What Divides The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the chief river of the second-largest drainage system in the United States, trailing the Hudson River. From its source in Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, to its confluence with the Atchafalaya River near Fort Adams, Mississippi, the river flows southward mostly through the Midwest, including western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, Iowa, and into Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas before draining into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is divided into two main areas. The border between the two divides the river into upper Mississippi and lower Mississippi rivers. The Upper Mississippi River extends from its source in Lake Itasca to its junction with the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois. Below the Ohio River, the Lower Mississippi River extends from Cairo to the Gulf of Mexico.
The dividing line between the Upper and Lower Mississippi rivers is the confluence of the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. The Ohio River is a tributary of the Mississippi, and the two rivers meet at Cairo, forming the westernmost point of the Lower Mississippi.
The Upper Mississippi is known for its long and winding river banks, and its habitat is especially rich in wildlife. While the Upper Mississippi is mostly home to fresh waterbodies, the Lower Mississippi is substantially wider, often carrying larger vessels and passing through more populated areas than its upstream counterpart.
The Upper Mississippi is a vital source of drinking water for people in the region. It is also a habitat for more than 270 species of fish, 332 species of birds, and numerous other wildlife species. The diverse waterways of the Upper Mississippi provide the perfect breeding ground for a variety of fish, and the river has been a major source of food for humans and other animals for centuries. The Upper Mississippi is also a major tourist destination, as recreational boating and fishing are common activities.
The Lower Mississippi is sometimes characterized as “big water”. The Lower Mississippi is much broader, deeper, and more heavily trafficked than the Upper Mississippi. It is home to over 4,000 commercial vessels. This section of the Mississippi is heavily industrialized, with ports and shipping terminals that connect it to the rest of the world. The Lower Mississippi River is bordered in places by long walls that line portions of the river to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas. Navigation through the Lower Mississippi is facilitated by the presence of a number of locks, as well as numerous navigation markers that line the river.
Importance Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important transportation route in the United States. It is the life blood of the nation’s economy, carrying much of the freight that is shipped across the country. Without efficient transport via the Mississippi River, much of the shipping industry would be shut down.
The river is also an important source of water for both consumption and recreation. Numerous cities in the Midwest and South rely on the Mississippi as their main source of water, and its recreational uses are vast. The Mississippi River has also been a source of inspiration to numerous creative writers and songwriters over the years.
The Mississippi River is a vibrant environmental and economic system that supports a myriad of human and wildlife activities. In order to preserve its essential role, Congress created the Mississippi River Commission in 1879. The commission was empowered to “improve the navigation, sanitation, flood control, and water resource development of the Mississippi River Basin”.
Challenges Facing The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has suffered a variety of environmental issues due to human activity. The river’s water quality has been degraded by pollution, agricultural runoff, and the introduction of invasive species. As a result, numerous species of fish and other aquatic life have been placed on the endangered species list, and human health risks such as contamination of drinking water have been created.
In addition to environmental problems, the Mississippi is facing a number of human-made challenges. Due to the river’s ever-changing course, it is highly susceptible to flooding. The building of dams and levees along the Mississippi has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of floods. Furthermore, the growing demand for shipping has caused a number of logistical problems for the river, including traffic and congestion, erosion, and safety concerns.
Conservation Efforts On The River
In order to ensure that the ecological, economic, and recreational benefits of the Mississippi River endure, a number of conservation efforts have been implemented. The American Rivers organization works on a variety of programs aimed at improving access to and protection of the river. The organization’s efforts include efforts to protect riverbanks, restore natural habitats, halt pollution, and improve water quality. In addition, the organization works closely with local, state, and federal governments to provide guidance on land management, water quality, and other matters.
The Mississippi River initiatives undertaken by the Natural Resources Conservation Service are also helping to protect the river and its environment. These efforts include the development of fish-friendly habitat, the protection of riparian buffers, and the restoration of important fish and wildlife habitats. The installation of best management practices to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff also helps to ensure that the river remains healthy and usable.
$1.8 Billion Program For Mississippi River Basin
In February of 2019, the US Congress approved a $1.8 billion program to protect the Mississippi River Basin from catastrophic flooding. This program includes an array of flood-control works, including major upgrades to the levees and the installation of other water infrastructure. It also includes a number of conservation efforts aimed at reducing erosion, enhancing habitats, and promoting sustainability.
This program is being handled primarily by the US Army Corps of Engineers, with the cooperation of state and local governments, as well as community groups and private citizens. The goal of the program is to protect the region from flooding, increase public safety, and help protect the atmosphere and habitats within the basin.
Mississippi River Cities Initiative
The Mississippi River Cities Initiative (MRCI) is an innovative partnership that brings together more than 500 cities and counties located within the Mississippi River Basin. The initiative’s goal is to raise awareness about the importance of the river and to promote public-private partnership in order to ensure its sustainability. As part of the initiative, local governments are committing to sharing resources and expertise to develop and implement projects aimed at protecting the river’s interests.
The MRCI is also a platform for encouraging public dialogue about the future of the Mississippi River. The initiative has a strong focus on collaboration and includes a variety of stakeholders, including local, state and federal governments, business, non-profit and research organizations, and community advocates.
Mississippi River Sustainable Tourism Initiative
The Mississippi River Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MSTI) is a public-private partnership that works to promote responsible tourism on the river. The initiative is committed to protecting and conserving the vitality and heritage of the Mississippi River nationally and globally. The partnership is managed by a board of directors, representing the various stakeholders, who develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that increase the economic benefit of the river while minimizing its environmental impacts.
The MSTI works closely with the Mississippi River Cities Initiative and with the US Army Corps of Engineers, as well as local governments, to identify and invest in sustainable tourism opportunities in order to build a vibrant and healthy economy for the people and wildlife of the Mississippi River Basin.
Mississippi River Delta Restoration Project
The Mississippi River Delta Restoration Project is an effort to restore the ecologically and economically important delta region of the Mississippi River. The project was launched in 2014 and is a collaboration of numerous partners, including the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Coalition, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and numerous local, state, and federal agencies.
The project aims to reduce the impact of flooding in the area, preserve and restore wetlands and other habitats, improve water quality, and rebuild critical ecosystems. The project is being funded through a variety of sources, including public and private funding. The goals of the project are to curb the human-induced loss of land in the delta region, protect populations of fish, wildlife, and plants, and provide economic opportunities associated with restoration.
The Mississippi River Paddle Share is an initiative by the US Army Corps of Engineers that allows people to rent kayaks and canoes for day trips on the river. The program was launched in 2017, and since then, has grown steadily in popularity.
The Paddle Share provides a low-cost way for people to explore parts of the Mississippi River with no motorboat of their own. The program has had a significant environmental impact, as it allows people to experience the river while minimizing their environmental impact. It has also created economic opportunities, as communities have opened local businesses to provide rentals, repairs and safety courses.
Conclusion Of The Mississippi River Divides
The Mississippi River divides the United States into two main regions: Upper and Lower Mississippi Rivers. The confluence of the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois serves as the border between these two rivers. The Upper Mississippi is known for its winding course, rich wildlife habitat, and function as a source of drinking water. The Lower Mississippi is much wider, deeper, and heavily industrialized. Both of these rivers play a vital role in the US economy, serving as a major transportation route for freight to be shipped across the country.
Furthermore, the Mississippi River is facing numerous human-made issues, including pollution, invasive species, flooding, and overcrowding. To protect this essential resource, a number of conservation initiatives have been put into place, such as the Mississippi River Commission, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Mississippi River Cities Initiative. These preservation efforts have promoted improvements to the river’s water quality, the protection of riparian buffers, and the implementation of best management practices. Ultimately, these efforts towards river conservation have resulted in an increase of recreational and economic opportunities.
