Minnesota is best known for it’s 10,000 lakes, but did you know the state is also home to hundreds of miles of the Mississippi River? In fact, the Mississippi River borders the entire eastern portion of Minnesota, meandering through the state for an incredible 636 miles (1,020 kilometres).
The Mississippi River forms the state’s border with Wisconsin to the east and is the main source of freshwater for several large cities. In addition to its role as a major waterway for transportation and commerce, the river is home to wildlife and provides recreation for millions of people every year.
Minnesota is no stranger to flooding along the Mississippi River, with major floods occurring in the great flood of 1965, the Great Flood of 1993, and the April-May 2001 floods. Despite the challenges that these floods present, the Mississippi River continues to be an important part of Minnesota’s natural and economic assets.
The Upper Mississippi River Valley
From its source to its mouth, the Mississippi River stretches 2,338 miles (3,765 kilometres); 636 of those miles (1,020 kilometres) are located in Minnesota. The 636-mile stretch of the Mississippi River in Minnesota includes the Upper Mississippi River Valley, defined as the area between the confluence of the Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers upstream to the headwaters at Lake Itasca.
The Upper Mississippi River Valley is home to a diverse array of habitats and is a critical habitat for 200 species of fish, 300 species of birds, and 8 species of mammals, including the iconic bald eagle. In addition, the Upper Mississippi is an important resting area for migratory birds and is an important source of drinking water for cities and towns.
The Upper Mississippi River Valley is also an important economic resource for tourism and recreation. It is home to some of Minnesota’s most beloved natural areas, including Three Rivers Park Reserve, Father Hennepin State Park and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which provides endless opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
The Upper Mississippi River also has several locks, dams, and reservoirs that help to manage the river’s flow and provide electricity. The primary purpose of these structures is to keep the floodwaters from flooding towns and cities, but they also help to maintain a consistent water level and to ensure an adequate flow for navigation and recreational activities.
Mississippi River Pollution
The Mississippi River is an important source of freshwater for millions of people, and it is also an important source of pollution. Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater, and stormwater runoff, has led to high levels of pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, in the river. These pollutants can have harmful effects on the aquatic plant and animal life in the river, and can be hazardous to human health as well.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has identified nine impaired water bodies along the Mississippi River, six of which are segments located in Minnesota. The MPCA has established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits for most of these segments to help reduce and prevent water pollution.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is an active partner in the effort to reduce nutrient loading to the Mississippi River. The MDNR works with local organizations and farmers to reduce the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients entering the river by implementing best management practices such as cover crops and conservation buffer strips.
Conservation of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a major source of recreational and economic activity, as well as an important source of drinking water. Its significance to the people of Minnesota has led to the implementation of several conservation efforts.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that was designated as a national park in 1988. This stretch of the river is managed by the National Park Service and is the only national park in Minnesota. The park is home to an array of wildlife, plant life, and historic sites and provides countless recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the conservation of the state’s natural resources, including the Mississippi River. The DNR’s Mississippi River Program focuses on protecting the river and its tributaries through the management of water levels, the prevention of pollution, and the regulation of activities such as boating, fishing, and water recreation.
The DNR works in partnership with local and regional organizations, including the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, to ensure that the river and its tributaries are properly managed and conserved in order to preserve its ecological, economic, and recreational resources for future generations.
Flood Protection
The flat landscape of Minnesota makes it especially vulnerable to floods, with major floods occurring every few decades. As a result, the state has implemented a number of flood protection measures to help reduce the risk of property damage and to help keep residents safe.
The Flood Analysis and Mapping Program (FAMP) is a state-run program that works to prepare, plan, and protect the people of Minnesota from floods. The program works with local, state, and federal partners to identify areas of high flood risk and to create comprehensive flood management plans. These plans provide information on the best ways to reduce flood risk, such as detaining water upstream, creating buffer strips, and designing structures that can help reduce flood levels.
The DNR also participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provides information on how to reduce risk and obtain flood insurance. The state also regulates development within high risk floodplains, including rules on how structures are to be located and how low-lying areas can be used. These measures are designed to help lessen the impacts of flooding and to protect people and their property from flood damage.
In addition to its important role in providing clean drinking water and protecting people from floods, the Mississippi River has also served as an important transportation corridor for millennia. The river is home to a network of locks, dams, and reservoirs that help to manage the river’s flow and keep it navigable year-round. The locks, dams, and reservoirs also provide clean and reliable hydroelectric power, helping to meet the state’s energy needs.
In addition to transportation, the river also provides recreational opportunities for millions of people each year. Popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Mississippi River is home to a variety of species, including bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, and an array of fish.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a great place to visit to experience the river in a more wild setting. The park is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing.
The Mississippi River is an important part of Minnesota’s natural and economic heritage, providing clean drinking water, flood control, and countless recreational opportunities every year. With 636 miles (1,020 kilometres) of river winding through the state, it’s no wonder it’s such an integral part of Minnesota’s identity.
Conclusion of Human Activity in the River
Although the Mississippi River provides immense economic and recreational benefits to the people of Minnesota, it is also vulnerable to human activity. Pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff, as well as stormwater runoff, has led to elevated levels of pollutants in the river. In addition, recreational activities such as boating and fishing can have a negative impact on the river’s ecology, particularly when they are done in an irresponsible manner.
The Minnesota government is taking steps to protect the river through the implementation of laws, rules, and regulations, as well as conservation programs. The state also works with local and regional organizations to reduce pollution and help preserve the river and its tributaries. Additionally, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area provides an opportunity for people to experience the river in its natural state.
Although the Mississippi River is an important part of Minnesota’s natural and economic heritage, it is also vulnerable to human activity. People must be mindful of the fragile nature of the river and the environment if we are to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
