Feeding the Mississippi River is one of the most important elements in sustaining the livelihoods and economic stability in the entire region. What started out as a single river, has now become the largest watershed in North America, encompassing over 1.2 million square miles serving millions of people and industry in 32 countries and two Canadian provinces. Every year, the river collects, or “feeds,” rainwater, snowmelt, and runoff from 31 states and two countries, providing the lifeblood for a densely populated region.
The Mississippi River Basin is a marvel of biodiversity, providing essential resources and habitat for many species, both aquatic and terrestrial. It is also a mouthwatering destination for humans, both recreational and commercial, including farmers and fishermen, pleasure craft and shipping, who derive their existence by what the river provides.
Despite its size, the Mississippi River poses certain issues for local communities. Over the past two decades erosion has increased drastically, and drastic diminishment of natural animal habitat has been observed, both of which are adversely affecting the environment of the Mississippi Basin. Opposed to the lack of nutrients available in the water, heightened levels of sediments, pollutants, nitrates and detergents, which have been recycled and made their way into the Mississippi river, have contaminated the vital waterway.
The major contributing factor to the Mississippi’s deterioration is debris. Rainsnows and runoff carry debris, ranging from plastic bottles and bags to car tires and other big pieces, leaving behind noxious deposits of hazardous materials that negatively impact the river’s ecosystem. The river also suffers loss of soil and sediment, caused by agricultural runoff, which can clog the river bed. Increased sediment that ends up in the river needs to move more often which creates ripple effects on the food chain, as well as weakening the wetlands.
Plant life is vital to keeping the river’s ecosystem healthy, as their roots turn the soils and create oxygen for other creatures deeps in the riverbed. These absorb and clean the water, and keep the area along the river banks alive and diverse. The runoff from nearby allotments and lands pollutes the water with extra substances contaminants and runoff from nearby allotments and lands pollutes the water with extra substances, destroying the plant life of the banks and preventing it from reaching the river.
Much of the pollution and debris problems in the Mississippi River are directly linked to the actions and behavior of humans. Poor waste management, sewage vandalism, and other anthropogenic activities are directly responsible for feeding the river with life-threatening contaminants, which causes a large scale ecological imbalance.
It’s become essential to take action and reduce our contributions to the pollution of the Mississippi. Non-profits and governmental organizations alike have been working to ensure the sustainability of the river. Programs are in place to educate people on the impact human activities have on the river and its inhabitants, and organizations such as the Mississippi River Network and Find Your Mississippi work to identify and monitor sources of pollution in the river.
Preservation
Protecting the delicate balance of the Mississippi River is a shared responsibility among governmental organizations, non-profits, and individuals. Projects such as river banks restoration, wetland restoration, and water quality assessment programs are underway. There are also several initiatives that hospitals and schools can participate in, such as trash pickups and water quality testing. Through these efforts, the degradation of the river can be mitigated and the overall health of the watershed improved.
Efforts have also been made to cut down the amount of runoff entering the watershed by conserving forests, stormwater diversion techniques, controlling agricultural runoff, and restoring riparian land. Creating more forests and watersheds to absorb runoff and reduce erosion will also help to preserve the health of the Mississippi River.
Agricultural runoff is another major pollution source in the Mississippi River Basin. By controlling runoff from both agricultural and urban sources, more water can be kept in the watershed and sediment, chemicals, and other pollutants kept out. Land management efforts, including crop rotation and conservation practices have gone a long way in reducing the amount of contaminants entering the river.
Effective conservation of the Mississippi is far from an easy undertaking. But with proper planning, the preservation of this vital resource is possible.
Avian Migration
The Mississippi River is a dominant feature in the annual avian migration. Every spring, millions of birds migrate to the Mississippi River, providing a vital refueling and rest stop en route to their summer homes. The nourishment that the river’s rich watershed provides is essential for their journey, and the refuge found along its banks offer a peaceful and safe journey.
A healthy and functioning Mississippi River is necessary for the safe continuance of avian migration, as the resources that are supplied at the river thresholds are required for survival. With proper management of the river’s agricultural and urban runoff, the migratory bird population can be maintained and supported.
The Mississippi River also provides a crucial habitat for waterfowl, migrating and breeding. The shallow wetlands and gentle streams encourage remarkable ecologies of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Such fragile habitats are vital for the lasting lifecycles of animals and must be preserved.
The Mississippi River basin is home to over 300 species of migratory birds and is the largest waterfowl wintering grounds in the USA. With the growing development of urban and agricultural centers, the natural resources of these areas are becoming increasingly depleted, resulting in a diminishing population of birds. Through careful management, these affected biospheres can be reestablished, promoting and sustaining the growth of these incredible species.
Flooding and Levees
Flooding has long posed a problem for the Mississippi Basin, and in recent years, the frequency and severity of our floods have only increased. To solve this problem, the Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a series of levees along the river, which are meant to keep the water in place and prevent flooding in nearby towns and cities.
Although the levees have provided some protection, they have also caused some issues. The levees restrict the flow of the river, resulting in sediment buildup along the river bed and banks. This buildup can cause flooding further downstream and disrupt the environment, causing numerous problems. The Mississippi River Commission and other agencies have been actively working to improve the levee system and reduce the risk of flooding.
With sediment buildup, the flow of the river is altered and the ecosystems of the tributaries and creeks that depend on that flow are affected in a negative way. By reducing the sediment buildup, the river can be returned to its natural path, restoring the balance of nature along the way.
The mitigation of sediment buildup requires the participation of everyone along the Mississippi watershed, including individual citizens and state and federal agencies. By identifying and resolving upstream problems, such as agricultural runoff and sediment buildup, flooding and sedimentation issues downstream can be reduced.
Climate Change
The effects of climate change have caused temperatures in the Mississippi River Basin to rise, resulting in an increase of runoff water from local areas. With an ever-increasing volume of water, the entire river ecosystem is at risk. In addition, rising temperatures cause the evaporation of groundwater, which can dry up lakes and streams, further exacerbating the problem.
The hottest months of summer have also been affected. During these months, evaporation rates are highest and water levels in the river naturally decrease. To mitigate the drying-out effects, in-stream and off-stream reservoirs have been constructed, which both capture and store runoff water, providing a consistent and reliable water supply for the river.
Rising temperatures also increase the frequency of droughts even in the wetter parts of the country. Droughts lead to water shortages, harm agricultural production, and can cause extensive damage to the river’s ecosystems and its inhabitants.
In order to address these problems, individuals must develop better water conservation habits. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations have also been working hard to create more efficient water distribution plans, while also encouraging the development of more water-efficient technologies.
The Mississippi River has been a vital part of North American life for centuries. It has been both a transportation hub and a provider of food and sustenance to numerous communities and states. As climate change continues to affect the river’s environment, it is essential that we work together to ensure the Mississippi River remains healthy and stable for generations to come.
