The Mississippi River and Lake Michigan are two of the United States’ most iconic waterways, with both providing essential pathways for transportation, recreation, and commerce. But are they connected? The answer is not a simple one, but what is certain is that the Mississippi River is not directly connected to Lake Michigan. It is, however, indirectly connected via a series of water passages and channels.
To give a better understanding of the relationship between the two bodies of water, it helps to go back in time. In 1848, the first Illinois and Michigan Canal was completed, connecting the Illinois River to Lake Michigan. At the same time, the railway system was becoming prominent, allowing goods and people to be transported from the Midwest to the East Coast. This allowed for commerce between the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River basin, indirectly connecting the two watersheds.
Another important development was the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900. This allowed for the Chicago River, which historically flowed into Lake Michigan, to be reversed, providing access to the Illinois River, and ultimately creating an artificial connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.
Today, the path of the two bodies of water is also monitored closely, due to the risk of aquatic invasive species entering the Great Lakes. There are two active control points that regulate the flow of water in the area. The O’Brien Lock and Dam, located near Joliet, Illinois, is the first port of call for vessels travelling from the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes. The LaGrange Lock and Dam, located further up the Illinois River, is the first port of call for vessels travelling in the opposite direction.
The interconnectivity between the two regions has also increased the flow of goods and services, allowing the two systems to function as one unified ecosystem. Furthermore, the presence of the two water systems has created a unique habitat for many species of fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds.
In recent years, there have been increasing efforts to restore the ecosystems of the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. Various organisations and regulatory bodies have called for a reduction in pollution and the development of clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, in order to promote a healthy environment.
Navigation has always been a challenge on the Mississippi River. This is due to the fluctuating water levels and the ever-changing geography of the river. The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the navigability of the river, but despite their efforts, navigation is often impeded due to sandbars, silt, and debris.
These challenges have been made worse by the construction of dams, which have caused the river to become shallower and has led to the formation of sandbars that can impede navigation. Additionally, navigating the river is made difficult by the presence of strong currents and turbulences.
The need for regular dredging of the river has become essential. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining a 9-foot deep and 300-foot wide channel on the river, but as a result of silt and other build-up in the river, dredging is often required. This process can be costly and time-consuming, as well as environmentally damaging.
In spite of these challenges, the Mississippi River serves an important role in the transportation of goods and services in the United States. The river is the most important route for moving goods from the Midwest to the East Coast. The majority of grain, coal, chemicals and other industrial goods are transported via the Mississippi.
Environmental Impacts of the Mississippi
The construction of dams and levees, as well as the extensive dredging for navigation purposes, have caused serious environmental impacts. The most notable impact has been the disruption of the river’s natural flow, which has caused flooding, erosion, and siltation downstream.
The construction of levees has also negatively impacted the aquatic life of the river, as they reduce the amount of habitat available for fish and other aquatic species. Additionally, the increased flow of water caused by the dams and levees has resulted in an increase in water temperatures and less oxygen in the water, which has further damaged the aquatic environment.
The pollution of the river basin has also caused serious damage to the river’s ecosystem. The Upper Mississippi River basin is one of the most heavily industrialized regions in the United States, and the air and water pollution from the industries in the area have had a detrimental effect on the health of the river.
Lastly, the construction of dams and other infrastructure has caused the habitat of many species to be destroyed or degraded. This has caused a decline in bird and fish populations and has put pressure on the species that rely on the river for their survival.
Restoration Efforts
The US Army Corps of Engineers has taken a number of steps to mitigate the environmental impacts of the Mississippi River. The most important step has been to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, as well as to reduce the amount of sediment building up in the river.
In addition, various conservation measures have been implemented in order to protect the river’s habitat. This includes the designation of wildlife management areas and the implementation of water quality standards.
Furthermore, the Corps of Engineers is dedicated to restoring the natural flow of the river, and it is actively involved in restoring the sandbars that impede navigation. This involves removing sediment, repairing damaged levees, and re-establishing a natural flow of water through the river.
Lastly, the US Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in restoring wetlands, which provide an important habitat for fish and other aquatic species. This includes the use of native vegetation, the elimination of invasive species, and the re-establishment of healthy riverbanks.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River and Lake Michigan are two of the most iconic water bodies in the United States. Despite the fact that they are not directly connected, they are still indirectly connected via the series of water passages and channels. The river has long been essential for transportation and commerce, however, the construction of dams and other infrastructure have had adverse environmental impacts.
In spite of these issues, the US Army Corps of Engineers is making an effort to restore the health of the river and its habitat. This includes the reduction of pollutants, the restoration of wetlands, and the re-establishment of a natural flow of water. Going forward, it is important that these efforts continue in order to protect the river and its ecosystem.
