Mississippi River: Length and Direction
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most well-known rivers, and its length and ultimate source of water are both of great interest. Spanning 2,350 miles, the Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the United States and is one of the most important components of the Mississippi River System. This river system travels through ten different states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. The Mississippi River’s main stem originates in Minnesota and then continues south, finally entering the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
The inquisitive reader may be wondering how long the Mississippi is from the Missouri border. From its source near the confluence of the Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers, to the mouth of the Missouri River near St. Louis, the Mississippi River is approximately 750 miles long. From St. Louis the river continues south for another 1,600 miles, reaching the Gulf of Mexico at a point just south of Venice, Louisiana.
The delta region at the mouth of the Mississippi is formed from fresh water flowing from the river’s many smaller tributaries. The Moon River, just one of the many tributaries, stretches from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers near Knoxville, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, a spectacular journey of more than 700 miles. During the peak summertime months, when precipitation is high, the Moon River can swell to over 30 feet.
The Mississippi River has been a major center of human activity for thousands of years, and America’s story could not be told without it. Native Americans sought fish, nutria, shellfish, and other resources in the river, while early American explorers used the waterway as a means of transportation and trade. Andrew Jackson won a major victory against the British at the Battle of New Orleans, and this pivotal event ultimately helped shape our nation’s destiny.
As the Mississippi River’s importance grew, so did the need for internal improvements. In the 1800s, land was cleared for levees and dams, as well as locks and canals to ensure safe passage for steamships up and down the river. The invention of the steam engine was also a game changer, and it allowed goods to be transported rapidly and cheaply. The railroads later on provided yet another option for transportation of goods, both up and down the river, and throughout the country.
Today, the Mississippi River Basin covers 1.2 million square miles and covers thirty-one states between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. Fourteen of these states border the river itself. The terrain, temperate conditions and numerous tributaries make the Basin a vital resource for fishing, farming, and forestry. The Basin also supports some nine million people, as well as a wide variety of industries.
Environmental Changes in the Basin
The Mississippi River Basin has undergone a variety of changes since the arrival of the Europeans. Thousands of years of ecosystems and the functioning of the river have been affected by the industrialization of the Midwest, which began in the mid-1800s. This period saw a massive increase in population, urbanization, and agricultural development, which led to several environmental challenges, including water quality deterioration, soil erosion, decreased water flow, and disruption of habitats.
The Mississippi River is fed by numerous smaller rivers and streams, and several of these tributaries are doing more to harm the Basin’s health than help it. Some tributaries contribute elevated levels of phosphorus, potassium, nitrates, and other pollutants due to over-fertilization, storm water runoff, and sewage. These pollutants cause serious problems, including algal blooms, loss of fish, and other aquatic life, as well as reduced water quality. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted several regulations to limit such pollutants in the Basin’s waters.
Climate change is another major issue facing the Basin. Rising temperatures, lower water levels, increased cloud cover, and stronger storms have all had an impact on the health of the river. Warming temperatures can cause evaporation, reducing water flows and impacting the flow of sediment and nutrients in the river. In addition, increased rainfall causes more stormwater run-off, flushing pollutants directly into the river.
Finally, the proliferation of invasive species presents a challenge to the Basin’s delicate ecosystems. Asian carp, nutria, and zebra mussels are just some of the species that have been introduced to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, leading to decreased populations of native species, altered food webs, and increased competition for resources.
Restoring the Basin
Restoring the Basin has become a priority for both public and private groups. Local, state, and federal agencies have implemented strict water quality regulations, pollutant discharge permits, and conservation measures to help restore the Mississippi River Basin. Private organizations, including several non-profits, are also doing their part, advocating for better policies and partnering with local stakeholders to implement strategies that will benefit both wildlife and people.
One such group is the Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA), a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to advance the conservation and responsible management of the Basin’s water resources. MRBA’s mission includes protecting, restoring, and strengthening the ecosystems of the Basin, as well as ensuring a safe water supply for local communities. To do this, they are engaging in research activities, developing educational materials, and collaborating with government agencies and community members on restoration projects.
In addition, the US EPA has launched several initiatives to improve the quality of the Basin’s waters. The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (MRGNOFT) is working to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous inputs into the river while maintaining and restoring habitats. The EPA has also developed nutrient criteria reductions and established the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force to set goals for achieving water quality objectives in the Basin by 2035.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River Basin provides a range of economic opportunities for the communities living along its banks. The commercial fishing, hunting and sport fishing industries are all heavily reliant on a healthy river, and the Basin’s waters not only provide recreational opportunities for locals, but also bring in tourists from around the world. Agriculture is another major industry in the Basin, and its farms provide food and feed for the US, as well as export markets in other countries. Tourism and leisure are also important sources of revenue in the Basin, with some communities relying heavily on the river to support their local economies.
The Mississippi River, and the Basin it supplies, is a key economic resource for the United States. The river provides transportation, recreation, and habitat to residents and tourists alike, and it is of vital importance to industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. However, human activity has taken its toll on the Basin’s natural environment, and restoring the health of the river is a challenging but necessary task for preserving its economic and ecological importance.
Conclusion of Public Outreach
Fortunately, numerous governmental and private organizations are working together to preserve and restore the Basin. This cooperative effort is focused on taking actions that will restore the health of the river while providing economic benefits to local communities. As the conversations around the health of the Basin continue, public outreach and education is essential to ensure that the citizens of the Basin and beyond understand the importance of the Mississippi River and are actively engaged in restoring it.
Industrial Pollution of the Waters
The Mississippi River Basin is suffering from industrial pollution that is taking a toll on its environmental health. Many of the larger cities in the United States have a long history of pollution and contamination, and the Mississippi River itself is not immune from this. Major companies are releasing pollutants into the water, ranging from heavy metals to hazardous waste. These pollutants disrupt ecosystems, can lead to algal blooms, eutrophication, and have a direct impact on the health of river flora and fauna. Furthermore, these pollutants can travel hundreds of miles downstream to other states, impacting drinking water supplies and agriculture.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking aim at this problem, especially in the watersheds around the Great Lakes, where they are enforcing strict regulations on companies found to be releasing pollutants into the water. Companies are now required to develop and adhere to a pollution prevention plan, as well as regular monitoring and reporting of any contamination. Furthermore, the EPA is working with state and local governments to develop best practices for reducing industrial pollutants in the Basin.
In addition to the EPA’s efforts, citizens can do their part to protect the health of the Mississippi River Basin. Educating oneself on the source, impact, and effects of industrial pollution is a great first step to understanding the problem and developing solutions. Reaching out to local and state representatives, as well as participating in efforts to reduce emissions and improve water quality, are all ways to begin the process of environmental conservation of the Basin.
The Community Engagement
Community engagement is a vital part of restoring the health of the Mississippi River Basin. Local citizens and organizations have a tremendous amount of knowledge and information about the Basin and the condition of the river. When they are given the opportunity to partner with government and nonprofit organizations to protect the river, their resources and knowledge can be put to good use to develop effective solutions to some of the Basin’s most pressing environmental issues.
Educating these local communities about the impact of environmental decisions including pollution and water resource management is important to helping them understand their role in the health of their communities and the Basin. Additionally, tapping into local knowledge and experience can help organizations tailor their strategies to the unique needs of each community, which better ensures the success of their efforts. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) are already leading the way in engaging communities in the restoration process.
Restoring the Mississippi Basin is no small task, but it is one that can be accomplished with the support of communities and organizations working together to support a healthy river. Engaging citizens in dialogue, promoting education and outreach efforts, and ensuring that local communities are actively participating in the restoration process will be essential to restoring and safeguarding the health of the Basin.
