Geographical Position
The Mississippi River is the chief tributary of the world’s fourth-longest river, the Missouri, and one of the most significant waterways within the United States. About 2,320 miles in length, the Mississippi River spans across 10 states, namely Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Illinois, a midwestern state in the US, claims the most part of the Mississippi River, taking up almost 296 miles of the entire river. It runs in a southeasterly direction, cutting across the state in various areas and providing both agricultural and recreational opportunities for its local inhabitants.
Economic Benefits
The Mississippi River carries several economic benefits to the inhabitants of the state. According to reports by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Mississippi River provides an employment rate of over 78,000 people and contributes to over $38 billion of the state’s economy each year. This is made possible through barge transportation, recreational activities, commercial fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
The river also provides drinking water for over 4 million people. The industrial and agricultural expansion along the watershed helps in providing food, goods, and services while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Significance to Biodiversity
The Mississippi River contributes to the biodiversity of the natural species in the state of Illinois. Its vast expanse provides a suitable habitat for a myriad of species, ranging from plants, mammals, birds and reptiles to aquatic life. Reports also state that various rare and endangered species utilize the river for breeding and foraging grounds, such as American alligators, American lotus, several species of salamanders, and the Topeka shiner.
The Mississippi River also plays a major role in the maintenance of local ecology. The presence of various species such as crayfish and mussels filter the surrounding water and prevent nutrients and pollutants from entering the river. This helps to maintain the water quality of the entire river system.
Controversies
Though the Mississippi River is a major contributor to the state’s economy, it also faces numerous environmental concerns. The drainage of domestic and industrial waste threatens the aquatic life existing in the waters. This, along with soil erosion, threatens to reduce the levels of oxygen in the river and can cause the spread of disease and algal blooms.
Furthermore, the inhabitants of Illinois and other states along the waters also face a health concern due to the presence of several toxins in the Mississippi River. Polychlorinated biphenyls, for example, present in some areas of the river can cause skin irritations, thyroid problems, and liver damage if not remedied in time.
Regulations
Various regulations have been formulated to protect the Mississippi River. Several federal agencies, state departments and local organizations actively collaborate with stakeholders to plan conservation projects to prevent water from contamination. In addition to this, the government of Illinois has also declared the Mississippi River basin to be of special ecological significance and promoted a long-term strategy to reduce its impacts on water quality and preserve the natural habitat.
The state agencies focus on encouraging public participation along with research and development initiatives to restore the health of the Mississippi River Basin.
Recreational Uses
The Mississippi River also provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, camping, and birdwatching. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources organizes fishing tournaments during summer to promote the public understanding of the importance of the Mississippi River. State parks and other natural reserves also provide access to the river for recreational activities.
Apart from this, the river can also be enjoyed from the banks via a hike. Places such as the Pere Marquette State Park offer spectacular views of the river, along with various wildlife species. Likewise, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site provides access to a trail that runs along the banks, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning beauty of the river.
Pollution Prevention Measures
In order to protect the Mississippi River, several steps have been taken by the state of Illinois. The Waterway Management Program was introduced fifty years ago to prevent and manage water pollution, and it has been extremely successful in restoring the quality of the river.
The government has also begun to impose tighter restrictions on fishing, littering and using heavy equipment along the riverbanks in order to keep them clean and healthy. The use of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power is also being encouraged to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the watershed.
Conservation Efforts
Several conservation organizations are actively working to protect the Mississippi River in the state. One of them is The Nature Conservancy, an international non-profit organization which works to conserve areas surrounding the river to preserve its biodiversity. Through their efforts, over 3,000 acres of land surrounding the Mississippi have been transformed from being a derelict industrial site to a healthy, beautiful natural habitat and recreational area.
The Mississippi River Trust, another non-profit organization, works to protect and restore the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This involves educational initiatives, species conservation and habitat restoration, promotion of water recreation and preservation of water quality.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a vital resource for the state of Illinois. By providing both economic and ecological benefits, the river has become an important part of the local economy, providing employment and recreational opportunities for its inhabitants. However, due to various environmental concerns related to pollution, conservation efforts are necessary to preserve the natural habitat of the river. Moreover, stricter regulations and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in the perception of the river, with more and more people beginning to embrace its beauty and importance.
