The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic waterways in the United States. It stretches from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, winding through a dozen states and covering more than 2,320 miles. The river carries so much more than just water; its history and culture are intertwined with much of the American experience. It holds stories of adventurers, abolitionists, entrepreneurs and Native Americans. As one of the busiest waterways in the world, it offers rich opportunity for travel, trade and leisure.
As a large, meandering river, the Mississippi has a wide variety of depths, from shallow pools to deep channels, and a week-long journey along its banks offers a different experience of the river in each state. The mighty current passes through small towns, vast forests, farmlands and swamps, offering glimpses of both modern and historical life along its banks. The Mississippi is referred to as the “Big Muddy” because of its strong current and its muddy brown color, which is caused by tannins from decaying vegetation in its watershed.
Along with the Missouri River, the Mississippi forms the fourth largest drainage basin on the planet. Over half of the watershed is located in the United States, while the remainder is located in four Canadian provinces. The river’s watershed covers over 30 states, two Canadian provinces and parts of nine other countries. The watershed encompasses an area of about 1.2 million acres, and drains 810,000 square miles.
Economically, the Mississippi River has been an important transportation artery since the mid-1800s. Throughout its history, it has been used for the shipment of goods from north to south and east to west, with the help of a system of locks and dams, which help to control the water levels and facilitate traffic throughout the river. In contemporary times, the river is still used for commercial shipping, with goods travelling from upriver towns to deep-water ports, including the ‘turbo-charged’ port of New Orleans.
Environmental issues are increasingly becoming a concern along the river. Commercial, industrial and agricultural pollution are public health issues that many communities along the river face. As a result, citizens and environmental organizations are lobbying to have tougher regulations on existing businesses and to create better wastewater management plans, in order to help protect both human and aquatic life.
The Mississippi River is an amazing and diverse ecosystem, providing a vital artery for commerce, travel and recreation. With its many facets and its rich history, it is a national treasure and should be preserved for future generations.
Wildlife
The Mississippi River is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 250 species of fish, 75 species of amphibians and reptiles, hundreds of species of birds and other mammals. Although the river’s health has been declining due to pollution and other factors, some species have flourished, such as the sturgeon, muskie and paddlefish, which are thriving thanks to increased water quality and improved habitat.
The river’s shorelines are home to bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, sandhill cranes and many other birds that feed along the banks. Beavers and other small mammals also make their homes along the river’s edge. The river also provides habitat for many species of turtles, frogs, snakes and salamanders, as well as other creatures such as crayfish, water striders and mussels.
The Mississippi River is a vital migration corridor for many birds, acting as a flyway for hundreds of species of migratory birds that need the river’s shoreline habitat during the winter months. Ducks, geese, swans and many other species of waterfowl regularly stop along the river while they migrate north and south, making it one of the most important migratory routes in the United States.
The river also provides important food and breeding habitat for fish species. Many of the fish species that inhabit the river, such as the bass and bluegills, are highly sought-after by anglers. For this reason, many fishing tournaments are held along the Mississippi each year, drawing sport fishermen from around the world.
The Mississippi River is an incredibly diverse and important ecosystem, and one of its greatest resources is the abundance of wildlife that depends on the river for their very existence.
Management
The Mississippi River is managed and protected by a variety of agencies, both federal and state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for navigation, flood management and sediment control along the river. They also assist with water supply management and restoration efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helps to regulate water quality along the river. In addition, the EPA works with local governments, non-profit organizations and other entities to ensure that the water is clean and safe.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the river’s ecosystems and the wildlife it supports, while the National Park Service is responsible for the protection of historic sites along the river. There are also many private organizations such as the Mississippi River Trust, which works with community groups and private landowners to improve and protect the river’s natural resources.
The management of the Mississippi River is crucial to its well-being, as the waterway supports an incredibly diverse array of wildlife and important industries like shipping and fishing. The combined efforts of all these agencies are essential for maintaining the health of one of the most iconic rivers in the world.
Leisure
The Mississippi River is a popular destination for leisure activities as well. From cabin rentals to riverboat cruises, there are plenty of ways for visitors to take in the beauty of the river. There are also numerous campsites and marinas along the river, making it easy for people to go camping, fishing or just to take in the spectacular scenery.
In recent years, the river has become even more popular as a leisure destination. The riverboat cruise industry has seen remarkable growth and continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Riverboat cruises offer a unique view of the river, and passengers can enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife and historical sites while on board.
Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities along the Mississippi, with an increasing number of trips being offered every year. There are many outfitters and tour companies that offer guided canoe and kayak trips designed for any skill level. These excursions provide the perfect opportunity to explore the river and its many tributaries.
The Mississippi River provides an abundance of leisure activities, from relaxing riverboat cruises to invigorating kayak tours. Visitors can explore the river in many different ways, and with the continuing growth of the leisure industry along the river, the opportunities are only becoming more numerous.
Farmland
The river also serves an important role in agriculture. Farms located near the river are able to take advantage of its fertile soil, and many farmers rely on the river for irrigation and to provide water for their livestock. The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with farmers along the river to help them protect their resources and manage their land.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Mississippi’s agricultural importance is the river itself. In addition to the many farms located along its banks, the river also serves as a critical transportation artery for agricultural products. The river is the primary route for the shipment of grains, such as wheat, corn, and soybeans to port cities, where they are shipped to markets around the world.
In addition, the river is a major source of fertilizer, with naturally occurring phosphate and nitrogen compounds enriching the soil along its banks, making it ideal for many crops. The river also provides waterfront property owners with fresh seafood, such as catfish, bass and other fish caught in the river.
The Mississippi River is an essential source of life and livelihood for many of the farmers and families who depend on it. They rely on the river for its fertility, transportation, and freshwater, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
