The Mississippi River, America’s second-longest river after the Missouri River, stretches 2,340 miles and is loved by many. Growing up legend, adventure and beauty have always been associated with the river. From its origin to its mouth, the Mighty Mississippi is of great importance to US citizens.
At its source, the river begins as a small brook in Lake Itasca, located in Clearwater County in the state of Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, an empirical survey identified Lake Itasca as the Mississippi’s true beginning in 1832. While the first documented journey down the river was led by Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette in 1673, people had likely been using the river for centuries before then.
Places like the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a 72-mile corridor managed by the National Park Service, are part of the river’s appeal and bring in visitors of all ages. The Mississippi has deeply touched the American Soul, and its origin in Clearwater County is full of cultural and environmental significance. It’s often referred to as the First Path of American Identity.
From its tiny source in Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River starts out clean with a bit of clarity, even as a shallow, temperate stream. It then flourishes with strength and beauty, running through farmland and cities alike, highlighted by cascading rapids and blue-green stillness, eventually spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.
The environment near where the Mississippi River starts is a combination of hills, woods and lakes, making it ideal for a number of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping.
According to the US Geological Survey, over 500 species of fish and 320 species of birds live in and around the Mississippi River. It’s also home to several endangered species, including the tiger salamander, the whooping crane, and the least tern.
The river also plays an important role in agriculture and industry, moving billions of dollars worth of goods in both directions each year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the river’s navigation system, monitors the river’s water levels, policing user conflict and working to protect the environment.
Leading the way with environmental issues is the University of Minnesota’s Department of Soil, Water and Climate. For more than a century, they have conducted research on biological and environmental processes impacting the Mississippi River and its many tributaries. Their research has lead to greater understanding of the river’s flows and changes in water levels, making it possible to develop better and more sustainable management strategies.
The fact that the Mississippi River begins in the tiny city of Lake Itasca is a testament to the impact rivers can have, even in the smallest of places. It shows how, by working together to protect the natural environment, generations of people can help the river thrive.
Major Changes in the Water Levels
Due to heavy rains, flooding and long-term climate change, the water levels in the Mississippi River and its tributaries have seen a steady rise over the past 50 years. This can be attributed to various factors, including an increase in precipitation, land-use practices such as deforestation, and a decrease in the frequency of droughts in the region.
The rising water levels, if left unchecked, can be dangerous. According to the USGS, for every 1-foot (0.3 meters) increase in water level, there is an increase in the likelihood of flooding by a factor of four. This means that floods can occur both suddenly and dramatically, and can cause serious damage to both the environment and communities near the river.
To protect the environment, local and federal agencies have established flood control protocols and best practices. Some of these techniques include the building of barriers such as levees, the use of floodplain mapping, and the implementation of strict building codes. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate have also worked together to develop strategies to reduce the risk of flooding, while also working to preserve the river ecosystem.
Tourism along the River
The river’s beauty and grandeur draw tourists from near and far. Visitors to the region can experience a wide range of activities, from kayaking and fishing to bird watching and hiking. Many cities along the Mississippi’s course are historical, full of culture and traditions both ancient and new.
In addition to exploring the natural beauty of the Mississippi River, it can also be visited in other ways, such as by taking a steamboat cruise or renting a houseboat. People can also join in on special “Civil War history” excursions, retracing the path of the Union and Confederate forces that marched along the river during the conflict.
The river’s many tributaries, offshoots and wetlands provide a thriving habitat for many distinct species of plant and animal life. Bird watchers can explore avian diversity, and nature-lovers can enjoy unique ecosystems, often found nowhere else in the world.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have worked together to establish environmental standards to protect the river and its inhabitants. These initiatives include working with communities to introduce sustainable fishing and agricultural practices, to help restore the river’s delicate ecosystem.
Impact on the Local Economy
The Mississippi River has played a major role in the prosperity of many cities and towns along its banks. The river provides transportation for goods and services, making it an essential part of the country’s economic infrastructure. In addition, it has been an important source of drinking water for many communities since its origin.
The river also brings a wealth of jobs in tourism-related industries, ranging from hotels and restaurants to outdoor recreation companies. In many towns, from Lake Itasca all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River offers a bevy of attractions and activities that are sure to entertain and captivate visitors.
The Mississippi is also a source of pride and identity for many people living near the river, who take great pride in the economic benefits, environmental importance, and cultural significance of the river. The river has become a symbol of the sheer power and beauty of nature, inspiring generations of Americans to work to preserve and protect the environment.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have long been involved with managing the water level of the Mississippi, and leading the way in flood control. This includes the implementation of sophisticated infrastructure projects, such as the Yazoo Backwater Project, the Flood of ’93 disaster relief project and other levee repairs.
The Corps of Engineers’ work has also included a range of other initiatives such as dredging, the installation of navigation aids and the construction of drop structures. These measures are intended to improve the navigability of the river and provide for more efficient transportation of goods and services.
The USGS, the US Army Corps of Engineers, state and local agencies, and universities have increasingly worked in partnership to monitor and assess the river and its floods, striving to make it easier to navigate.This involves taking various steps to reduce flood risk, such as improving levee repair and diversion work and installing gates to provide better control over flood waters.
By collaborating with each other, these organizations have been able to protect this important resource, while creating greater public awareness of its importance. This has lead to more sustainable practices for managing the river, mitigating inundation and reducing the impact of flooding on communities in the surrounding area.
Preservation of the Mississippi – A Global Responsibility
The Mississippi is an important global resource, and its future is largely dependent on the preservation of the environment that sustains it. Organizations such as the Soil and Water Conservation Society, the National Wildlife Federation and the World Wildlife Fund are leading ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote healthful practices.
These initiatives include reducing pollution, fostering public awareness of flood risk and advocating for better management of the river. All of these efforts seek to address the river’s most pressing environmental challenges, with the ultimate goal being to ensure that the Mighty Mississippi can continue to provide nourishment and pleasure for generations to come.
The Mississippi River’s origin in the city of Lake Itasca, Minnesota, marks a reminder of this majestic river’s important place in American culture and history. A significant step in preserving the river for future generations is to protect its original site at Lake Itasca, ensuring that its beauty and strength continue to endure for many years to come.
