The drainage basin of the Mississippi River is referred to as the Mississippi Basin or the Mississippi Valley—part of the world’s largest river system. Spanning portions of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, it constitutes nearly 41% of the North American continent’s land area.
The Mississippi River drains a total area of over 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million km2), and the Mississippi Basin itself is an impressive 118 million acres. From the headwaters of Lake Itasca in northwestern Minnesota, it meanders through six states along its middle course—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas—before eventually joining the Gulf of Mexico near the city of New Orleans.
With such a vast area of land to comprehend, it can be helpful to break the Mississippi Basin down into its individual tributary systems. These include the upper Missouri River, the upper Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Arkansas-White-Red system. Each one is essential to the functioning of the greater Mississippi Basin and the transport of water and sediment.
The Mississippi Basin is incredibly biodiverse and is home to countless species of plant and animal life, from bald eagles and pelicans to sturgeon and paddlefish. It also forms the basis of America’s agricultural industry, with its nutrient-rich soils providing ideal growing conditions for corn and soybeans, among other crops.
The importance of the Mississippi Basin to the U.S. economy cannot be overstated. Aside from agriculture, the lucrative oil and gas, shipping, and tourism industries rely heavily on its continued health. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that the total economic benefit of a healthy Mississippi Basin is in the region of $369 billion.
However, the basin has been subject to significant strain in recent years. A combination of factors such as urban development, over-farming, and insufficient flood management has led to an increase in the levels of pollution and sedimentary run-off in the river. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the natural flow of the Mississippi will be reduced by more than 20% by the end of the century due to human impact.
In light of these issues, the conservation of the Mississippi Basin is of paramount importance. Sustainable practices have been implemented to reduce further damage, and environmental organizations and activists continue to fight for the protection of its delicate ecosystems.
Pollution Control
Over the years, a number of innovative technologies and strategies have been employed to improve Mississippi Basin water-quality and reduce the amount of pollutants entering the system. One example of this is the installation of wetland basin and riparian buffer systems, designed to filter pollutants and slow erosion.
At the same time, efforts are being made to reduce the volume of pollutants released into the basin by industries and municipalities. Companies have implemented cleaner production processes, and municipalities have introduced stricter wastewater treatment standards to reduce the impact of their processing.
These are encouraging steps, but more must be done to stop the flow of pollutants into the Mississippi and its tributaries. The U.S. government is currently introducing legislation to combat non-point source pollution, allowing authorities to set higher standards for industrial discharge and penalties for violators.
Restoring Ecosystems
The Mississippi Basin has had a number of its ecosystems degraded or destroyed in recent years, and restoring these habitats is a key objective for conservationists. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, concentrating on the reconnection of the main channels, along with the reintroduction of native species, can significantly boost the health of the Mississippi Basin.
For example, the reintroduction of simple organisms such as mussels and clams can help keep riverbeds clean and provide habitat for larger aquatic species. Along the upper reaches of the Mississippi, trees and shrubs have been planted to restore riparian buffers, while land has been set aside for migrating waterfowl.
The restoration of the Mississippi is also having a positive effect on its human population. For generations, local communities have relied on the river’s many natural resources for food, transportation, and recreation. By recreating these ecosystems, authorities can help restore the environmental balance and build stronger relationships with those living and working in the area.
Managing Floods
Perhaps the most pressing concern for the Mississippi Basin is the threat of periodic flooding. The river’s vast size, combined with the frequent destruction of its riparian forests, means that large volumes of water are able to cause serious damage.
In an effort to reduce flood risk, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is introducing new levels of flood control management. This includes the construction of levees and flood walls, dredging sediment, and restoring wetlands to hold back water during heavy rain events.
Elsewhere, local governments are attempting to mitigate the risk of floods by introducing strict zoning laws to prevent urban sprawl in hazardous areas. Businesses have also seen the value of flood control, investing in better drainage systems and elevating vulnerable buildings to limit potential damage.
Climate Change Impacts
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly visible in the Mississippi Basin. In its latest report, the National Climate Assessment highlighted a number of concerns, such as the potential for extreme precipitation, decreased water flow, and warmer temperatures.
In response, researchers are studying how climate change may affect the river’s entire ecosystem, from its fish and wildlife populations to its water supply. The data collected will then be used to inform climate policies and regional conservation efforts in the years to come.
Connecting People
Efforts are being made to reconnect the people of the Mississippi Basin with the natural world. Outdoor recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and kayaking are being encouraged, while education programs are helping to get people involved in the conservation of their local environment.
Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to raise understanding of the Mississippi Basin’s importance to society. Residents are being taught about the history of the river and its various ecosystems, while local tour guides are hosting events and activities to help bring the area to life.
Creating a Healthy Future
Considering the challenges it faces, the Mississippi Basin is a powerful example of resilience in nature. As the second longest river in North America, it is an integral part of the area’s past and present, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its long-term health.
By implementing sustainable practices, reinstating ecosystems, and reducing run-off from urban development, we can all contribute to the long-term future of the Mississippi. Contemporary conservation strategies should focus on minimizing human interference and supporting the challenges to come, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the Mississippi for years to come.
