The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the USA and one of its most famous. It is source of life and livelihood to millions of people and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. It is well known that the Mississippi River flows south until it joins the Gulf of Mexico. But after it leaves the Gulf of Mexico, what happens to the river? It flows into another river, the Atchafalaya River.
At 694 miles (1,115 km) long, the Atchafalaya River is the largest distributary of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. It begins in central Louisiana, near Simmesport, and ends near Morgan City in the southeastern corner of the state. Although the Atchafalaya River is not as long as the Mississippi, it is much wider, reaching up to 700 feet (213 m) across in some sections. This wide river has a steady flow of about 6,500 cubic feet (185 cu m) of water per second.
The Atchafalaya River provides vital ecological benefits to the surrounding areas. The delta created by the Atchafalaya and the Mississippi rivers has given rise to an incredible variety of plants and animals. The nutrient-rich sediment that the river deposits in the delta has helped create an incredibly diverse and abundant ecosystem. This helps keep the Gulf Coast fisheries healthy and provides the foundation of an important economic driver in Louisiana.
The Atchafalaya Basin is also a major recreational destination. Visitors come to the basin to camp, fish, hike, and explore the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers. It is also important to note that the Atchafalaya basin also serves as flood protection for the surrounding areas. With its high capacity for holding and slowly releasing floodwaters, the basin has become a key part of flood management in the lower Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers.
Historically, the Atchafalaya has been a major shipping route for commercial vessels and barges in Louisiana. The Upper Atchafalaya River is a major transportation corridor for shipping from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. In 2017, nearly thirty million tons of cargo were shipped on this stretch of the river.
However, the Atchafalaya River is not without its environmental issues. The high nutrient load and harmful algal blooms in the river can lead to fish kills and foul-smelling waters near populated areas. Additionally, the river can carry agricultural runoff and other pollutants from upstream, which can negatively affect water quality in the basin.
Overall, the Atchafalaya River is a vital part of the ecosystem in Louisiana and is a major source of water, recreation, flood control, and transportation in the region. Its significance cannot be denied and its protection should be a priority in order to preserve its delicate balance.
Its Natural Habitat
The Atchafalaya River is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. There are numerous species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that call this river home. Some of the most common species of fish found in the Atchafalaya are largemouth bass, white crappie, spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. As well, there are a variety of different types of birds in the area including ospreys, wood storks, herons, egrets, ibis, and purple gallinules.
In addition to the wide variety of species that call the Atchafalaya River home, it is also an important habitat for migratory birds. Every spring, it is a popular stopover for birds migrating from the north to their winter homes in the south. It is estimated that up to 2 million waterfowl including ducks and geese, travel through the Atchafalaya River Basin each year.
The river is also home to a wide variety of turtles and amphibians. One of the most notable species is the Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell Turtle. This endangered species has its largest population in the Atchafalaya Basin and is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition to its rich faunal diversity, the Atchafalaya River is also home to a variety of plant species. From cypress swamp and bottomland hardwood forests to wet prairies, the Atchafalaya Basin is home to a wide variety of habitats. Common plants found in and around the river include bald cypress, water hyacinth, water willow, and various types of aquatic grasses.
The Preservation of its Ecology
The Atchafalaya River is a unique and ecologically important habitat in Louisiana. To protect and preserve its natural beauty, there have been a number of conservation efforts in and around the basin. In 1993, a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy, Louisiana, and the Atchafalaya River Basin Program created the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge encompasses over 54,000 acres of riverine, swampland, cypress brakes and hardwood forests.
In addition, the Atchafalaya Basin Program was created in 1988 as an interagency effort to coordinate the management of this vital watershed. This program consists of a set of principles and objectives to manage the watershed and protect its resources. It also established a comprehensive plan of action to be pursued by the various state and federal agencies in order to protect the basin and its biodiversity.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is another major player in the conservation efforts in the Atchafalaya Basin. They are responsible for protecting the species that call this ecosystem home and managing the fisheries in and around the basin.
The Atchafalaya Basinkeepers are a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public participation in the conservation and preservation of this vital ecosystem. The organization is also active in advocating for public policies that promote the health of the Atchafalaya Basin.
Restoration & Preservation of its Waters
The Atchafalaya is an important resource for the people of Louisiana and it is crucial to ensure its long-term health. To this end, a number of restoration and preservation projects are ongoing. These projects are designed to improve and maintain water quality, restore wetlands, and protect and enhance fisheries.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the major players in Atchafalaya restoration. They are responsible for managing and restoring the navigation route of the river. To improve navigation, they are building a navigation channel on the lower Atchafalaya. They are also in the process of dredging the entrance to the Atchafalaya River so that larger ships and barges can access the port of Morgan City.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is another important partner in Atchafalaya restoration efforts. They are responsible for managing the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, as well as restoring wetlands and other fragile habitats in the basin.
The Atchafalaya Basin Program is also active in the preservation and restoration of the Atchafalaya. They are currently working on a number of projects, such as restoring wetlands that provide habitat for wildlife, controlling harmful algal blooms, and reducing operating costs for water control structures in the basin.
Managing its Floods
Given its location in a low-lying area, the Atchafalaya River is prone to floods. This can be very damaging to the local ecosystem and the people who call this basin home. To combat this problem, the Atchafalaya Basin Program has developed a comprehensive flood control plan. This plan includes building new levies, creating diversion channels to move floodwaters away from populated areas, and controlling the flow of water in the basin.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with the Atchafalaya Basin Program to help manage the riverʼs floods. They are responsible for maintaining and operating the levees and other flood control structures in the basin. They are also responsible for monitoring the water levels in the basin and ensuring that they remain stable and safe.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation is also actively involved in Atchafalaya flood control efforts. They are responsible for maintaining and operating the Atchafalaya River Floodway gates, which are used to divert excess floodwaters away from populated areas. In addition, they are responsible for maintaining the roads and bridges near the river, which are key pieces of infrastructure for the people of Louisiana.
The Impact of Humans on its Ecosystem
The Atchafalaya River is an important resource for the people of Louisiana, providing water, recreation, flood control, and transportation. In recent years, there have been a number of changes in the way the river is managed and used. This has had a significant impact on the riverʼs ecosystem.
For example, agricultural runoff from upstream has had a negative effect on the water quality of the Atchafalaya. In addition, urban runoff and the construction of flood control structures has disrupted the ecosystem of the basin. These changes have led to a decline in the population of some species, such as the Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell Turtle and the Pallid Sturgeon.
It is also important to note that the increased navigation of the river has created structural changes in and around the basin, which has also had an impact on the ecosystem. The dredging of the river has led to erosion, and the introduction of invasive species has disrupted the food chain of some of the native species.
Overall, it is clear that humans have had a significant impact on the Atchafalaya River and its ecosystem. It is up to us to ensure that this vital resource is protected and preserved for generations to come.
