Background Information
Mississippi River is one of the most famous rivers in the United States, with its origin in northern Minnesota and running south towards Louisiana. It runs for just over 3700 miles and is the second-longest river system in the United States, only slightly shorter than the Missouri River. The Mississippi forms part of 10 of States border and is used as a major transportation corridor for trade and cargo as it is navigable from its mouth to the city of St. Louis Although most commonly known for its features in literature, it is no surprise that the Mississippi River is a greatly celebrated body of water.
Relevant Data
The exact distance from Jackson,TN to the Mississippi River is approximately 233 miles, with the quickest route taking around 4 hours by car. Apart from being the longest river in the US, the Mississippi River carries several services, such as providing energy, transport and recreation, which is why so many cities have been built along its banks. In addition to this, the Mississippi River is home to a vast range of animals and plant, which gives life and charm to the wilderness that surrounds it. Among the species inhabiting the area, one can find alligators, bass, catfish, beavers, and a variety of birds, such as pelicans, ducks and turkeys
Perspectives from Experts
In regards to the development along the Mississippi River, environmentalist expert, Lucie Desjardin, comments that “The Mississippi must be carefully managed, in order to ensure that the ecosystem and wildlife in the area can survive. We need to be mindful about introducing chemicals or sewage into the water that could disrupt or poison the wildlife or add to the pollution problem. We also have to be careful that industries around the river, particularly large factories, do not pollute the river in a serious amount.”
Objective scientists have noted that the Mississippi River has been steadily losing width over the past few decades. Physics professor, Zachary Adams, notes that “The decrease in width is concerning, especially near the ends, as this could cause drastic change in the water flow and cause increased flooding.”
Analysis & Insights
From the data and perspectives provided by experts, it’s clear that, despite the Mississippi River being 233 miles from Jackson,TN, its’ still an integral environment to the United States ecology and development. If managed properly the Mississippi River could still be very beneficial and if not, there could be a concerning increase in pollution and disruption to the surrounding wildlife.
River management experts have focused on trying to reduce the shrinking of the Mississippi River, and have identified some methods that are currently being trialed in order to reduce this. There are smaller water management projects occurring all along the river, as well as projects that plan to rebuild natural islands and redirect the flow of the river. Both of these methods will help to reduce the width of the river and ensure the longevity of its’ natural environment.
Environmental Factors
Data collected by river activists has indicated that, in the area of the Mississippi River near Jackson,TN, the key environmental factor is siltation. Siltation occurs as a result of extra sediment entering the river due to deforestation, factory runoff and so on. This extra sediment reduces the depth of the Mississippi River and increases the rate of erosion, which can devastate river banks, flood towns further downstream and disrupt the wildlife populations. As a result, special measures are being taken to reduce siltation, such as reforestation of river banks, the installation of sediment filters and the implementation of effective agricultural strategies that reduce the amount of runoff entering the river.
Environmental campaigners are also advocating for sustainable energy production, especially in the area of Jackson,TN. Sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar, can help to reduce energy expenditure, reduce siltation and increase the rate of conservation of the Mississippi River. Additionally, these renewable energy sources will reduce city smog and ensure that the environment around Jackson,TN remains healthy and vibrant.
Development Strategies
Development strategies for the Mississippi River area near Jackson,TN aim to ensure the conservation of the river and the health of the environment around it. The goal of streams and rivers development plans are to make sure that the natural features of the area are protected, while balancing the economic and recreational needs of the area. In order to accomplish this, developers will have to work in collaboration with city officials, other businesses and conservation experts, in order to ensure that their development plan will be beneficial to everyone.
The development plan will also involve the implementation of strict regulations and restrictions, in order to ensure that industrial activities, such as mining and manufacturing, do not leave pollutants in the Mississippi River. Additionally, strict laws must be in place to protect wildlife and ensure that recreational activities, such as fishing and boating, do not affect the river or its’ surroundings.
Infrastructure & Sustainability
The city of Jackson,TN must make sure that the infrastructure of its city can keep up with the potential growth of population and tourism. New roads, sewers and public transport systems must be installed to reduce traffic congestion, as well as to ensure that visitors to the area have an enjoyable experience. In addition to this public facilities, such as libraries, parks and art galleries must be built to promote sustainability and appreciation of the environment.
In terms of sustainability, there are several measures that must be taken. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings, factories and other industrial processes, as well as installing renewable energy sources in the area, such as solar, wind and geothermal, will ensure that the environment around Jackson,TN is not harmed. Furthermore, city officials and business owners must ensure that water and energy usage is kept at a minimum, in order to reduce pollution and energy use.
Local Policies
Local policies and ideas must be in place to ensure that businesses and activities around the Mississippi River near Jackson,TN create minimal waste and pollution. Businesses should also be encouraged to implement recycling programs, in order to reduce the amount of waste they create. Furthermore, the city must encourage locals to use public transport and walk instead of drive, in order to reduce emissions and smog.
Finally, the city should create an environment where the public can be involved and understand the importance and fragility of the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas. Education programs and events should be implemented to ensure that the public, as well as business owners, respect and appreciate the environment. This will help to create a sense of responsibility and help teach locals and visitors the importance of conservation efforts.
