Most people have heard of the iconic Mississippi River, but many are unaware of its largest tributary – the Missouri River. At 2,540 miles long, the Missouri River is not only the longest tributary of the Mississippi, but also the longest river in the United States. Its source is located in the southwestern region of Montana, and it flows south to join the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri.
Often referred to as “Old Muddy” because of its strong current and the thick layer of silt that covers its bottom, the Missouri River has been an important source of food and transportation for people living in the area for centuries.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Missouri River Valley was formed as a result of large-scale glaciation during the last ice age. As a result, the river is over 500 feet deep in some places and serves as a major shipping route.
The Missouri River plays a significant role in the American economy. The Army Corps estimates that the river contributes over $1 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product annually. It is used to transport goods like coal, timber, grain, and oil. Additionally, the river is popular with fishermen, and its banks are a major draw for recreational activities like camping and boating.
Despite contributing so much to American life, the Missouri River has experienced its share of environmental problems. In particular, it has been plagued by extensive agricultural runoff, which has caused excessive turbidity and nutrient levels, leading to algal blooms and reduced dissolved oxygen content. As a result, the river has been deemed “impaired” by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Missouri River is a complex network of ecosystems that require constant monitoring and care in order to maintain its health and productivity. The Army Corps of Engineers devotes significant resources to controlling the river’s flow and reducing sediment deposits, while environmental organizations like the Missouri River Institute of the University of Montana actively monitor the river’s health and raise awareness about its problems and potential solutions.
The Missouri River is an essential part of the American economy, but its problems with water pollution and sediment accumulation demonstrate the need for a widespread effort to protect it from further damage. With continued monitoring and intervention, the activities carried out along its banks can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Importance of the Missouri River for Wildlife
The Missouri River is home to a wide variety of wildlife including fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In particular, the river provides a critical habitat for several endangered species such as the pallid sturgeon and the piping plover. In addition, the river is an important migratory route for migratory waterfowl, providing safe passage between nesting and wintering habitats.
In recent years, the Missouri River has been the site of a massive restoration effort. Several agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, have been working to restore the river to its naturally functioning state by planting native species and reconnecting fish passage. These efforts have been successful in restoring the river’s ecosystem to a more natural and healthy state, providing a safe haven for many species of wildlife.
In addition to its importance for wildlife, the Missouri River is also an important source of recreation. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular recreational activities that take advantage of the river’s strong currents. In recent years, river rafting has also become increasingly popular, providing an enjoyable and safe way to explore the river’s stunning landscape.
Overall, the Missouri River is an invaluable ecosystem that is essential to the livelihood of both wildlife and humans. With continued care and monitoring, it can continue to serve as an important source of food, transportation, and recreation for generations to come.
Challenges Facing the Missouri River
One of the greatest challenges facing the Missouri River is the increasing use of its water for agricultural purposes. Farmers in the surrounding areas rely on the river for irrigation, and with the continuous growth of the human population, more and more water is being taken out of the river for these purposes. As a result, the river’s water levels are declining, causing decreased flows and reduced water quality.
Additionally, the Missouri River is being threatened by climate change, which is causing increasing temperatures and longer droughts. This is leading to decreased precipitation, which further impacts the river’s water flow and water levels.
The most significant challenge that the Missouri River faces, however, is man-made pollution. As human activity increases in and around the river, the amount of pollutants such as fertilizer, sewage runoff, and agricultural waste are increasing as well. This is leading to an increase in the river’s turbidity and a decrease in the dissolved oxygen content, making it unfit for recreational activities and threatening the health of the wildlife that calls the river home.
The Missouri River is a vital resource for both wildlife and humans, and it must be protected from further harm. Without proper monitoring and intervention, its future and the future of its inhabitants are in danger.
Solutions for the Missouri River’s Challenges
The most effective solution for reducing the pollution in the Missouri River is to reduce human impact. This includes reducing the amount of water taken out of the river for agricultural purposes, as well as reducing other forms of pollution such as fertilizer runoff and agricultural waste.
The Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies can also help to reduce the impact of climate change on the river. This includes implementing water-saving measures such as conservation, improving infrastructure, and increasing the use of native plants to increase absorption of surface runoff.
In addition, there are several solutions in place to address the increase in agricultural runoff and other pollutants entering the Missouri River. These include wastewater treatment plans, strict regulations on fertilizer use and disposal, and agricultural best practices such as nutrient management, cover crops, and reducing tillage.
Lastly, it is important to engage the local community and stakeholders in the preservation of the Missouri River. This includes raising awareness about the importance of the river and providing incentives to encourage responsible behavior.
Conclusion
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, but it has suffered from a variety of environmental problems, ranging from agricultural runoff to climate change. In order to protect this invaluable resource, it is essential to reduce human impact and implement effective solutions to address the river’s challenges. With continued monitoring, intervention, and community engagement, the Missouri River can continue to provide a safe haven for wildlife and a valuable source of recreation and transportation for generations to come.
