The Mississippi River system is one of the most important and iconic waterways in the United States. Spanning 2,300 miles, the Mississippi River watershed includes rivers, creeks, and streams reaching from Montana to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the second longest river in North America, surpassed only by the Missouri–Mississippi combined system.Its importance to humanity is undeniable, supporting large swaths of wetlands and providing a home to species like fish, mussels and frogs. Additionally, the Mississippi River is a vital path of travel and commerce, a vital source of water recreation, and a tremendous source of power.
Historically, the river has been used for transportation and commerce dating back to Native American canoes. More recently, hundreds of thousands of farmers and ranchers depend on the Mississippi River to support their agricultural activities and livestock needs.The river’s water is used to produce hydroelectric power for cities nearby, and eventually the power produced is distributed all along the river. At recreational points along the Mississippi, there are vast opportunities for swimming, canoeing, fishing, and birding.
Additionally, the Mississippi River is home to wetlands that naturally purify its waters and filter out pollutants. These wetlands hold an estimated 25% of the nation’s freshwater fishes and provide habitat for nearly 300 species of birds as well. These wetlands are a prime resource to protect and nurture, as they serve as a natural flood protection. They can reduce flooding up to 95%, whilst also providing opportunities for new conservation efforts.
Experts agree that human activity has had a significant impact on the Mississippi River system, leading to changing its natural flow, the increase in pollutants that the river can take, over-fishing and over-hunting, and loss of critical wildlife habitat. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified numerous water quality impairments along the Mississippi River, ranging from pollutants from agricultural runoff to heated discharges from industrial areas. These pollutants can impact drinking water, recreation, and aquatic life. It is for this reason that many initiatives have been put in place to limit the amount of destruction we are doing to the Mississippi River.
Organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and the Mississippi River Network have formed to aid in the protection of the watershed. These organizations strive to provide public education and advocacy to promote wise practices in watershed protection and management. Their main focus is on restoring the natural flow of the river and restoring the river’s wetlands, in addition to stopping the polluting of the river from large corporate contributions that have no regard for the ecological stability of the river.
Given its importance to the United States, the Mississippi River system must be well managed and maintained in order to keep its vital abilities to support life, travel, commerce, and recreation. This is a complex undertaking that requires thoughtful and coordinated action from communities, governments, and independent organizations alike.
Pollution Impacts
Pollution is perhaps the most damaging factor posed to the Mississippi River System. There are many sources of pollutants, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, sewage leaked into the river, and even littering by those visiting the area. Grassroots organizations, such as the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper, are doing their part to protect the river from these sources. They patrol the rivers and take legal action against those responsible for dumping and creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
In addition to legal action, the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper also works to raise public awareness of the dangers of water pollution through activities like education programs, public forums, and social media campaigns. The organization also audits current stewardship practices to ensure that communities and governments are protecting the river from harmful sources of pollution. These efforts are vital to protecting the long-term health of the Mississippi River System.
The EPA has also taken action to reduce the amount of pollutants in the river. The agency has developed and implemented standards that regulate the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into the river, in order to limit the damage to the environment.
Environmental Programs
The federal government, in association with non-governmental organizations, has launched several environmental programs in the face of environmental concern centering the Mississippi River System. The Renewing the Countryside initiative, a project of the USDA, works to conserve, enhance, and protect habitats throughout the Mississippi River System. This effort works to combat the effects of human-caused environmental degradation. This effort is focusing on the restoration and stewardship of the wetlands, and providing education and expertise to the local populations affected by the river’s condition.
On the other hand, the Mississippi River Network works to expand the public’s knowledge on the effects caused by the Mississippi River’s constant degradation. This organization works at educating the public of the consequences and damaging effects of further damage to the river’s ecosystem. This organization works on a national level, striving to engage and inform the whole country in the river’s issues. It is through these inquiries and investigations, combined with legal actions and public campaigns, that the Mississippi River Network’s main mission is accomplished.
Environmental Impact
The continuation of river degradation is not only a threat to the safety and efficiency of the system, but to the overall health of the environment in which it is located. The ecosystem is heavily affected by the health of the river, and therefore the absence of an ecologically healthy river would undoubtedly lead to a cycle of further environmental damage and health issues. Furthermore, all species that depend on the system would face the consequences of lower water quality.
Since the Mississippi River System plays host to a number of endangered species, many of which are crucial to the sustainability of our planet, the proper management and protection of the river is paramount. The conservation of this watery migratory corridor for endangered species, such as the American Shad, relies entirely on the basin’s integrity. Therefore, it is important that individuals and organizations alike take into consideration the impact of their actions and decisions on the status of the river.
Agricultural Practices
Agriculture plays an enormous role in the health of the Mississippi River. Big agribusiness is often seen as a threat to the river’s health, due to practices such as the over-use of fertilizers and other chemical inputs. These practices have been shown to lead to water pollution in the Mississippi River, which can damage aquatic life, disrupt local ecosystems, and increase the water levels of the river.
Governmental regulations are in place to ensure that agricultural runoff does not damage the environment. These policies mandate practices like the use of filters and buffers, as well as the construction of levees, in order to control the flow of sediment and pollutants away from the river. Farmers are also incentivized to reduce chemical runoff through different taxation programs.
Organizations such as the Conservation Alliance have also worked to encourage farmers to implement sustainable farming practices. These practices, such as the reduction of tillage, are proven to reduce runoff and prevent pollutants from entering the water. Additionally, the organization works to ensure that farmers are provided the resources necessary to implement these practices.
Riverside Recreation
Given the prevalence of riverside recreation in the Mississippi River system, it is important to note the dangerous conditions that can be present when such activities occur. Strong currents, hidden obstacles and sudden changes in temperature can all contribute to accidents. As a result, always it is imperative that people involved in riverside activities pay attention to the surrounding environment, particularly to any warning signs indicating dangerous conditions.
The Mississippi River system brings a wealth of recreational opportunities to individuals and families wanting to spend time outdoors. These activities can range from swimming, fishing, boating, and camping, to bird watching and even hunting. In addition to these activities, some portions of the river host events and festivals that have music, food, and entertainment. These events and activities can serve to increase appreciation and knowledge of the ecology and importance of the river.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River system is an incredibly important resource that demands our attention. With proper management, restoration, and stewardship the Mississippi River will be able to serve us and the wildlife that rely upon it for many years to come.
