The great lake that feeds the Mississippi River is none other than Lake Pepin. Although the name is not commonly recognized, the waterway has long been seen as a significant supplier of nourishment to the Mississippi River. Stretching over 60 miles from the city of Prescott, Wisconsin, to the southwest corner of Minnesota’s Winona County, this historic lake has played an important role in the development of the region.
Lake Pepin is much larger than the average lake. It has a surface area of over 28,000 acres and an average depth of 24 feet. This lake is close to the head of the Mississippi River, and is merely the start of the long, meandering river. It is known to be a glacial lake – one that was formed during the most recent Ice Age, 10,000 years ago.
For centuries, the Natives of this area were the only inhabitants of Lake Pepin, making use of its natural beauty and bounty. The lake has yielded plenty of salmon and sturgeon, making it a prime spot for fishing expeditions of all kinds. Even today, fishing tournaments remain popular on Lake Pepin.
The lake has since been traversed by steamboats and barges, carrying cargo and passengers to the many ports along its length. This increased traffic caused significant damage to its environment, through persistent dredging and relentless land usage along the shores.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now actively engaged in restoring the area and its vital waterways. This effort continues to involve the local population as well, in an effort to promote stewardship of the environment. Through their work, the Corps has even managed to save species from extinction, by restoring the local habitats. Some of the species that now call Lake Pepin home include the least tern and the bald eagle.
Swimmers, too, enjoy the modest waters of the lake. Many shoreline recreation spots have been established, complete with beach access, park benches and other amenities. Visitors can take to the lake in a variety of vessels, from motorboats and kayaks to sailboats and canoes. Its waters are also popular with crew teams, whose races regularly traverse the lake.
The great lake that feeds the Mississippi River is a source of history and strength. Its existence remains a source of pride and joy for the people of the Midwest, as it is a reminder of the beauty that still exists in our world. Its many different uses, from fishing to swimming to crew teams, bring together and unite people from all parts of the world.
Impact on Local Economy
The presence of Lake Pepin has had a huge impact on the local economy. The lake has provided the region with hundreds of jobs, such as fishing, ferrying customers and providing boat rentals, if no own boat can be used. Furthermore, local businesses are re-established and encouraged, such as the restaurants along the shore that offer freshly caught fish from the lake. The number of tourists is also rising, as many visitors from all parts of the world, come to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and its wildlife. With more visitors, comes more spending, helping keep charity and nonprofit organizations afloat.
Conservation Efforts
Since the Lake was rediscovered and its importance has began to grow, the conservation efforts have been created in order to preserve the lake’s health and beauty. The Fish and Wildlife Service, with the help of The Nature Conservancy, are actively keeping an eye out for the increasing number of invasive species that endanger the native habitats. This is exemplified through multiple waste management techniques and the prosecution of people who want to exploit the lake for their own benefit.
Effects on Mississippi River
The freshwater supply Lake Pepin provides is a cornerstone for the thriving Mississippi River. For example, without the freshwater from the lake, the surrounding wetland areas of the river would have a divergent evolution, as well as flora and fauna. As it stands, the lake acts as a natural barrier for pests due to its concentration of native predators, which prevents any foreign species from entering the Mississippi River.
Restoring of Environment
In the past years, various organizations have come together to restore the environment of the lake, such as remedying the damage of shoreline erosion, and restoring it’s transport access. Additionally, the monitoring of phosphorus and nutrient pollution has been stepped up in order to protect and preserve the health of the lake and its surroundings. Besides that, millions of dollars are still being spent annually on Lake Pepin restoration, in order to protect the beautiful natural beauty of this valuable asset.
