The mighty Mississippi River meanders 2,320 miles between its headwaters in Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico. Its upper reach, from its source to the Iowa border, is the home to the nation’s largest water system and one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. The upper Mississippi River, which contributes 25 percent of the river’s total flow, has sustained human activity for centuries. In addition to providing drinking water to over 18 million people, the upper Mississippi River is an important transportation corridor, an abundant source of food, shelter, and recreation opportunities, and a haven for wildlife.
The upper Mississippi River, which is defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the portion of the river above the confluence with the Ohio River at Cairo, IL, extends 949 miles along the border between Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Seventeen locks and dams along the length of the river, built as part of the Upper Mississippi River Navigation Project starting in 1918, help to maintain a nine-foot-deep navigational channel. The USACE also operates and maintains five islands, 10 shoreline camping areas, several access ramps, and four Visitor Centers from Cairo to Clinton, IA. These improvements, known as the Upper Mississippi River System, help to keep the river healthy and ensure a safe passage for vessels along the navigational channel.
The Upper Mississippi River is a living landscape nurtured by years of natural processes and human intervention. It is an intricate network of channels, wetlands, sloughs, backwaters, woodlands, and islands with more than 120 species of fish, 300 species of birds, and other wildlife. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System recognizes the upper Mississippi’s “outstandingly remarkable” values and designates it to be preserved as a free-flowing “natural, historic, and cultural” resource.
Many species of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, crappie, panfish, catfish, and sturgeon, call the upper Mississippi River home. Fish populations in the river have declined in recent decades due to sedimentation, chemical pollutants and the loss of historically important fish habitat.
The upper Mississippi is an economically vital area and more than 350 million tons of goods, goods valued at $21 billion, are transported along the river each year.
The upper Mississippi River is a complex, dynamic system. Water levels change with the season, flooding brings sediment and loss of habitat, while the channelization and dredging of the river add nutrients to the water. Varied land uses, including agriculture, commercial and recreational boating, shoreline development, and overfishing, all affect the health of the river.
Environmental groups work with citizens, government agencies, and industry to promote a healthy and sustainable river. Through conservation and restoration efforts, people can ensure that the unique values of the upper Mississippi River are protected and preserved for future generations.
Recreational Opportunities
The Mississippi River provides an array of recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, and wildlife observation are popular activities along the upper Mississippi. The Michigan Coast Guard Boat Safety Office states that combined with its spectacular beauty, the upper Mississippi is a perfect destination for recreational boating.
Water skiing, inner tubing, wakeboarding, and sailing are all popular activities on the upper Mississippi River. The USACE operates several boat ramps and camping areas that offer access to the river. Professional skiers and others please contact their local boating safety office to learn more about responsible river use.
Fishing along the Mississippi is also a popular pastime. Walleye, sauger, and smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species. Anglers can also find northern pike, largemouth bass, muskie, carp, and panfish throughout the Mississippi River. The upper Mississippi River is also known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities.
Wildlife observation is also a popular activity along the upper Mississippi River. Eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and other birds live in or visit the upper reaches of the river. River otters, beavers, and muskrat are common along the banks. The USACE operates five islands, each with a unique habitat, which are favored by many species of birds, mammals, and amphibians.
Environmental Risks
The upper Mississippi River is vulnerable to a variety of environmental risks, including sedimentation and contaminants in the water. Sediment, derived from agricultural practices and shoreline erosion, can cover and suffocate habitat needed by fish, while agricultural runoff and human sewage can introduce pollutants into the river that can harm aquatic life.
The Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRRP) was established to restore and protect the upper Mississippi River. The program is focused on restoring and protecting the aquatic and wetland habitats, while improving water quality throughout the watershed. Through conservation, restoration, and best management practices, the UMRRP works to reduce sedimentation, reduce nutrient pollution, protect sensitive areas, and restore fish and wildlife habitats.
There are also a number of efforts underway to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the Mississippi River. Several emerging technologies, such as constructed wetlands, bio-filters, and constructed bodies of water, are being used to capture and filter nutrient-rich runoff before it reaches the river.
Conclusion
The upper Mississippi River is a vital resource for the people, plants, and animals who depend it. By understanding the ecology, geology, and history of the river, we can better recognize and appreciate its extraordinary value and take steps to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Conservation Efforts
In addition to efforts by UMRRP, many conservation and restoration projects are conducted by non-profit groups, government agencies, and land trusts along the Mississippi River. These efforts focus on restoring degraded habitats, reintroducing native plants and trees, and improving water quality. Some organizations are also working to preserve landscapes and create habitat-friendly shorelines.
The Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) is a coalition of organizations that works to protect the river and its tributaries. The MRBA organizes public education and outreach, trainings, and research to help policymakers, researchers, and citizens understand the delicate ecological balance of the Mississippi River and its watershed.
The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) is another coalition that works to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The UMRBA’s mission is to promote the benefits and wise use of the river and its tributaries by advocating for sound ecological health, water quality and quantity, and long-term sustainability. The association also works to support environmental literacy, public access, and recreational uses of the river.
Nature Tourism
Nature tourism is growing along the upper Mississippi River, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its unique beauty. The National Park Service operates a Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (NRA) from its source in Minnesota to the confluence with the Missouri River at St. Louis, MO. The NRA includes a network of parks, trails, water trails, and river-based recreation areas along the Minnesota and Wisconsin borders.
The NRA also offers education and interpretive programs that introduce visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of the Mississippi River. The programs provide an opportunity to explore the river’s history, geology, and ecology, as well as its current issues and challenges. Visitors can also take part in a variety of guided tours, hikes, and nature walks.
The Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, encompasses a 263-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and Rock Island, IL. The refuge protects the river’s unique environment and provides habitat for more than 300 species of fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as for hundreds of species of plants. There are also numerous public access areas where visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation.
Conclusion
The upper Mississippi River is a vital waterway for human and wildlife populations alike. Its rich history and abundant natural resources are intertwined with the lives of many who depend on and enjoy it. By preserving and restoring this majestic river, we can ensure that future generations will benefit from its health and vitality.
