Mississippi River in Saint Louis Missouri
The Mississippi River is a major river that snakes its way through the central United States and into the Gulf of Mexico. The most famous section of the Mississippi is arguably the stretch running through the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri. This vast waterway is so deep and wide and ranges in depth anywhere between 15 and 20 feet. Depths greater than 5 feet are considered navigable, while depths less than three feet can interfere with navigation.
The deeper sections of the Mississippi River around St Louis are usually found in the waterway’s many grand bends and curves. Throughout the River bends, the waters can turn especially deep and wide, sometimes to depths of 30 feet or more! This immense depth can spell trouble for novice boaters and post a great hazard for many inexperienced kayakers, rafters, jet-skiers and canoeists.
Much of the River floor consists of mud, sand and grit from upstream, as well as soil, debris and other urban runoff from St Louis. It’s important to exercise caution when moving around these waters due to the risk from floating debris and sunken objects. This can be especially true during sudden storms, when fast-moving water can easily overwhelm the banks of the river and add unexpected obstacles in the water.
The St Louis stretch of the Mississippi River is also home to multiple species of fish, including bass, carp, catfish and even sturgeon. The river also nurtures a number of waterfowl, mollusks and aquatic plants that can be seen by anyone who takes the time to explore this area. Additionally, the River provides habitat for wildlife, including deer, beavers and coyotes.
The Mississippi River has played an essential role in the development of the United States, hosting a number of important lifelines. During the River’s great times of prosperity, the St Louis section was crucial to the nation’s transportation systems, allowing for trade and commerce to move at a rapid rate. To this day, the Rivers of St Louis still supports barge traffic, recreational activities and many of the natural environments that call it home.
The importance of this iconic waterway can’t be understated, nor can its inviolable natural beauty. Today, anyone who takes the time to explore this storied river can see the power and depth of this grand river, and experience the true majesty of the Mississippi.
Impact of Man-made Structures on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is heavily impacted by mankind. Over the centuries, a number of large-scale projects have been implemented to control its flow. This includes the construction of man-made levees and retaining walls in order to protect cities and towns along the riverside. The purpose of these structures is to prevent flooding, but they come at a cost to the river’s ecosystem.
The river’s channel patterns, sandbars, forests and wetlands have all be changed and often destroyed due to intervention. This leads to a decrease in habitat complexity and a decrease in overall biodiversity. Additionally, certain species have been completely wiped out, unable to survive these changing conditions.
It is also important to note that many of these projects are unfinished or lack adequate maintenance. As a result, the structures intended to control flooding for the long term are actually quite ineffective, often leading to more harm than good.
Pollution is yet another source of human-induced degradation to the Mississippi River. Industrial run-off, agricultural and urban waste have all ended up in the river, leading to a decrease in water quality. This can take a serious toll on river-dwelling species, as well as their habitats. Fortunately, government agencies, non-profits and other organizations are now taking steps to clean the river and restore its health.
Finally, climate change has had a major impact on the River’s flow and depth. Higher temperatures and changing weather patters can lead to droughts or floods, both of which can have a lasting and devastating effect on the river’s ecosystems. Rising sea-levels have also been linked to increased tidal forces which, in turn, cause the river levels to rise.
Environmental Conservation Efforts on the Mississippi River
Despite the human-induced declines in the Mississippi River’s health, there have been numerous efforts to protect and restore its precious ecosystems. A number of non-profit agencies, such as the Mississippi River Foundation, are committed to conservation initiatives and stewardship programs in order to protect flora and fauna.
One of the more notable projects was the establishment of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. This 270-mile stretch of the Upper Mississippi provides excellent habitat for a multitude of species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons and trumpeter swans.
Another initiative is the America’s Green Chair Project, which was created to bring awareness to conservation efforts and protect the river’s fragile ecosystems. The project also includes a partnership between universities, museums and other organizations dedicated to the conservation of the Mississippi River.
Finally, numerous state, federal and international agencies have enacted laws dedicated to the protection of wildlife habitats. For example, the Fish and Wildlife Service has enacted the Endangered Species Act, which helps conserve species by protecting their habitat. Additionally, the recent establishment of the National Bass Fishing Waters regulation has helped to address several environmental issues.
Pollution Controls of the Mississippi River
Due to its size and scope, the Mississippi River has become one of the most contaminated waterways in North America. The river has suffered from regular industrial contamination, agricultural run-off and other forms of chemical-based pollution. As a result, numerous efforts have been made to clean up the river and protect its ecosystems.
In 1974, the US Congress passed the Clean Water Act, which set regulations on the discharge of pollutants into what is now known as navigable waters. This law requires all industry, wastewater treatment facilities and other businesses to adhere to a certain set of standards before discharging into the water.
All major cities along the Mississippi, from St Louis to New Orleans, are now required to install and maintain water treatment plants that remove and discharge only the cleanest possible water. This helps maintain an acceptable level of water quality for citizens and wildlife alike.
The state of Missouri has also enacted a number of regulatory measures to control the dumping of waste in or around the Mississippi River. The state now carries out regular inspections in order to detect and keep pollutants from reaching the river. Efforts are also made to ensure that farm run-off is monitored and treated properly before entering the river.
In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a number of navigation locks in order to regulate the river’s water flow. This helps to maintain a more stable water level, as well as protecting boating and other recreational activities.
Economic Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital component of the US economy. The river provides an incredible natural resource for transportation and energy, helping to spur economic growth in the regions it flows through.
The river is also home to several major ports, allowing for easy access to goods and materials. This makes St Louis, as well as many other cities along the river, important centers of trade and commerce.
And the economic activity doesn’t stop on the shores of the Mississippi. The surrounding areas rely on the river for fishing, boating and other recreational activities. This brings tourists from all over the world and helps boost the local economy by providing income and jobs.
What’s more, the Mississippi also serves an important role in the region’s agricultural sector. It supports a variety of irrigation systems, providing farmers and ranchers with a reliable water source that is essential to their livelihoods.
Finally, the value of the Mississippi River extends far beyond its economic impact. This gorgeous waterway is a true American treasure, a symbol of strength and resilience that will last for generations to come.
Conclusion of the Mississippi River in St Louis
The Mississippi River is an iconic waterway that has been a source of life and commerce for centuries. From its depths in St Louis to its wide expanses across the Midwest, this river has served as a major natural resource for countless people. To this day, the economic, cultural and environmental importance of the Mississippi River persists, remaining as vital as ever.
