General Background
The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world and the second-longest in North America. It is also the largest by total volume of water in the United States, including all its tributaries. The river travels a path of nearly 2,320 miles, eventually depositing its water into the Gulf of Mexico.
Arkansas is the state of the Mississippi’s southernmost extent. The portion of the river which runs through the state of Arkansas is known as the “Lower Mississippi River”. This stretch of the river is heavily used for commercial navigation. Approximately 15 million tons of cargo are transported on the Lower Mississippi River each year, contributing to the economy of the entire region.
How Many Miles Does the Mississippi Run Along Arkansas?
The Mississippi River runs along Arkansas for approximately 320 miles. This stretch of the Mississippi traverses most of eastern Arkansas, before forming its boundary with Tennessee, to the north. This route also takes the Mississippi River through the state capital, Little Rock, along with numerous other Arkansas counties such as Desha, Jefferson, Lonoke, Chicot, Lee, and Crittenden.
The Mississippi first begins in Arkansas at the border with Missouri. This 380-mile stretch of the river between the states of Arkansas and Missouri was once known as the “Lower Arkansas River”. This particular stretch of the river is home to several frog species, including the threatened Ouachita Streamside Chorus Frog.
Farther along this stretch, one of the more unique areas is the Turrell Levee Recreation Area. Located in Crittenden County, this area is renowned for its fishing, especially catfish and bass. This stretch of the Mississippi also serves as an important area for migratory birds, with over 340 species recorded.
At the end of its 320-mile path, the Mississippi meets the Arkansas-Tennessee border, south of Memphis. From here, the river continues on to the Gulf of Mexico and marks the end of its journey across Arkansas.
Impacts of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has played an important role in the development of the state of Arkansas, as well as its surroundings. For centuries, it has served as a major transportation route for goods, people and resources, allowing the state to become an integral part of modern American trade and commerce.
The presence of the Mississippi River also inspired the establishment of many communities and spurred significant economic growth of established townships. Arkansas has a tradition of utilizing the natural waterways, such as the Mississippi, for recreational activities. By canoe or kayak, people have the opportunity to explore the Arkansas portion of the great river and its lush wildlife.
The Mississippi River also serves as a crucial source of fresh water to the state of Arkansas. In areas of the lower river, the fresh water entering from the north combined with the nutrient-rich brackish water from the Gulf of Mexico creates an excellent environment for a variety of plants and animals. This, in turn, is a source of income and sustenance to nearby communities.
Conservation Efforts
As the Mississippi River runs along Arkansas, many efforts have been made to conserve this important resource. Governmental initiatives and non-profit organizations have continually worked with landowners to protect and maintain the river for future generations.
In 2014, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality launched the Arkansas Water Trail Program. This program works to promote the conservation of the Mississippi River by providing accessible resources for water recreation. Part of this program also encourages property owners to preserve their wetlands and natural habitats near the river. The program also collaborates with numerous agencies to promote education and increased public awareness of the river’s importance.
The Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) is another organization dedicated to the conservation of the Arkansas portion of the Mississippi River. The LMRCC regularly monitors water quality and evaluates the conditions of certain wildlife species, such as birds and fish. The committee offers numerous seminars and workshops throughout the state to educate and encourage fair stewardship of the river.
Environmental Challenges
Despite the efforts to preserve and protect the Mississippi River, there are still certain environmental challenges and threats. Industrial runoff and agricultural waste have a particularly negative effect on the river’s quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that some areas of the Lower Mississippi River contain dangerously high levels of toxins and other pollutants.
The changing course of the Arkansas stretch of the Mississippi River is also a major challenge. Although this river has followed this course for centuries, it can become unstable due to floods or other natural forces. As the river changes course, it can create hazardous conditions for citizens and wildlife alike. These changes can also lead to the destruction of habitats and ecosystems.
Solutions
In recent years, new technologies and innovative solutions have been developed to combat certain environmental issues and secure the river’s future. Many of these solutions involve the use of filtration and purification systems, which can reduce the levels of toxins in water samples. These systems can be installed in industrial waste facilities, reducing their impact on the environment.
The state of Arkansas has also recently invested in sustainable practices to lead the way in river conservation. Communities are now actively engaged in practicing river-friendly methods, such as proper disposal of chemicals, utilizing renewable energy sources, and reducing the amount of litter on the river.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers has also suggested constructing certain structures and engineering projects, such as levees and reservoirs, which can offer increased protection against the flooding and shifting of the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a crucial natural resource to the state of Arkansas. This river supplies fresh water, produces hydroelectricity, and provides jobs and recreational activities. A creative and collaborative approach is necessary in order to reduce the environmental threats to this vital asset, while also providing economic opportunities to the local communities.
