The Mississippi River is an incredible river system that is economically, socially and environmentally important to the United States. It is the largest tributary of the Louisiana Purchase, and the Mississippi River watershed is the fourth largest in the world. It is the source of much of the country’s flood protection, and it provides a home to a huge array of species, including the endangered pallid sturgeon and other fish, birds, and mammals. The Mississippi River is also an important shipping route, with barge and tow traffic along the river providing an essential link in the nation’s commerce and providing an essential route for transporting goods and people to and from the ports of New Orleans and the Midwest.
The city of Prairie du Shein, Wisconsin is located near the Mississippi River about five miles upstream from the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. This city was an important port city in the early days of statehood, and it is still an important place for fishing, shipping and recreation. The Mississippi River at Pere du Shein is typically about 5 feet deep, but during times of flooding, the river can be as deep as 50 feet or more. During the spring and summer months, the water level can rise quickly due to heavy rains. During winter, the river can freeze and ice jams can occur.
The United States Geological Survey monitors the river height at Prairie du Shein and provides readings every hour. The average river level this April is 11.2 feet, which is higher than the April average of 9.6 feet in 2019 but lower than the average of 12.3 feet in 2020. The highest recorded river level in the last year occurred in June, when the river rose up to 17.9 feet.
In 2019, the National Weather Service reported major flooding along the Mississippi River, which caused unprecedented flooding from the Gulf of Mexico up to the Midwest. The flooding created water levels that exceeded many of the records set over the years. At Prairie du Shein, the highest recorded level was 21.5 feet in May 2019. While the river levels have since returned to more normal levels and are not expected to return to such levels again, the National Weather Service warns that such major flood risks can never be predicted.
The flooding along the Mississippi River has devastating impacts on homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area, and the increased levels of water can cause serious damage to the river’s natural ecosystems and recreational areas. The US Army Corps of Engineers works to manage this risk and to prevent further damage to homes and businesses by building levies and other control measures.
The City of Prairie du Shein is also working hard to manage the effects of the Mississippi River on its community. The city developed the Prairie du Shein Flood Mitigation Plan in 2015, which focuses on flood prevention, mitigation and recovery efforts to reduce the impacts of the river. The goal of the plan is to reduce the risk of major flooding and ensure that the community is prepared for any potential flooding. The plan has been implemented and is actively monitored by the City.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an important element of the North American continent’s ecology, from the smallest organism up to the larger species. The river serves as a vital migration and breeding ground for many species, including birds, fish and other wildlife. The increased river levels can have a significant impact on these species, disrupting their habitat and affecting their populations.
The changing water levels also affect ecosystems in the river, such as aquatic plants. Higher levels of water can cause drastic changes to the environment and can disrupt the food chain in the river. These changes can have knock-on effects further up and downstream of the area, affecting even larger wildlife populations such as waterfowl and wading birds.
The wildlife in the Mississippi watershed is also affected by various pollutants, both natural and man-made. A number of pollutants, including agricultural runoff and industrial waste, make their way into the river, which can cause health problems for the animals and plants that rely on the water. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to reduce the amount of pollutants that find their way into the river, but it is a continuing challenge.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River is an important element of the economy of many states along its length. The river was the main shipping route for goods and passengers to the Midwest for hundreds of years and it is still an important route for industry, commerce and transportation. The barge and tow traffic on the river are essential for moving goods around the United States.
The river is also an important source of recreation, both on and off the water. The riverside towns and resorts attract millions of visitors each year, who spend money on lodging, food, shops and other services. Fishing and hunting are also important elements of the local economy, with people coming from all over the country to take advantage of the many fishing and hunting opportunities in the Mississippi River watershed.
The city of Prairie du Shein has taken steps to protect its economy from the effects of the river by investing in flood mitigation measures. The Prairie du Shein Flood Mitigation Plan includes measures such as building levies, improving the drainage system and updating buildings in the city to better resist the effects of flooding.
Impact on People
The Mississippi River has an effect on people throughout its length, many of whom live in towns and along its banks. Rising river levels can cause flooding and destroy buildings and homes, as well as disrupt transportation and other services on the river. The impact of the river on the people of Prairie du Shein can be felt in the restaurants, shops, and services that can be shut down or lose business due to flooding.
The people of Prairie du Shein are also affected by the regulation of the river by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Decisions about flood control and shipping on the river can have a direct effect on the people living in the area, as can other environmental regulations that affect the river.
The people of Prairie du Shein are also affected by the health of the river. Contamination from pollutants in the water can have a direct effect on the health of those living in the area, and the aquaculture and fisheries can suffer if the river is not healthy.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important part of life for many people along its length, including those who live and work in Prairie du Shein. The river level at the city is typically around 5 feet deep, but the river can rise suddenly due to heavy rains and flooding. The US Army Corps of Engineers works to manage the risk of flooding, while the local city government has put in place a number of measures to better protect the residents and businesses from the effects of the river. The river has an effect on the economy, environment and people of the area, and everyone must work together to ensure the health of the river for the future.
