The Mississippi river is one of the most iconic and important rivers in the world; it forms part of the boundary between the United States and Canada. Not only is it a source of recreation and pleasure, it is also a vital part of the economy. Every year locals and tourists alike make use of the Mississippi in many different ways; commercial fishing and shipping, time spent in nature, horseback riding, kayaking, and even swimming in the waters. Alongside the physical benefits, there are immense economic benefits, the most impactful of which being through transport.
The Mississippi River is heavily used for commercial navigation. In 2017, it saw more than 41 million tons of cargo traveling its waters, including grain, petroleum, coal, and chemicals. Commercial shipping is so popular as the Mississippi is a much cheaper and affordable form of transporting goods. It is this form of transportation that also created roaring river towns full of life, commerce and entertainment.
Fishing is an important and long-standing tradition along the Mississippi. Major species found in the waters include trout, catfish, panfish and bass. Sports fishing tournaments further up the river near its source draws out anglers of all experience levels to communities along the river, bringing economic benefits to the river towns.
Not only is the Mississippi used for economic purposes, it also provides recreational activities for locals and tourists alike. Spending in time outdoors is becoming more and more popular, with tourists coming from all over the world to explore the river to its fullest. Horseback riding, nature trails, kayaking, and swimming in the waters are among some of the activities visitors can enjoy. Alongside recreational activities, it is also becoming a hub for cultural activity, with a number of museums, picturesque churches and historical sites.
The Mississippi River is also used for environmental purposes. The waters are powerful and hold a unique power to transport nutrients and provide necessary hydration to its banks a great factor for environmental benefits. By utilizing its power for cleaner, renewable energy through a form of hydro power, waterways like the Mississippi can become self-sufficient, reducing the need for fossil fuels.
Economic Benefits
One of the biggest economic benefits of utilizing the Mississippi River is transportation of goods. Every year millions of tons of goods travel the waterway, making it an incredibly important part of the American economy. In 2017 alone, it transported over 41 million tons of cargo, including grain, petroleum, coal, and chemicals. This is a much cheaper and affordable form of transporting goods than other forms such as road or rail. In fact, transport by the Mississippi River is estimated to be about 15 to 20 times cheaper than transport by freight train.
The river also creates a number of jobs for those who inhabit its path. Boaters, anglers, and other locals who make use of the river to generate a living contribute to the socio-economic aspect of being on the water. This adds up to an incredible amount of money, with an estimated $40 billion dollars being generated by recreational activities related to the river annually.
Environmental Benefits
The Mississippi River is used for a range of environmental purposes. The most obvious of these is hydration of its banks and the levels of nutrients that can be transported via the water. With the destruction of ecosystems and increasing deforestation, our rivers are becoming more and more vital for the wellbeing of the environment. By allowing the water to flow, this helps to keep surrounding soil moist and ensures that local vegetation is getting the nutrients it needs to live.
The river is also a great source for renewable energy. By utilizing its power for something like hydro power, we can reduce the need for fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources. Furthermore, the water helps to clean the air, further reducing need for environmental chemicals that would normally be used for cleaning the air.
The Future of the Mississippi River
With many threats looming such as global warming, drought and pollution, there is a great need for us to ensure the future of the Mississippi River. Local authorities are implementing a range of measures to combat threats such as increased water conservation efforts and pollution controls. By making sure that pollutants are not released into the river, the communities who are dependent on it can rest assured that their livelihoods are not being put in danger.
It is also vital that we continue to make use of the Mississippi’s natural resources. By doing so, we are ensuring that the river and its surrounding environment stays as healthy and vibrant as it can for years to come. Recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing and swimming should remain an important part of what the Mississippi River has to offer, as each of these activities brings a unique benefit to the local economy.
Education and Engagement
Another key factor in preserving the Mississippi River is increased engagement and education from local authorities, schools and the general public. By ensuring that all members of the community are informed about issues that affect the river, this can go a long way in helping to preserve it for the future. Additionally, by creating opportunities such as volunteer and clean-up programmes, this can bring members of the community together with an emphasis on taking care of their local environment.
Education is key to preserving and maintaining our rivers and waterways. By introducing more topics related to rivers and waterways in our schools, we can ensure that future generations are informed on the importance of utilizing our rivers and keeping them safe.
Key Takeaways
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and important rivers in the world and is a source of both physical and economic benefits. Its waters are used for commercial navigation, fishing, recreational activities, hydro power, and environmental purposes. To ensure the longevity of the Mississippi, we must look to introducing measures such as increased water conservation efforts, pollution controls, increased education and engagement from authorities and citizens, as well as utilizing its natural resources for both commercial and recreational activities.
