The Mississippi River is the largest river system in the United States, extending from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The river is an integral part of the lifeline of over sixty million people spread out across the states that it passes through. As a result of its significance, there are a number of tributaries that feed into the river, including the Missouri River as the largest.
The Missouri River is the major tributary of the Mississippi. Its source lies in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, before winding its way south and west through the Great Plains and across the heart of the continent. The second longest river in the United States, the Missouri is a vital waterway for a number of states, most notably Missouri and Iowa, and numerous cities, including Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Jefferson City.
The Missouri River is also responsible for multiple dams, extending from the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the east to the Rocky Mountains of Montana in the west, generating hydropower and providing an important waterway for travel, transportation and recreation.
In addition to providing water for countless cities, towns, industrial and agricultural uses, the Missouri River is the main source of sediment for the Mississippi River, with sediment deposited by the Missouri forming the vast majority of the sediment budget for the Mississippi. In other words, the Missouri feeds the sediment and grit into the Mississippi, and is therefore responsible for a large portion of the Mississippi’s large depth. This sediment helps stabilize banks, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide a vital habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife.
The Missouri River is also an increasingly important recreational waterway, with a diverse range of activities available, ranging from rafting and swimming to fishing, hiking and camping. This has also made the surrounding area increasingly popular with tourists, as it provides a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Missouri River has also been a source of great controversy in the past few decades, with debates raging over its management and the effects of activities such as dredging, dam building and dam repairs on its health and that of the environment. Despite the controversy, the Missouri River continues to be an important part of the nation’s economy and an integral part of life for many living along its banks.
Environmental Effects of the Missouri River
The Missouri River is an important source of water for many states along its length and is thus an integral part of their economies and environment. The effects of human activities and land use on this important ecosystem have been significant, including changes in flow, sediment composition, and the spread of pollutants.
The damming of the Missouri to create reservoirs, for example, has altered the natural flow of the river, leading to increased sedimentation downstream that can clog up fish habitats and damage wetlands. This has led to an increased risk of flooding in certain areas, along with an increased risk of water pollution due to inadequate wastewater treatment systems. The growing presence of agricultural runoff and wastewater effluents in the Missouri can be attributed to the increase in agricultural activities in the region, along with urban and industrial uses of the river for waste disposal.
The construction of levees and dams have also been shown to reduce the flow of sediment and nutrients, resulting in a decrease in the floodplain’s ability to absorb and store water. This has reduced the floodplain’s ability to store water during high water events, and has increased the risk of flooding downstream. Additionally, the increased sedimentation caused by the Missouri’s dams has disrupted the fish and wildlife habitats of the river, leading to a decrease in fish and wildlife populations.
The Missouri is also a major source of non-point source pollution, which is often caused by runoff from agricultural lands, suburban and urban areas, and industrial operations. This pollution, which includes chemicals, metals, bacteria and other pollutants, can have a detrimental impact on the health of the river and its inhabitants, as well as on the people and animals that rely on it for food, drinking water and recreation.
Uses Of The Missouri River
The Missouri River is an important waterway that provides various uses and benefits to the people and wildlife that live along its banks. It is a major source of transportation, with barges carrying numerous agricultural, industrial, and consumer goods up and down its length. These barges are hauled by tugboats, which are themselves powered by diesel engines that generate electricity and reduce the need for additional sources of power.
In addition, the Missouri River provides a vital source of water for many cities and towns along its length. This includes both drinking water and irrigation water for the numerous agricultural communities in the area. The river is also a major source of hydropower, generating electricity from the hydraulic pressure generated by its many dams.
The Missouri River also provides numerous recreational and ecological benefits for people who live in its basin. Activities such as wading, boating, fishing, bird watching, and hiking are all common along the banks of the Missouri. In addition, the river plays an important role in the local ecosystem, providing a source of food and habitat for numerous species of wildlife, including fish, birds, and various other animals.
Finally, the Missouri River is an important part of the nation’s economy, providing essential logistical support for the transportation and distribution of goods and services throughout the region. The river is also an important part of the nation’s energy infrastructure, providing essential hydropower for many states.
Protection Of The Missouri River
The continued health of the Missouri River and its inhabitants relies on the protection and conservation of its watershed, which includes everything from major urban and agricultural developments to small scale recreational activities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the protection and maintenance of the Missouri’s dams and levees, as well as the creation of flood control projects and other river restriction measures. Other federal, state and local governments have created policies to preserve the Missouri and its ecosystem, such as the water rights rules enacted in Montana and Wyoming, the Missouri River Natural Resources Management Plan, and various state and local fishing and hunting regulations.
In addition, local and regional conservation organizations are working to preserve the natural beauty of the Missouri River and maintain its health. These efforts include water quality monitoring, habitat preservation, and the protection of endangered species, such as the piping plover, the pallid sturgeon, and the American paddlefish.
Finally, individuals have an important role to play in protecting the Missouri River and its ecosystem. Activities such as waste management and river cleanups, as well as sustainable fishing and hunting practices, can all help to ensure the continued health of the Missouri.
Conclusion
The Missouri River is an important source of water, sediment, and energy for the states and cities along its length. It also provides numerous recreational and ecological benefits and is an integral part of the nation’s economy. However, the health of the Missouri and its inhabitants is dependent on the protection and conservation of its watershed. The government, conservation organizations, and individuals all have an important role to play in protecting the Missouri and its ecosystem.
