The middle Mississippi River is an incredibly powerful river, stretching all the way from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a waterway of tremendous importance and beauty, providing jobs and recreational activities for many who reside alongside its banks. Here’s a look at how far the river goes and how it impacts everyone who lives in the area.
The middle Mississippi River begins up in the northern part of Minnesota and is formed by the joining together of the Minnesota, St Croix and Mississippi Rivers. The river then makes its way down through Wisconsin, the towns of Red Wing and Hastings, and then down into Illinois, passing the Chicago metro area and then down through the other states of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico. The total length of the river is roughly 2,350 miles and it comprises part of the United States’ largest watershed.
From a practical viewpoint, the middle Mississippi River plays an important role. This river is an important source of transportation and is used extensively for commercial purposes such as shipping and transportation of goods. It also plays a key role in supplying electricity and water to this part of the country, providing some of the cleanest water in the nation. Historically, the Mississippi River has served as an important gateway for settlers into the Midwestern United States, and many cite it as one of the key factors in the development of the area.
In addition to its practical aspects, the middle Mississippi River also plays a major role for outdoor recreational activities. It’s an ideal spot for fishing, boating, or just taking in the natural beauty of the area. There are also a number of trails and parks in the area, providing a great opportunity for hiking, cycling, and bird-watching. In addition, the river provides some of the best views around, making it a great spot for photographers to capture some shots of incredible sunsets.
Overall, the Mississippi River has a tremendous impact on the area and provides a number of benefits to those who live in this part of the country. While it is certainly not the longest river on the planet, it still plays a crucial role in the lives of those who live nearby and this importance should not be overlooked.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of the middle Mississippi River is quite considerable. In fact, according to a report generated by the Port of New Orleans, the river provides a significant boost to the economies of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, in both its direct and indirect impact. The Port of New Orleans estimates that the river annually supports approximately 661,400 jobs and contributes nearly $35 billion in wages and salaries to the region.
In addition, the river is an incredibly important route for transportation of goods. Nearly 70% of all the imported goods coming into the United States pass through the ports of Louisiana, creating an incredibly robust economy. Without this route, it would be incredibly difficult to get goods into the United States efficiently.
In addition to its important role in creating jobs and facilitating transportation of goods, the Mississippi River also serves as an important base for the commercial water-based recreational industry. Thousands of people enjoy their last break on the waters of the Mississippi, providing both entertainment and an income for companies that facilitate these activities.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its economic impact, the middle Mississippi River also has an important role to play in the environment as well. For instance, this long stretch of water is considered one of the most important ecosystems in North America, hosting a variety of different species of both animals and plants. The river itself is home to over 300 species of fish, most notably the Lake Sturgeon and Paddlefish.
In addition to its importance as a habitat, the middle Mississippi River also serves as a major source of fresh water for the region. This provides an incredibly important resource to numerous towns and cities that rely on clean and reliable water. The river also serves as a filter for pollutants, helping to ensure clean water downstream of it.
Overall, the middle Mississippi River is an incredibly important source of both economic and environmental benefits to the region. By preserving the river’s health, we can ensure that these benefits continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
Recreation Impact
The Mississippi River impacts recreational activities in a highly positive way. It’s one of the most popular spots for outdoor activities in the region, offering a plethora of sights and sounds for all to enjoy. Whether it’s swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, or fishing, the Mississippi River has something for everyone.
The river is also home to a number of different wildlife preserves, including the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and a number of national parks including the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. All of these offer breathtaking views and spectacular opportunities to take in nature at its finest.
The Mississippi River is also home to a number of popular music festivals and events. Every year, the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates jazz and blues music alongside many other styles of music in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities on the Mississippi.
Overall, the Mississippi River offers an exciting, enjoyable and safe recreational experience for those who visit it in the summer months. It’s a great spot to take in the sights, sounds and activities of the region, and represents a great way for people to get out and enjoy nature in all its glory.
Conservation and Preservation
It’s not enough for people to simply appreciate the Mississippi River for its recreational and transportation benefits, but to make sure that the river remains clean and healthy. In recent years, pollution has been an increasing problem for this body of water and there are number of conservation and preservation groups that are fighting to keep the river in its pristine state for many years to come.
In particular, the Mississippi Riverkeepers organization is an invaluable resource for providing education and outreach programs on water conservation and pollution prevention. The group works to reduce the levels of pollution in the river by working with the local governments and businesses to ensure that they are doing their part to keep the river clean.
The Nature Conservancy is also an important organization to note, as they strive to preserve the beauty of the Mississippi River. The conservancy works to protect the areas bordering the river, creating natural habitats for wildlife and ensuring that the ecosystems remain strong.
Overall, the middle Mississippi River is an important source of recreational activities and economic sustenance for millions of people in the region. It’s only through hard work and dedication that this essential waterway will continue to provide enjoyment and a sense of adventure for people for many years to come.
Habitat Restoration
The middle Mississippi River is also a key part of the effort to restore habitats to sustain fish and wildlife. There are numerous projects in place to ensure that wetlands and other habitats receive the necessary care to survive and to ensure that the fish population remains strong and healthy.
For instance, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has undertaken numerous projects to restore fish and bird populations along the Mississippi River. The effort includes creating and maintaining viable habitats, controlling invasive species, and strengthening conservation and management rules.
In addition, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan was created to protect fish habitats along the big rivers that make up the Mississippi. The program works to restore fish habitats through habitat creation and protection, watershed management and conservation, and the eradication of barriers to fish migration. This plan is key for ensuring that the populations of fish remain healthy and able to support themselves into the future.
Overall, habitat restoration is key to maintaining the health of the middle Mississippi River and the wildlife that calls it home. These efforts are incredibly important if we are to keep the river functioning as its best and keep supporting the many species that live in and alongside the river.
Biodiversity
One of the most important aspects of the middle Mississippi River is the diversity of species that call it home. From the smalmouth bass to the bald eagles, the Mississippi creates a vibrant mix of biodiversity and ecology.
The river, in part because of its location and size, has become an important stopover route for migrating birds. The Mississippi serves as an important place for birds to refuel during their long trips. There are literally hundreds of different species of birds that use the river as a stopover, including the Snowy and Caspian terns, Semipalmated sandpipers, the Great Egret and many more.
In addition to the birds, the Mississippi River also supports a wide variety of mammals and reptiles, such as the river otter, deer, turtles and frogs. The river itself is a rich and diverse environment, providing habitat and sustenance for a wide variety of species.
The importance of the many species in the Mississippi River watershed cannot be overstated. While the river offers many economic and recreational benefits, it also serves as one of the most important habitats for a multitude of species. Protecting these species is an important part of preserving the health of the river and ensuring its future sustainability.
