The Mississippi River is the third longest river in the United States and the second largest drainage basin in the North American continent. It originates in Lake Itasca, a small, shallow glacial lake in the northern part of Minnesota. The mile-long and 130-foot deep lake covers 4.2 square miles, and there is a marker disputing the actual source – northwest and south shorelines as well as a Minnesota boundary marker.
For centuries, the discovery of Lake Itasca has been a source of inspiration. Hernando de Soto and Pierre La Vérendrye both explored the area, though neither was credited with the official discovery. Nearly 156 years ago, schoolteacher Henry Schoolcraft was the first to explore the lake and to document its depth and size. The lake was named “Itasca”, derived from the Latin words veritas and caput, meaning “true head”, since Lake Itasca is the source of the Mississippi River.
Experts point out the importance of the lake, due to its sizable influence on the overall success of the Mississippi. According to Matt Nicholson, the area manager for the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, Lake Itasca is essential for the Mississippi, as it provides the “physical headwaters” and nourishes life throughout the river. This has a ripple effect; the notion that the quality of life in the basin is juxtaposed with the preservation and sustainability of Lake Itasca.
But, there are several issues that are associated with Lake Itasca. Construction of the dam changed the ecology of the lake, and it can now only sustain species like Pan fish and Catfish. In addition, the lake faces problems echoed throughout the river, such as excessive nutrients levels, suspended sediment and temperature impairments, which are caused by deteriorating water quality.
In an effort to restore the lake, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources started the Healthy Water, Healthy Minnesota program – which is focused on restoring and protecting the sources of drinking water. In addition, the department has also taken steps to protect Lake Itasca, including the reintroduction of beavers into the Minnesota Headwaters State Forest. The furry creatures are able to create small wetlands to filter and store runoff; the wetlands maintain and improve the overall water quality of Lake Itasca.
Scientists suggest that Lake Itasca serves as a vital component to the Mississippi River’s integrity. Dr. Eugene Turner notes that the lake is not just important for the water quality of the source but is a key part of the entire system. He argues that it is essential to protect this lake and the Mississippi River as a whole for the ongoing life support for the river basin.
The short and long-term remedies to preserve Lake Itasca’s ecosystem focus on the threats of pollutants and sediment to the water. Hence, new management techniques are constantly being developed to reduce sediment erosion while educating the public on the importance of watershed conservation.
Health Benefits of the Watershed region
The Mississippi River provides numerous benefits to the communities, plants, and animals inhabiting the watershed region – with Lake Itasca at its core. Firstly, the waters of the river, although polluted in certain sections, are fresh and clean and are capable of providing healthy drinking water to community-dwellers. Furthermore, due to the heavy rains and flooding associated with the river, local farmers, fishermen, and loggers in the region benefit from the fertile soil, fish-filled waters, and abundant trees.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has taken great steps to assess and manage the natural resources of the watershed for the benefit of the region. They have also conducted research to improve fish and wildlife habitat as well as assess air and water quality. In addition, water quality and fish habitat assessments have been conducted at the lake and its surrounding areas, in an effort to maintain its sustainability.
Overall, the Mississippi River watershed has a plethora of ecological, commercial, and recreational significance. The Department of Natural Resources has taken steps to conserve and protect the ecosystem by taking a strategic and multifactor approach towards the conservation of Lake Itasca and its immense assets.
Impacts of Agriculture and Mining
Agriculture and mining are two key industries mainly driven by the development of the Mississippi River. The basin drains an area of approximately 1.2 million square miles and carries an annual load of sediment as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Sadly, due to the prevalent agricultural practices in the region, the water quality downstream is declining, leading to the loss of aquatic habitats and species.
The expansion of agricultural industries is also seen as a major cause of the nutrient loss in the Mississippi River’s drainage basin. Numerous studies attribute excessive agricultural land use to the increasing levels of nitrate and phosphorus in the river – thus affecting water quality and the flow of the river.
What’s more, activities of the mining industry are equally contributing to the sedimentation and nutrient enrichment of the river. These activities include surface coal mining, lead and zinc mining, and the use of pits and quarries for mineral extraction.
However, mining companies are taking necessary steps to reduce the impacts of sediment and nutrient enrichment while the Department of Natural Resources is continuously improving the water quality of the lake. The long-term sustainability of the lake and the Mississippi River as a whole is reliant on the environmentally sound practices of both agricultural and mining activities.
Role of Government Policies
Government policies provide the economic backbone for the sustainable development of the Mississippi River basin. These policies are initiated to ensure the conservation and restoration of the water resources of the region by limiting runoff and land-use activities. These include the Water Pollution Control Act as well as other state and federal laws, such as the National Environmental Protection Act.
The government has enacted several programs to improve water use efficiency, reduce pollution and restore aquatic habitats while maintaining the quality of the watershed. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has implemented several policies, such as the Clean Water Legacy Program, focused on protecting surface water and groundwater quality.
The Clean Water Legacy Program works to reduce the number of pollutants in water; it also mitigates the effects of erosion and sedimentation. The department has also launched several other projects focused on the public awareness, education, and environmental stewardship of Minnesota’s watersheds.
In addition, a number of other organizations work in partnership with the local governments to develop sustainable policies for the conservation of the Mississippi River. The organizations include the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Mississippi Headwaters Board and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Global Warming and its Impact
The increased temperatures of the Mississippi River and Lake Itasca are considered one of the most important predicaments of global warming. The warmer temperatures are significantly altering water qualities, adversely affecting the water and freshwater species of the basin. The Mississippi is getting warmer with time, making it more inhabitable for the species living in it.
Global warming is also making the lake more prone to flooding and erosion. Due to the accelerated melting of snow and ice in the region, new streams and areas of floodplain inundation are being created, leading to significant sedimentation of the lake.
To counter these effects, government organizations are taking steps to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable environment. Charities such as the World Wildlife Fund are also educating the public about the importance of conservation, encouraging citizens to play an active role in the conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Lake Itasca is essential for the maintenance and propagation of the Mississippi River, a major source of life for the fragmented and extensive ecosystem of the region. Scientists and conservationists agree that it is essential to not only protect the lake but also to preserve the ecological integrity of the Mississippi River in its entirety. Despite the threats posed by factors like global warming, government agencies are taking steps to manage and protect the water resources while organizations are raising awareness of water conservation.
