The Mississippi River is one of the most well-known and vital waterways in North America. Widely recognized as the fourth longest river in the world, the mighty Mississippi boasts a history of exploration, industry, and recreation. Hundreds of thousands have relied on the Mississippi for transport, sustenance, and recreation throughout the centuries.The Mississippi River’s relative location is both geographically and culturally important. Geographically, the Mississippi River can be found in the United States. Fed from the Minnesota headwaters and beginning in the northern coniferous forests, the Mississippi flows south down the central middle of the United States. The Mississippi River is bordered by multiple U.S. states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. Culturally, the Mississippi River reaches deep into the history and culture of many of the towns and cities that lay along its banks.
The Mississippi River, with a length of roughly 2,350 miles, is one of longest rivers in the world. It cuts a grand pathway from its source at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and runs into the Gulf of Mexico. Along its powerful path, the Mississippi meanders, rolls, and curves, twisting with the land. It is stained with the sediment of millions, who have called the river home since long before Europeans arrived in North America.
Many towns and cities have grown up along the majestic river’s shores. Rich with history, culture and natural beauty, the Mississippi River remains an important feature of the United States’ national identity as well as regionally and locally. Many cities that lay along the river are important trade and cultural hubs, taking advantage of the river’s unique geography.
The Mississippi River plays an important role in everyday life for those who depend on its waters. Providing a pathway of transportation for those living by and off the river, the waterway has enabled communities to grow and prosper. Fishing and tourism are but two more examples of how the Mississippi River has changed and sustained lives throughout the centuries.
Although the river has been an economic staple for many, it has also caused much devastation and loss through a number of floods. Plant and animal life, as well as the cities and towns along its banks, have been threatened, damaged and sometimes destroyed. In recent years, human development and the alteration of the rivers’ natural course is believed to have amplified the issue.Today, the river is monitored closely, and powerful dikes and levees have been built in the hopes of strengthening the waterway’s defenses.
Chemical Waste and Pollution
Pollution is also an issue that affects the Mississippi River. Industrial plants, factory farms, mines and other sources of human activity have been known to dump chemicals, viruses and hazardous materials into the river. As a result, many have questioned the safety of the Mississippi’s waters for swimming, drinking, and fishing.
Several organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, are working to reduce the amount of pollution and to shut down the on-going sources of contamination. As well, individuals, communities, and organizations are actively taking on initiatives to raise awareness of the problem and to pressure the government to act.
Clean-up initiatives, commercial and residential sewage control, and better waste management systems are some of the solutions being implemented. While the solutions are slow to take effect, some progress is being made and the hope for a clean Mississippi River is alive.
Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has long been an important resource to the people, plants, and animals that live along or near it. From providing a route of transportation and trade to offering sustenance and endless recreation opportunities, the river’s importance cannot be overstated.
The river creates a web of life that thrives in the warm summer months and wears a coat of white in the winter. Swimmers and paddlers take to the river’s calming waters, barely visible over the limestone bluffs. Hikers and bikers explore the river’s many trails and experience nature at its best. Boaters of all kinds also enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi’s waters.
The Mississippi River offers unforgettable experiences that many other places do not. The river’s beauty is both wild and majestic, and it creates a canvas of changing colors throughout the year. Little can compare to sitting on the river’s bank and gazing out over the bright blue horizon, or watching the sun sink below the cool midnight blues.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation organizations and groups are actively engaged in protection and preservation efforts for the Mississippi River. The recently signed Great American Outdoors Act is one such example of how conservation is a priority for many. The act is sure to invest billions into conservation projects that protect, restore, and enhance our precious natural resources.
In addition, organizations such as the Mississippi River Network are working towards protecting the river’s wildlife, water quality, and ecosystem. They are actively monitoring, studying, and reporting the threats facing the river and those who depend on it. Other organizations, too, have joined the cause and are helping to secure the future of the Mississippi River.
Population and Development
However, population growth, as well as urban and rural development, remains a major challenge. As cities and towns have populated the river’s shores, the once wild areas have been changed and developed. Consequently, the river’s edges have become home to human activity, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants.
As cities have grown, the amount of untreated sewage and other pollutants has increased. As a result, organizations are urging the government and local organizations to do something about the problem and to invest in better sewage and water treatment facilities and pipes.
Ecosystem Conservation
An understanding of the Mississippi River’s ecological functions is essential for the river’s future. Ecological organizations are actively studying the flora and fauna of the river in order to understand and better protect and preserve it. Many of the species along the river’s edge have been both studied and monitored.
The research is helping to identify and understand the rivers’ ecosystems and its long-term impact on the health and well-being of the river. While the data set is still growing, it provides invaluable information that can be used to build and sustain the ecosystems.
Climate and Water Levels
Native species and migratory species are also being studied alongside the impact of climate change on the Mississippi River. Climate change is bringing about troublesome issues, such as unexpected water levels and yearly droughts that are threatening the river’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Climate change is creating longer, hotter summers which is resulting in decreased water levels and nearby wildfires. The consistent powerful rains and floods that the area experiences have also caused erosion, sinkholes, and other unforeseen results. That said, long-term climate and weather forecasting could help those living on or near the Mississippi River to prepare and protect the land better.
Flood Solutions
Flooding has long been an issue for those living close to the Mississippi River. In fact, many have been forced to relocate due to severe spring and summer floods. Organizations are now expediting the development of solutions that could prevent future floods and help protect those who stay.
In the coming years, levees, dikes, and other infrastructure will be tested and expanded, making the river a more secure source of sustenance, transportation, and recreation. Agricultural specialists are also researching alternative flood solutions, such as the intentional diversion of excess water away from low-lying towns and cities.
Partnering with farmers upriver and downstream, as well as identifying areas of flooding, is also something that scientists are doing to better understand the scope of the problem and to work towards solutions. While these solutions will take time to implement, the hope is that someday soon the Mississippi River will be a safer and sustainable place for those who live along its shores.
