Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in North America and is arguably the most important to the United States. It curves through 10 states, draining an enormous basin extending from the Appalachian Mountains to the Rocky Mountains. With its headwaters in Minnesota and its mouth near the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is more than 2,300 miles in length. What many don’t realize is how wide the Mississippi River was originally.
Early Explorers and Natives
Early explorers of the area reported seeing a mighty, wide flowing waterway as they traveled along it. Native tribes in the area described the river as wide, powerful and majestic. Even in the 1800s, the noted American explorer and artist, George Catlin, wrote of the large, wide and slowly meandering river and its bounty of wildlife.
When Europeans and American settlers arrived, records were kept of the river’s breadth and width. Furs, lumber and goods were transported along its length while bridges, buildings and other structures were built along the banks. Many of these early records and observations, including descriptions of the water velocity and width, still survive today.
Colonial Period
During the colonial period, many records were made of the width of the Mississippi River. Two measurements were tracked: a theoretical or maximum width from bank to bank, and an average width from actual beach to beach. At its maximum width during the colonial period, some reported the river could have exceeded more than 1,000 feet. The beach to beach measurement was said to be more than 400 to 500 feet.
Various surveys that took place during this time period measured the Mississippi hundreds of times. One survey near St. Louis, Missouri, in 1797 reported a maximum width of 1,400 feet and an average beach to beach width of 788 feet. Surveys conducted further south, near Baton Rouge and New Orleans, showed widths of more than 1,000 feet and more than 600 feet respectively.
Modern Times
Today the maximum width of the Mississippi River in its natural state is not as wide as decades ago. Sources estimate the maximum width to be between 600 and 1,000 feet. Much of this has to do with natural erosion during floods and the ecosystem’s subsequent attempts to restore the banks, dams and various man-made structures built along the banks that alter the current, as well as hinder the normal flow and rhythm of the river.
The river’s primary economic function is for shipping and transport. An average maximum width of 600 feet is required in today’s society, with the majority of towboats, barges and other crafts able to pass through safely. Locks and dams restrict access in some areas, allowing only smaller crafts through.
Regional and Statewide Projects
Various projects have been undertaken in many states along the river in order to preserve, protect and improve health and habitats. Outreach, preservation of archaeological sites and collaboration with government agencies is underway in many states with ecological hotspots. These projects hope to restore and improve wild areas, wetlands and river habitats, as well as promote public access to areas that have been impacted by the river’s changing widths.
Sedimentation, the particle capping of shorelines, has been identified as a major issue to the health of the river’s wildlife and habitats. Conservation efforts include careful management of river runoff and nutrient control, which can restore sedimentation to natural levels and allow the competition of various species.
The Future of the Mississippi River
What does the future of the river hold for stopping the widening of its banks? Scientists are working to streamline and manage the water’s speed and flow in areas likely to suffer the most erosion. This requires using computer models that take into account changes in channel geometry, seasonal flows, water temperature and more. Data inputs of these many factors allow scientists to make more accurate predictions of the river’s changing width.
Other efforts such as shoreline planting to reduce erosion, construction of groins to slow erosive currents, and other geo-engineering feats are being pursued in an attempt to preserve vital wetlands and habitats in the area. Eroding is projected to continue, so the challenge is to try to remain one step ahead by using modern science for future restoration.
Conservation Efforts
With its vast resources of beauty and biodiversity, conservation efforts must be introduced to protect this wondrous river from various human activities and urbanization. The good news is that many groups and agencies are dedicated to saving the natural and commercial resources of this amazing river. Collaborations of local and federal agencies, organizations and private owners are coming together to restore and protect the area.
These efforts involve various projects such as creating new restoration zones, riverbank stabilization and coastal wetland protection. Private citizens and organizations are engaging with state and federal programs to help monitor water quality, identify threats and bring in information to be shared with the public.
River Recreation
The Mississippi River offers a wealth of recreational activities, including fishing and birdwatching. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service both list the river as being a safe, recreational body of water. It is also a popular place for kayaking, canoeing and other forms of paddle sports.
Boating tourism is also a major industry, with thousands of people each year flocking to the region. Some of the popular activities include cruising down the river, camping on the banks, and exploring the numerous parks along the way. Along with the natural beauty of the river, visitors can also find numerous cultural and historical sites to see and explore.
Water Quality
Clean water is essential to the safety, health and well-being of the river and its inhabitants. The Conservation Laws Foundation (CLF) is undertaking one of the largest water sampling programs in the US along the Mississippi River. The CLF is working closely with local, state and federal agencies to better understand the impacts of nutrient runoff, sediment and other pollutants. The data garnered from these surveys provide vital information for the establishment of stricter standards for the river.
Efforts are also being made to reduce the amount of agricultural runoff such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Research is being conducted to identify best management practices and to limit the spread of pollutants coming from upstream sources. Reduction of pollutants from shipping, manufacturing, and oil and gas development are also targeted in order to cut into water pollution.
Navigation along the Mississippi River is big business. To aid in large vessels and barges making their way safely, the United States Army Corps of Engineers maintains nine navigation channels and harbors along the river. These channels are kept open and maintained year-round, including dredging to remove sediment, debris and other obstructions.
Navigation projects are also underway to enhance existing navigation infrastructure and provide smarter and more efficient navigation solutions. This includes the development of autonomous vessels, advanced navigation systems, and digital mapping programs that allow for safer and more efficient navigation.
Industrialization and Pollution
Urban and industrial development has drastically changed the face of the Mississippi. It has become a heavily trafficked route for trade and transportation, but along with industrialization comes pollution. The modern river faces many threats from runoff, sewage, and industrial pollutants.
These pollutants can have serious consequences for the health of its inhabitants, both human and wildlife. With increased industrialization, there is an increased demand for resources and energy, which can lead to further regulation of the river. It’s essential that studies are conducted to determine the impact of these activities on the width of the Mississippi and if there are measures that can be taken to reduce the river’s impact on the environment.
Conclusion
From its headwaters in Minnesota to its vast delta in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in America and also one of the widest. Its original width was much wider than it is today but centuries of human intervention have caused its banks to get narrower. Various organizations and government agencies are working hard to protect, preserve, and improve the environment of the Mississippi River and its many habitats. For this ancient and majestic waterway, conservation and planning needs to start today to ensure the future of the Mississippi River.
