The Mississippi River is one of the world’s longest rivers, stretching more than two thousand miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Lined with banks reaching from New Orleans to St. Louis, the river is the quintessential symbol of the American South. More than just a source of agricultural, commercial and recreational activities for the region, it is one of the most culturally powerful symbols of the region’s history. But that’s not all- its length and width are also a great source of wonder and exploration for any curious traveler.
Sailing down river, one can easily be overwhelmed by the powerful force of the water and the sheer number of canals, bridged and locks. It’s a potent reminder of the history of human civilization and transportation. As with many rivers, its width varies greatly within its two thousand mile span, with the widest section between Cairo, Illinois and the head of the Pass Manchac in Louisiana, at an impressive 5,000 feet. It narrows significantly in some areas, such as at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, narrowed by two logjams that are compressed to a mere two hundred feet.
While the width of the Mississippi is impressive all on its own, its length is what truly befuddles the mind. At 2,320 miles, it’s the fourth longest river in the world. But what makes it even more of a marvel is its serpentine shape, winding through America’s heartland in the form of a simple, yet elegant “S”. Its breadth was even the subject of a popular novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, wherein a protagonist attempted to navigate its length from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Living on the banks of the Mississippi River is a unique experience for many locals. It’s a source of regional pride, a place for citizens to fish, swim and admire its immense beauty. The river has been famously immortalized in many books and movies, capturing the vibrant and unique spirit of the region. In fact, the August 7, 1997 issue of Life magazine famously declared the Mississippi to be “Our National River”, highlighting its grandeur with the headline “Our Mightiest River”.
Rivers play a vital role in the development and transportation of goods and serve as a source of inspiration for many. The Mississippi is no exception to this, with its vast and powerful waters symbolizing life and change in the American South. Its length and width are awe-inspiring and feature prominently in many cultural stories. It’s a reminder of the power of nature and the immense grace of the American landscape.
Recreational Opportunities in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River provides a variety of recreational opportunities all along its length. From fishing and canoeing to simply taking in the scenic views, it’s a wonderful way to get out and explore the great outdoors. Popular activities include birdwatching, kayaking, sightseeing, and small-craft recreation. Fishing can be enjoyed in many portions of the river, with a valid fishing license.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (UMRNWRFF) is particularly popular. Home to endangered species such as the bald eagle, the refuge acts as an important habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Covering 261 miles of the Mississippi along its entirety in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, the refuge provides great opportunities for both wildlife viewing and recreational activities. There are a variety of observation decks, hiking trails and boat launches available in the refuge for visitors to explore.
The Upper Mississippi River also offers a variety of wildlife photography opportunities, served well by its rich ecosystem. Home to more than 240 species of fish and 300 species of birds, this stretch of the river is an important habitat of bald eagles and other threatened species. Citizens can gain access to the riverbanks and islands via public access points, and with the right knowledge, can track down birds, mammals and amphibians to photograph.
Mississippi River Pollution Issues
The Mississippi River is unfortunately subject to a variety of human-induced pollution issues.This is mainly due to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater, and discarded chemicals from industrial operations that occurs upstream from the river itself. As a result, the water quality in certain sections of the river has drastically declined over the past decade. Toxic metals, such as mercury and cadmium, have been found in the sediment and can adversely affect plant, animal, and human health.
Further, the bottom of the river is littered with trash, making it a hazard for navigation vessels. The accumulation of pollutants, including industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and nutrients from wastewater treatment plants, has led to a decrease in dissolved oxygen in the water, known as hypoxia. This causes increased turbidity and decreases the amount of sunlight that is able to penetrate the water, reducing the diversity of underwater life.
In response to the deteriorating water quality of the Mississippi River, many groups and nonprofits are working together to reduce the stress on the river. This includes efforts to reduce the amount of agricultural runoff, reduce industrial wastewater discharge, and improve water treatment in municipal areas. Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is entering the river through littering, consumer products, and industrial processes.
Mississippi River Conservation Efforts
In response to the heightened river pollution levels, many organizations have come together to research and protect the ecosystem of the Mississippi River. One such organization is the Mississippi River Basin Alliance, or MRBA, which works to promote the conservation and management of the basin’s resources. The Alliance works with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations, scientists, and other stakeholders, to promote and support science-based management of the basin’s natural and economic resources.
The MRBA has a variety of educational and research programs that promote stewardship of the river. These include fish and wildlife conservation initiatives, water quality monitoring, and education initiatives that spread awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving the Mississippi River. MRBA also promotes research into the history and culture of the basin and its inhabitants, as well as providing resources to affected communities.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) is another important part of the river preservation movement. Established in 1988, it is made up of 72 federal, state, and local parks and recreation areas along the Mississippi River. The mission of the MNRRA is to protect, preserve, and connect the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the river for the benefit of the American people. Its many programs and initiatives seek to bring greater attention and protection to the various aspects of the river, including its many cultural, historical, and ecological resources.
Impact of Mississippi River on Local Communities
The size and power of the Mississippi river has enabled it to significantly impact the lives of many communities along its length. These include small towns, cities and farms, all of which depend on the river in some way. This includes: providing agricultural irrigation for plants and animals, generating hydroelectric power, or providing shipping, barging and transportation for goods.
Rural communities have also long relied on the river for a variety of recreational activities ranging from fishing and boating, to hunting and birdwatching. In addition, the river serves as an important source of drinking water for many residents. The presence of the Mississippi River helps to sustain local businesses and provide jobs for surrounding towns and counties.
The effect of the Mississippi and other major rivers on regional and local economies must not be underestimated. Many cities have adapted to prosper from their proximity to the river, with Memphis and Baton Rouge both relying heavily on the river for their livelihoods. The Mississippi River is an important part of the culture and heritage in many of these places, with innumerable stories, songs and traditions being rooted in its waters.
Environmental Effects of the Mississippi River
On top of providing recreational and economic resources, the Mississippi River has a number of ecological effects on its surroundings. By providing a source of nutrients and sediments, the river helps to maintain the fertility of the surrounding land and promote the growth of plants and animals. Additionally, it is an important habitat for various species of fish and birds, a number of which are endangered or threatened.
The flooding of the Mississippi helps to replenish bottomland hardwoods and floodplains that have been converted to agriculture, forcing the water and sediment to deposit a greater level of nutrients for the land. This flooding also helps to create a variety of wetland habitats for animals and plants, both of which benefit from the additional water and nutrients from the river.
On a larger scale, the presence of the Mississippi has an effect on the global environment, as well. The presence of the river helps to balance the temperatures in the surrounding areas and the entire region, while also providing essential nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico, helping to maintain its health. All of these factors come together to help support the ecosystems of the entire region, and are essential for the health of the planet.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the world. Its length and width are a source of wonder and exploration, its waters a source of inspiration and pride. It is home to celebrated wildlife and threatened species, a source of recreation and industry, and a vital part of the culture and history of many places. Whether it’s viewed from the banks of its headwaters or in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is a powerful force of nature and an integral part of life in the American South.
