The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States. It winds its way through 10 areas, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, and Louisiana.
The Mississippi River Basin covers an area of more than 1.2 million square miles, making it the second-largest river basin in North America after the Hudson Bay Watershed. It covers 31 states, providing water to over 180 million people. The river is the third-longest in the United States and has the second-highest annual flow of any major river in North America.
The Mississippi River has been a vital waterway for freight and passenger travel in the United States for centuries. It has also been a major source of food and recreation for Native Americans, European settlers, and later, for settlers of many other ethnicities. With its enormous size and volume of water, the River has been a major force of nature and its influence has impacted the social, economic, and political development of the surrounding regions.
The River has also been an important source of inspiration for American music, literature, and culture. Major figures such as Mark Twain, Louis Armstrong, and Bob Dylan have all drawn inspiration from life alongside the Mississippi. A centerpiece of such literary works include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean.
Though its influence is vast, it is widely recognized that the Mississippi River is one of the most polluted waterways in the world. In the late 1980s, the river’s water quality was so bad that fish could not survive in it. As human activity on its shores has increased, so too has the river’s pollution. Farming, industry, and urban sprawl have caused significant contamination of the Mississippi, from agricultural runoff and industrial waste to sewage and oil.
Recognizing the issues facing the Mississippi, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken an active role in monitoring and managing the river’s water quality. The EPA has created a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program to monitor and limit the amount of pollutants entering the River. This program is designed to limit the amount of certain pollutants flowing into the River and its tributaries in order to improve water quality. Additionally, the EPA maintains a program to protect wetlands and other habitats in and around the river.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have also taken measures to ensure the River’s health and promote its recreational uses. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing the flow of the Mississippi, and has developed a levee system to control flooding. The Fish and Wildlife Service operates a program to protect fish, birds, and other wildlife found in and around the Mississippi.
Preservation of the Mississippi River
To help preserve the Mississippi River and its surrounding ecosystems, a number of organizations have been formed. These include the Mississippi River Commission, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance. The mission of these organizations is to advocate for the restoration, protection, and preservation of the River and its watershed. The organizations work to promote water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) is a federal agency that works to restore habitats, improve water quality, and promote economic and recreational development along the river. The MRC has issued a number of initiatives to improve the water quality of the Mississippi, such as limiting nutrient runoff from agricultural waste and developing proactive flood management plans. The commission also works with local and state agencies to improve the recreational and economic opportunities along the River.
The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) is a statutory entity created by eight states along the Mississippi’s length. The commission is tasked with creating and maintaining a comprehensive parks, trails, and greenway system along the River’s shores. The MRPC also works in partnership with communities to improve recreational access and water quality, as well as increase economic development.
The Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) is a coalition of organizations and businesses dedicated to the restoration of the River. The organization works to improve aquatic habitats, reduce the impacts of pollution, and promote the recreational use of the River. The MRBA is responsible for a number of initiatives to improve the River’s health, from directing funds to wetland restoration to creating educational materials about the River.
Benefits of the Mississippi River
The benefits of a healthy Mississippi River are plentiful for people and wildlife alike. The River provides clean drinking water for millions of people, and several endangered species are native to the River’s ecosystem. The river also provides flood protection for the region and irrigation for agricultural lands. Additionally, the River’s natural beauty offers opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
The Mississippi river has been a vital resource for the region’s economy, providing numerous jobs in industries such as transportation and tourism. The River is also a major contributor to shipping and freight transportation, offering a cheaper and more reliable mode of transport than air or land shipping.
The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University has conducted extensive research into the benefits of the Mississippi. One study found that each year, the River produces an estimated economic benefit of $51 billion from its recreational activities alone. The study also estimated that the river’s watershed produces over $260 billion in economic output.
The benefits of the Mississippi River go beyond its economic contributions. The River is an essential part of the cultural and spiritual identity of the indigenous people who have lived along its banks for centuries, and the River is a source of inspiration for numerous musical, literary, and cultural works.
Issues Caused by the Mississippi River
While the Mississippi River is a crucial source of water and livelihoods, it also brings many challenges. The River is susceptible to flooding and disruption of its natural hydrological patterns due to its immense size and the presence of dams, levees, and other man-made structures.
The floods brought by the River can have devastating effects, destroying crops, damaging homes, and costing billions of dollars in rebuilding. Floods can also spread pollution and sediment, damaging habitats, killing wildlife, and polluting waterways.
The River is also prone to water-borne illnesses due to its heavy pollution load. Elevated levels of toxins, bacteria, and fecal matter in the River can be dangerous to people who live and work near it. Additionally, the River’s water can be unsafe for recreational use such as swimming and boating due to the presence of pollutants.
The River is also home to invasive species that can disrupt native fish and wildlife populations. The prolific growth of non-native species such as zebra mussels, Asian carp, and sea lampreys can outcompete native species for food and habitat and can spread disease.
The ongoing industrial pollution and urban runoff into the River are a major concern. The Mississippi has been listed as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, with levels of pollutants often exceeding standards set by the EPA. Improper waste disposal, runoff from farms and cities, and toxic chemicals released from factories have all led to high levels of contamination in the River.
Various Solutions to Preserve the Mississippi River
A variety of solutions have been proposed to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed. The EPA’s TMDL program is a major step forward in improving the River’s water quality. The program places limits on the amount of pollutants discharged into the River and its tributaries in order to improve water quality.
In addition to the EPA’s program, a number of organizations have been created to help protect the River. The Mississippi River Commission and the MRPC promote regional restoration, protection, and preservation efforts, while the MRBA develops educational materials and encourages collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have both taken action to help protect the River’s ecosystem.
To further protect the River, various states and organizations have pushed for more public education about the ecology of the Mississippi Basin. This education can inform and encourage responsible behavior from the public, from individuals to industrial enterprises. Education can also help to engender greater public awareness of the issues facing the River in order to promote sustainable solutions.
The River’s recovery will rely upon the development of new technologies that can reduce pollution, quantify adverse impacts, and restore aquatic habitats. Research into more sustainable agricultural practices and improved wastewater treatment practices can also help to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the River. Additionally, infrastructure improvements such as reservoirs and levees can be used to help control floodwaters and protect communities and ecosystems.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the United States and a major contributor to its economy and culture. With its vast size and power, the River presents many benefits and challenges. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations and initiatives in place to protect the River and its health, such as the EPA’s Total Maximum Daily Load program, the Mississippi River Commission, and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance. Through education, policy changes, and technology, the United States can make significant strides in preserving the River and its immense value.
