The Mississippi River is an iconic channel of America, providing vital transportation and health benefits to the communities that call its banks home. With recent developments in climate change, however, unexpected challenges have begun to present themselves for the river’s ecosystem. Already, the Mississippi River has seen drastic drops and increases in its water levels, causing numerous species of aquatic flora and fauna to struggle. So, the uncertain question remains: is the Mississippi River ready for climate change?
The effects of climate change are wide ranging, and the Mississippi River is no exception. Warmer temperatures have already caused a decrease in the amount of water that the river is able to hold, resulting in a decrease in water levels. On the other side of the spectrum, the Mississippi has also seen extended periods of flooding, causing aquatic species to be forced out of their natural habitats. Farmed species, such as the popular Blue Catfish, have also been adversely affected, due to the increase in pollution, sediment build-up, and reductions in water levels in certain areas. Many experts fear that without proper maintenance, the Mississippi River will quickly become unsuitable for fish, birds, and other aquatic life that are native to the region.
In order to protect the Mississippi River and its inhabitants, numerous initiatives have been proposed. Conservationists, scientists, and government employees have been working together to plan and promote river-front initiatives such as dam maintenance, bank restoration, and heightened oversight of agricultural runoff. In 2017, the Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) was established in order to improve this coordination, increasing the likelihood of its success. The MRBA is responsible for implementing and enforcing a variety of initiatives, such as water management plans, conservation of wetland areas, and soil erosion control.
In addition to the environmental effects, climate change also affects the river in other ways. The Mississippi River faces economic consequences as well, from declines in tourism and recreation to shifts in shipping. The river is one of the busiest freight corridors in the world, and any changes to its water levels or quality can cause delays, increased costs, or even the closure of ports and other facilities along the river. The impact of climate change on the Mississippi River’s economy is of great concern to local businesses.
In spite of the challenges that climate change has presented, the Mississippi River has proven to be resilient. The MRBA’s efforts to stabilize and protect the river have been largely successful, and many of the species that are still struggling have begun to recover. Recent studies have suggested that with enough coordination and investment, the Mississippi can continue to support its residents, both commercially and environmentally.
Dam Maintenance
Currently, the largest danger to the long-term health of the Mississippi is posed by aging dams. Many of these structures have been in place since the early 1900s, and without proper maintenance, they become dangerous. Not only are they susceptible to failure, but they also contribute to erosion and sediment build-up, which can cause oxygen depletion and fish populations to decline. To counter this, the MRBA encourages the active maintenance of dams, including regular inspections and repairs.
This practice should become more commonplace as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Dams have been proven to have a significant impact on the water levels and flow of the river, and in order to protect the environment and promote sustainable industry, proper dam maintenance is essential. Conservationists have even gone so far as to suggest that new dams be considered, in order to better manage water flows and mitigate flood risks.
Advocates for proper dam maintenance recognize that it isn’t cheap, but when weighed against the damage caused by failing infrastructure, proper maintenance is the only logical choice. As climate change continues to threaten the Mississippi River, it is becoming increasingly important that all stakeholders take an active role in the health of its dams.
Bank Restoration
The condition of the Mississippi River’s banks can be an indicator of the overall health of the river. Bank erosion is a serious threat to the river’s ecology, as it causes sediment build-up and destroys habitats. In order to combat erosion, the MRBA has proposed several initiatives, including the use of natural buffers to protect banks from erosion and the planting of trees along the banks to improve water quality and absorb pollutants.
In addition to these programs, environmental groups have called for the restoration of banks damaged by previous construction projects. Riverbanks provide vital habitat and food sources for local wildlife, so it is important that they are given the proper care and attention. Bank restoration projects can involve a number of activities, such as dredging, grading, and planting of vegetation. Such activities can help protect banks from future erosion and can also improve water quality and clarity.
In addition to providing environmental benefits, bank restoration can also improve the experiences of fishermen, boaters, and other Mississippi River visitors. By restoring banks, recreation areas will be expanded, providing safer and more accessible spaces for recreational activities. Bank restoration also has the potential to attract more business to the river, as tourists will be more likely to visit a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
Increased Oversight of Agricultural Runoff
The Mississippi River’s water quality is of utmost importance to the health of both its inhabitants and its visitors. Unfortunately, the river’s water quality has been put at risk by agricultural runoff, and more recently, by the increased amount of floodwater. To combat this, the MRBA has been working with farmers, ranchers, and local conservation groups to provide alternative solutions to runoff.
The key to this effort has been the implementation of an agricultural runoff management plan. This plan identifies and targets areas of agricultural run-off and outlines step-by-step measures for their reduction. By focusing on areas specifically affected by runoff, the plan hopes to reduce its impacts on the river’s water quality.
Other initiatives, such as cover crop plantings and rotational grazing, have been introduced to reduce soil erosion and runoff. Cover crops act as a buffer, preventing sediment from being washed away, while also providing an additional food source for livestock. Rotational grazing practices also offer a great potential to reduce runoff, as these methods require less land and resources than traditional grazing methods.
In order to promote these initiatives, the MRBA is working with farmers to provide education and support. These efforts are essential, as the water quality of the Mississippi River is dependent on the farmers who work its farmland. With the right support, these farmers can become vital guardians of the river’s health, helping to ensure its sustainability.
Increased Monitoring
In order to properly respond to the changing needs of the Mississippi River, increased monitoring is important. Organizations, such as the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are responsible for providing accurate data on the river’s water levels and its overall health. This data can be used to inform conservation efforts and guide policymaking when it comes to water management.
In addition to the USGS and USACE, environmental groups have also called for the introduction of new monitoring technology. By equipping vessels, buoys, and other aquatic devices with sensors, the organizations can gain invaluable information about the water quality and the habits of the river’s inhabitants. This data can be used to make informed decisions about the river’s future and to minimize the impacts of climate change.
The USGS and USACE have been undertaking many of these projects in recent years, deploying automated buoy systems and current monitoring stations to measure the river’s levels. Several initiatives have also been implemented to track the movement of fish, allowing biologists to better understand their habits and determine the health of their populations. With the introduction of better monitoring technology, the Mississippi River is one step closer to being ready for climate change.
Cooperation with Other River Systems
In order to properly prepare the Mississippi River for climate change, it is essential that it works in conjunction with other river systems. As with many other bodies of water, the Mississippi can be greatly affected by changes in the environment, such as flooding and drought. Therefore, it is critical that all stakeholders are provided the resources needed to properly respond to the changing environment.
Cooperation between river systems can be seen in the MRBA’s Mississippi River Delta Restoration Program, which works to coordinate responses to and remediation of environmental disasters. This program has been successful in improving the health of the river and its inhabitants,through joint efforts, especially during flood events. It has also been a valuable asset in helping to protect infrastructure from damages due to changes in water levels and to promote healthy, sustainable industry along its banks.
The cooperation between river systems is also essential for the implementation of new management plans. Many of these plans, such as dam maintenance and bank restoration, require coordination between multiple states, organizations, and industries. Therefore, by working together, organizations can pool resources and create large-scale initiatives that may not have been possible otherwise.
The Mississippi River has proven to be one of the most resilient rivers in the country, but it is not invincible. The changing climate presents new challenges and opportunities, and careful consideration must be made to ensure its continued success. Through initiatives such as dam maintenance, bank restoration, increased oversight of agricultural runoff, improved monitoring technology, and cooperation with other rivers, the Mississippi River can be ready to face the consequences of climate change head-on.
