, as well as natural experiences such as bird watching, canoeing, and rafting. The Mississippi River is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with major whitewater rafting events held on the river every year. Furthermore, the river’s headwaters are popular tourist destinations, as they provide visitors with stunning views and natural beauty.
In addition to its recreational activities, the Mississippi is also an important destination for cultural tourism. From the Vicksburg National Military Park and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the blues bars of Memphis, the Mississippi River has a rich history that attracts visitors from around the world. Also popular are music festivals, such as the Festival of the Natchez Trace, which celebrates the music and culture of the region. There are myriad recreational and cultural attractions for visitors to experience.
The Mississippi River is also an important habitat for fish and wildlife. Its freshwater ecosystems are home to a variety of species, from mussels to eagles, that depend on the health of the river. Because of this, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has declared the Mississippi River a national wildlife refuge, providing additional protections for its wildlife and habitats. The Fish and Wildlife Service also works with various partners, such as state wildlife agencies and non-profit organizations, to monitor, protect, and restore the biodiversity of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Given the importance of the Mississippi River, there are numerous efforts underway to protect and preserve its resources. With federal and state governments, non-profits, and local organizations all working together, the Mississippi River has a bright future, and efforts are underway to ensure its future health and prosperity.
