The Mississippi River is arguably one of the most famous rivers in the world. Whether you are referring to its famous bridge scene in the Oscar-winning movie High Water Mark, or the simple beauty of its banks, the river spans an impressive 2,320 miles and is the second longest river in the United States and third longest in the world. The Mississippi River’s watershed, which is the largest in North America, provides drinking water to an estimated 18 million people.
The Mississippi River has a rich history, including being a major shipping waterway in the early 1800s and playing a key role through the Civil War. It has also been known to flood, which is why so many structures have been built along the banks of the river in the early 1900s. The largest of these structures is the Mississippi Ballast Dam in Minnesota, which is approximately 575 miles long and was built to prevent flooding in the area. Other structures built along the Mississippi include levees and floodplain managers.
The Mississippi River is also known for its wildlife, including bald eagles, brown pelicans, and beluga whales. The river is home to several species of fish, including bass, catfish, and carp, as well as several species of turtles. The Mississippi River is home to over 250 species of birds, including migrating waterfowl. There are also several species of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, including river otters and beaver.
The Mississippi River is also renowned for its recreation activities, from fishing and boating to sightseeing and camping. The river is extremely important for commercial transportation, as it is part of the main water route connecting the Upper Midwest and the Deep South. As a result, the Mississippi is the transportation channel for many agricultural and industrial products.
Today, the Mississippi River is an important part of the nation’s infrastructure, providing water resources to an area of over 2.2 million acres. It also provides grazing land for livestock, produces fisheries, and contributes to tourism activities. The river has a total economic output of over $200 billion, making it one of the most important rivers in the world.
Pollution Impact on the Mississippi River
Pollution is one of the major threats facing the Mississippi River. Nitrate and phosphorus runoff from industrial and agricultural sources has led to widespread pollution of the river, resulting in reduced oxygen levels and impacting the health of fish and other aquatic species. Released in high levels, nitrates and phosphates can lead to algal blooms and the depletion of oxygen, which can cause fish kills and the death of aquatic vegetation.
Pollutants such as toxic chemicals, industrial waste, and untreated sewage have also been linked to the death of fish and other aquatic life. Pollution has also been linked to a decrease in tourism and recreational activities on the river, leading to a decrease in local economies as well.
In recent years, there have been efforts to reduce pollution on the Mississippi River, such as the Mississippi River Action Plan, an initiative spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. This initiative has focused on reducing nitrate and phosphorus runoff, as well as addressing coastal erosion and toxic contaminants. In addition, local communities have developed educational outreach programs, such as the Mississippi River Education Program, to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting the river.
Wildlife Preservation
In addition to pollution, the wildlife of the Mississippi River is also threatened by human activities. The river has seen a decrease in the number of species living in its waters, due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and a lack of protection from development. The introduction of invasive species has also had a negative impact on native wildlife.
In an effort to protect the wildlife of the Mississippi River, there are several organizations in place, such as the Mississippi River Fisheries Conservation Cooperation and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Corps. These organizations are focused on preserving, protecting, and restoring fish and wildlife habitats along the Mississippi River. Additionally, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System has designated 160 miles of the Mississippi River as a designated Wild and Scenic River, providing protection and preservation for the river’s natural resources.
The Mississippi River has also become a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as the river provides a habitat for over 250 species of birds, many of which are migrating waterfowl. Many of these birds are considered threatened or endangered, making their presence even more important to monitor and protect. The protection of the river’s wildlife is essential for the health of the ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts for the Mississippi River
In order to protect and preserve the Mississippi River, several conservation efforts have been made. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been responsible for the construction of several dams and levees, along with constructing and maintaining navigation channels. Other organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service have focused on the preservation of aquatic species and wetland habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also established several initiatives to help protect and monitor the river, such as the Mississippi River Watershed Collaborative, which focuses on improving water quality, restoring aquatic habitats, and monitoring the river’s health. Additionally, the Mississippi River Conservation Act, passed in 2018, provides funding for the conservation of wetland, forest, and grassland habitats along the river.
The importance of the Mississippi River to the United States cannot be overstated. This river is the backbone of the country and its continued health and preservation is essential for future generations. Through education and conservation efforts, the Mississippi River can be protected and continue to offer its invaluable resources to the people and wildlife of the United States.
Mississippi River’s Affect on the Economy
The Mississippi River has been an important source of the nation’s economic growth for centuries, providing transportation for agricultural and industrial products, providing energy for nearby industries, and providing a source of water for drinking and irrigation. Today, the economic impact of the Mississippi River is estimated to be around $125 billion, making it one of the most important economic drivers in the nation.
The river has also been an important source of employment, with nearly 500,000 jobs being supported by the Mississippi River’s watershed. Tourism and recreation on the river also contributes to the local economy, with the very popular Mississippi River Delta region. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists, birdwatchers, and fishermen.
The Mississippi River also plays a vital role in the agricultural sector. Farmers use the river to transport their crops, and to irrigate their fields, as well as to provide drinking water to animals. Additionally, the river is a vital part of the nation’s energy sector, providing cooling water to many of the nation’s nuclear power plants.
The importance of the Mississippi River to the nation’s economy cannot be overstated. Without the river, the nation’s economic growth would be greatly reduced, and many of the jobs and businesses that rely on its resources would be eliminated. For this reason, it is essential that we continue to invest in the preservation and protection of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Efforts around the Mississippi River
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to reduce pollution and protect the environment of the Mississippi River. The EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was put in place to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the river. This program requires industrial and agricultural facilities to get a permit before they can release any pollutants into the river. Additionally, the EPA has put in place specific limits on the amount of pollutants released into the water.
The Environmental Restoration and Enhancement Program (ERE) was also created to restore and protect the habitats of fish and wildlife in the Mississippi River basin. This program focuses on restoring aquatic habitats, reducing sedimentation, and improving water quality. Additionally, the EPA has established water quality standards for the Mississippi River, which have been designed to keep the river clean and healthy for future generations.
Additionally, several organizations have been established to help advocate for the protection and preservation of the Mississippi River. These organizations, such as the Mississippi Rivers Alliance, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Corps, and the Nature Conservancy are focused on reducing pollutions, restoring important habitats, and educating the public about the importance of preserving the river.
The Mississippi River is not just an important resource for human use, but it also serves an important role in the environment, providing habitats for plants and animals, and promoting recreational activities. It is essential that we continue to invest in efforts to protect and preserve the Mississippi River, in order to secure its long-term health and vitality.
