How Far is 800 Miles Up the Mississippi River
When one hears the word Mississippi, they often think of the Deep South and think of it as a sleepy and slow-moving river; however, the mighty Mississippi is actually a very powerful and important commercial waterway that runs through the center of the United States. Spanning 2,350 miles in length, this impressive river has tributaries that start in two Canadian provinces, and it pours its rich waters into the Gulf of Mexico at its southern terminus; but how far is 800 miles up the Mississippi?
The Mississippi River originates in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and runs southward through 10 different states, until it meets the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. 800 miles from the river mouth will take travelers to the furthest northern point of the mighty Mississippi– Memphis, Tennessee. Just north of Memphis there is a dam called the Mississippi River Intrastate Navigation System, which is the last dam before the beginning of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Louisiana.
Traveling the Mississipi by boat is not only a leisurely journey, but it is also a historical one, as it was the hoemtowm of American pioneers and currently holds quite a few historical locations, such as the Vicksburg National Military Park, the Natchez Trace Parkway and even the few remaining steamboat tows. Over the centuries this river has been used for transport, commerce, recreation, and military purposes, all helping to shape the United States into what it is today.
The Mississippi River basin, which includes 4 big rivers and countless tributaries, covers 2/3 of the continental United States and supports many native species and habitats. Over 50% of migratory birds in the United States use this route to travel in their respective directions and the mighty Mississippi supports a multitude of industries from fossil fuels to agriculture.
In 2008, the US Army Corps of Engineers carried out a study of the waterway to evaluate the condition of bridges and other structures, boat traffic, and environmental impacts. The report mentioned that an estimated 80% of commerce supports and boosts local economies in the states. This commerce includes freight shipments in barges, and these barges are able to move commodities, such as oil and grain, farther and faster than other forms of transportation.
The mighty Mississippi River is a source of life that has shaped America’s history, local economies, and ecology. 800 miles upstream will take any traveler to the heart of the “big river” – Memphis, Tennessee. Not only is Memphis a mecca for music and culture, but it also has a large presence in the shipping industry.
Threats to the Environment
The Mississippi River is the most important ecological and economic asset in the United States, yet decades of engineering projects, over-harvesting, and nutrient runoff have had a devastating effect on its habitats and species. Despite conservation efforts, numerous environmental organizations worry that the river and its tributaries are heading for ecological disaster.
The decline is largely attributed to numerous dams and levees, which have drastically changed the flow and temperature of the river, destroying crucial spawning grounds and habitats for numerous fish species. Pollutants from agricultural runoff, legacy industrial contaminants, and inadequate waste treatment have also harmed the river’s habitats and fisheries; several species—including the paddlefish and pallid sturgeon—are threatened by the decline.
Efforts are being done to restore some of the original habitats of the river and its tributaries, but restoring the river to its original state is an expensive, complicated, and slow process. The complexity of the Mississippi River’s ecosystem combined with an ever-growing population in the basin area make restoring the river a major challenge.
Nevertheless, there is still hope for America’s most vital waterway. Leaders from all 10 states have joined forces to protect and restore the Delta region, targeting soil erosion, restoring habitats, and decreasing pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. If the Mississippi River is to remain a productive asset for the United States, these restoration and conservation efforts must continue.
The Mississippi River is a large and powerful river. For centuries, people have navigated it using canoes, kayaks, and other traditional vessels, and while this is still possible, it is not necessarily safe or accessible. Most of the river is accessible only by commercial freighters and pleasure boats.
Modern navigation on the Mississippi River is now primarily done by larger vessels such as paddlewheels, barges, and tugboats, which require licenses and navigational licenses.
Vessels navigating the Mississippi River must also be aware of the water conditions, which can be unpredictable and change suddenly. Navigation is also complicated by numerous locks and dams, and strong currents. If a vessel has not been carefully prepared, it could easily become stuck
Additionally, navigating through the delta region, which is heavily populated, can be difficult for smaller boats and vessels, due to the numerous sandbars and mudflats which accumulate in the lower delta. The delta is better suited for larger vessels, which require more powerful motors.
Preservation Efforts
The Mississippi River is an important resource that provides clean drinking water, recreation and opportunities for commerce. Preservation efforts are essential in protecting this important resource. Although much of the river and its tributaries have been altered by dams, levees, and agricultural run off, there are still projects in place to try and protect this natural resource.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a plan to preserve and protect the river, and its tributaries, called the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Initiative (MRGOI). This initiative is a ten-year plan that aims to restore and improve the ecology of the river and its tributaries. It also works to enhance water resources management and ecosystem protection, and restore wetlands and other damages due to human activities.
Restoration efforts include innovations such as floating wetlands that use native plants to absorb excess nutrients and pollutants. Additionally, the initiative is working to restore the natural flow of the Mississippi River by removing sediment from the lower delta and restoring wetlands, as well as concentrating on levee and dam restoration, which have caused major issues in the health of the river.
These restoration efforts are necessary to protect the long-term health of the Mississippi River. This invaluable natural resource is an essential resource for the United States, and without proper maintenance and restoration, this resource could be lost.
Flood Management
Flooding has been a problem on the Mississippi River since its discovery by Europeans in the 16th century. Although some floods are caused by natural phenomena, such as heavy rain and tropical storms, most flooding is caused by human activities.
The construction of dams, levees, and other engineering projects have altered the natural flow of the river, increasing the potential for flooding. Additionally, rapid deforestation of the river’s basin, increased runoff from agriculture, and industrialization all have worsened the flooding.
To manage flooding, the US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a Flood Damage Reduction Program. This program uses a combination of traditional engineering solutions, such as levees, as well as more innovative solutions such as wetlands restoration. The program also works closely with local governments and landowners to provide financial assistance for levee and dam construction, flood control projects, and wetland restoration.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River Flood Damage Reduction Program is working to reduce flooding on the Mississippi River, while restoring its habitats and ecosystems. It is a long and complex process, but its success is essential in preserving this important natural resource.
Urbanization
The influx of people moving to America’s various cities, as well as the re-purposing of industrial land on the banks of the Mississippi River, has resulted in numerous challenges. The most significant of these challenges is urbanization.
Urbanization has caused pollution through increased runoff and the dredging of the river for shipping purposes. Additionally, the introduction of invasive species of plants and animals, as well as erosion of the riverbanks, have all posed challenges to the river’s health.
Though cities can have a deleterious effect on river ecosystems, they can also be a source of creativity and ingenuity in how to battle the effects of urbanization. By encouraging citizen-led projects, such as green roofs, greenways, and urban waterways, cities can work to protect the river while allowing its natural beauty to remain. Additionally, many cities have begun to prioritize stormwater management and reduce the runoff of pollutants into the Mississippi River.
Urbanization can have serious impacts on the health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, but with proper management and responsible development, cities can ensure that the river and its tributaries remain a source of life and prosperity.
