As the landlocked stretch of the Mississippi River running through Virginia is rarely discussed, it may come as a surprise to some that a section of the river is, in fact, located there. Flowing slowly along the eastern border of the state, the Mississippi River which connects Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico, is featured prominently on other parts of the American map for its generous contribution of western American navigation and Delta culture. But what does the river actually look like within Virginia boundaries?
The Virginia stretch of the Mississippi River, which usually goes undetected, is officially called the St. Francis Sunken Lands, and is contained in the northern half of the state. While it’s not a large section of the river, it’s certainly important as it supplies water for Kentucky Lake, a reservoir located in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi that also contributes to this length of the river.
This part of the Mississippi River is also surrounded by the history and beauty of Tennessee and Kentucky. The pristine wetlands boast a wealth of species, many of which can only be found in the area. Native Americans, who have lived in the area since before the founding of the United States, have also called this area home for thousands of years. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the St. Francis Sunken Lands also offers a wide range of recreational activities for both visitors and locals alike.
But, perhaps the most notable feature of the St. Francis Sunken Lands is the incredible wildlife. It’s an area of immense biodiversity and contains numerous species of animals and plants, some of which are rarely found anywhere else. In recent years, conservationists and wildlife experts have begun to recognize the importance of the area, and they have worked diligently to preserve it. As a result, the St. Francis Sunken Lands are now protected under the EPA’s National Historic Preservation Act.
As it stands, Virginia’s section of the Mississippi River is teeming with life, and offers ample recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From fishing and canoeing to bird watching, campers and hikers alike can find something to enjoy. Plus, for those looking for a more historical experience, the nearby museums, Native American sites and Civil War battlefields provide plenty of educational activities as well.
Economic Impact
The St. Francis Sunken Lands are a major economic driver for Tennessee and Kentucky’s growth and development. In addition to supplying water for Kentucky Lake, the river’s banks boast thriving local communities, many of which rely on the river for agriculture and tourism. The cities of Memphis and Nashville benefit from the tourism brought in by the St. Francis Sunken Lands, as do the smaller towns in between.
However, despite its economic advantages, the St. Francis Sunken Lands also faces a number of challenges. The river’s floodplains are vulnerable to both accelerated flooding and drought-like conditions, and the area’s relatively isolated location can make it difficult to access and travel to. In addition, the species at risk of losing habitat pose a serious conservation threat.
In response, various conservation initiatives have been set up by the EPA and state governments in order to protect the Mississippi River’s St. Francis Sunken Lands. These include environmental stewardship, as well as sustainable development and recreational access. By focusing on the preservation of this area, conservation efforts are helping to ensure that the St. Francis Sunken Lands remain an important part of Virginia for years to come.
Vulnerable Areas
Due to its fragile nature, the St. Francis Sunken Lands can sometimes be a difficult area to navigate; however, this does not detract from its beauty. The area’s wetlands support a variety of species and species at risk, such as the American black bear, the bald eagle, and numerous species of reptiles, birds and mammals. In addition, the area is also home to a wide variety of plants, trees, and shrubs which rely on its unique wetlands to survive.
While the protected areas of the St. Francis Sunken Lands are currently in fairly good shape, conservation efforts need to be continually maintained in order to ensure the long-term health of the area. For example, regulations need to be put in place to limit agricultural runoff, as it can cause an imbalance in the area’s delicate wetlands habitats. In addition, invasive species need to be monitored throughout the area in order to protect indigenous species from being overtaken. These efforts need to be strictly enforced in order to ensure the long-term viability of the St. Francis Sunken Lands.
While the St. Francis Sunken Lands have faced a plethora of challenges over the years, the area currently stands as a beautiful example of preservation and conservation efforts. In order for the area to remain pristine for years to come, however, heavy conservation efforts will be needed to protect this fragile stretch of the Mississippi River.
Ecosystem Services
The St. Francis Sunken Lands provide a diverse array of services to both nature and people in the area. These “ecosystem services” include energy provision, air and water purification, climate regulation, and recreational activities. The area’s wetlands, for instance, absorb and filter water, preventing both flooding and water pollution. In addition, the area’s forests create oxygen and help regulate climate.
The area’s inhabitants also rely on the area’s ecosystem services. From agricultural crops to recreational activities, the variety of species and habitats hosted by the St. Francis Sunken Lands are an essential part of the local culture and livelihoods. Fishing, hunting and bird watching along the river also add to the area’s tourism; this, in combination with a host of indigenous cultural activities, contribute to the region’s economy.
In order for the area’s ecosystems services to continue to be available, however, conservation efforts are key. For example, regulations can be put in place to limit chemical fertilizer runoff and other pollutants that threaten water quality. In addition, land use regulations and zoning limitations can help protect the area’s delicate habitats and biodiversity. Through careful management and stewardship, the St. Francis Sunken Lands can remain a haven of beauty and abundance for years to come.
Educating and Protecting
As Virginia’s section of the Mississippi is relatively unknown, it is important to inform, educate and engage the public about this valuable resource. Through effective communication, policy makers and conservationists can work together to create an understanding about the ecological and economic importance of this area. Having this understanding will help to create a sense of urgency in protecting the area and ultimately enhance and encourage the stewardship of the St. Francis Sunken Lands.
Various public awareness efforts are already in place, such as local exhibits and programs that share information about the area’s dynamic ecosystems and its species. Additionally, educational field trips and community outreach events are often organized to further inform and engage the public. By understanding and connecting with this unique part of the Mississippi River, participants gain key insights into the importance of preserving it.
In addition to educational outreach, there are a number of regulatory efforts currently in place to help protect the St. Francis Sunken Lands. This includes limits on agricultural and urban development which help to protect the area’s fragile habitats. In addition, the area is now protected by the EPA’s National Historic Preservation Act, which is designed to safeguard the area from further degradation.
Although Virginia’s part of the Mississippi River is often overlooked and neglected, it is still an essential part of the overall ecosystem. By coming together to protect and preserve this stretch of the river, conservationists, policy makers and locals alike can take part in protecting a vital part of American heritage.
Sustainable Practices
In addition to government regulation and public awareness, sustainable practices are also needed in order to further protect the St. Francis Sunken Lands. These can include natural methods of water filtration, such as constructed wetlands, which act to purify the St. Francis River, as well as its tributaries. In addition, sustainable forestry techniques can be employed to help protect the area’s forests and ecosystems. Other practices, such as riparian buffers and buffers around sensitive habitats, are being implemented to help preserve the area’s delicate habitats.
Furthermore, public transportation, such as bike trails, should be developed to provide easy and efficient travel to and from the St. Francis Sunken Lands. This will help to reduce the overall amount of traffic in the area and reduce air pollution. Lastly, the installation of more solar panels in the vicinity of the St. Francis Sunken Lands can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, as well as providing renewable sources of energy.
By employing sustainable practices, conservationists, policy makers, and locals can all have a part in preserving Virginia’s section of the Mississippi River. As this area is an important part of American heritage and an essential part of the ecosystem, its preservation is of utmost importance.
