The mighty Mississippi river has over the centuries become a symbol of power and reminiscence of the golden era of the United States – from the riverboats to the towering bridges. The Mississippi empties into several rivers, the most notable being the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas.
The Missouri is the longest tributary of the Mississippi and is often dubbed the ‘Father of Waters’ for its tremendous size. At about 2,341 miles, it’s almost as long as the main river itself. It serves as a vital part of the nation’s economy; it provides farmers with essential water for their crops and livestock, and is also a form of transportation, connecting different parts of the Midwest region.
The Ohio river, one of the tributaries of the Mississippi, is the largest river in the United States east of the Mississippi. It’s also the second most important tributary: the Ohio-Mississippi watershed is one of the most significant in the US. With its well-maintained network of locks, the Ohio allows barge traffic to move easily up and down the river.
The Arkansas river is the main tributary in the south-central region and a major contributor to import-export businesses. Local governments spent billions on the Arkansas in 2019 for improvements and upkeep, such as maintaining levees, dredging river beds, and restoring fish stocks.
The Mississippi’s tributaries not only provide economic and environmental benefits, but also political and social ones. During the 19th century, the rivers played a critical role in the nation’s expansion and its liberation from colonial rule. In addition, the rivers allowed for efficient trade and transportation of goods and materials between different states, which contributed to the US’s prosperous economy.
While the tributaries of the Mississippi river bring their own unique features to the river system, their Rivers also pose challenges. Over the past decade, drought and increased human activity have caused significant declines in the quality and quantity of water in some tributaries. In addition, many of the tributaries have been bogged down by pollution and runoff from agricultural chemicals, which have adversely impacted the aquatic life.
Environmentalists have sought to protect and restore the tributaries by advocating for better land management and water resources practices. Scientists have also been trying to undo the damage by restoring fish populations, carrying out wetland restoration initiatives, and having stakeholders collaborate with one another to reduce the ecological impact of their initiatives.
Mississippi Tributary Geography
The Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas all enter the Mississippi river along the edges of Midwest states such as Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas. The Missouri flows in an eastward direction from its source in Montana, and the Ohio and Arkansas both enter the Mississippi from their sources in the Appalachian Mountains. The Missouri and Ohio rivers both have several dams and locks built along them, which control water-flow and prevent flooding in various sections of the rivers.
When each of the tributaries enters the Mississippi, its speed and volume increases dramatically due to merging of the multiple rivers. The greater flow of the combined rivers widens and bends the river, creating river islands and elongated lake-like pools.
The tributaries of the Mississippi are also the source of energy for cities and towns along their streams and reservoirs. Dams create hydroelectricity and provide navigation through locks and navigation channels.
The navigability of the Rivers has enabled many cities and towns in the Midwest to be established along the banks. While some cities have become major ports and now ship goods to the eastern US, others have become hubs for recreation and tourism, as they provide access points to the myriad of national, state, and local parks along their way.
Impact of Mississippi Tributaries on Human Activity
The tributaries of the Mississippi contribute greatly to both local and regional industry. Agriculture accounts for the majority of the local production, but the tributaries are also being used for energy production and recreation. Dams built on these Rivers generate hydroelectricity, provide flood control, and help create an environment for international shipments.
In addition to the economic benefits of the tributaries, these Rivers have become treasured recreational sites and destinations. Fishers, boaters, and campers enjoy their time on the Rivers, and their activities bring in additional revenue to local businesses.
The quality and health of the tributaries of the Mississippi have a huge impact on the amount of recreational activity that can occur. Excessive erosion reduces the depth and widens the river, creating shallower areas and making the river less conducive to recreation.
Pollution is also a major threat to the Mississippi tributaries, as they are often subject to contamination from both urban and industrial sources. Dam construction and dredging can also impact sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
The US government has implemented several strategies to protect and restore the Mississippi tributaries. Many of these strategies focus on improving water quality, creating buffer zones to protect sensitive wildlife habitats, and increasing public access to the Rivers.
Long-Term Outlook for the Mississippi Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi river continue to serve major roles in the Midwest region, both environmentally and economically. While there are still issues to be addressed with pollution and water resources, the rivers have demonstrated a tremendous amount of resiliency and have adapted to many of the changes over the years.
With the increase in environmental awareness and the implementation of better river management strategies, the future of the Mississippi tributaries appears to be much brighter. By investing in stream restoration projects, establishing buffer zones to regulate runoff, and increasing public access to recreational areas, the tributaries of the Mississippi river can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Social Impact of Mississippi Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi play a major role in the cultural life of the region. They provide a setting for local festivals, concerts, and other events. They are home to hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, and are also a major part of the region’s history and culture.
The tributaries of the Mississippi have also had a significant impact on the region’s economy, providing many jobs in the form of fishing, logistics, transport, and tourism. The natural beauty of these rivers is a major draw for tourists, whose spending can benefit the economic wellbeing of the local communities.
Finally, the presence of the tributaries has allowed for better communication and transportation between the states, which has helped foster a greater sense of shared identity and community in the region.
Current Efforts to Preserve Mississippi Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi have long been ecological and economic lifelines for the region. In recent decades, however, the health of the tributaries has been threatened by rising levels of pollution, runoff, and human activity. In an effort to reverse this damage, many organizations have been working to restore the Rivers.
Restoration efforts have included attempts to increase the biodiversity of fish stocks, reduce erosions, and reduce pollution. Restoration initiatives have also focused on improving public access to the tributaries by creating trails, introducing artificial habitat, and encouraging recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
In addition, local and state governments have implemented several policies to protect the tributaries, such as establishing buffer zones to limit runoff, increasing public awareness, and introducing stricter regulations on pollution.
With the implementation of better land management practices and increased public engagement, the future of the tributaries of the Mississippi looks promising.
Government Policies Surrounding Mississippi Tributary Protection
Governments have long taken an active role in protecting and restoring the tributaries of the Mississippi. The federal government has put in place several initiatives, such as the Clean Water Act, which aim to regulate the quality of water and prevent runoff from entering the river. The act also works to reduce pollutants from factories and other sources.
In addition, the government has invested in restoration projects such as habitat restoration, dredging operations, and revegetation. The government has also implemented policies to support local efforts in protecting and restoring the tributaries.
State governments have also implemented their own programs, enacting stricter water pollution rules, providing funds for local conservation efforts, and establishing departments devoted to river stewardship.
These policies and initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to the preservation and protection of the tributaries of the Mississippi and are essential to preserving the unique ecosystems and habitats these Rivers provide.
Conclusion
The tributaries of the Mississippi have a long and rich history in the United States, from their role in the nation’s expansion to their importance to local economies. These Rivers have been a source of life for many communities, but their health has been threatened in recent years. To counter this, governments and organizations have taken several steps to protect and restore the tributaries of the Mississippi. While there is still much work to be done, the future of the Rivers appears to be bright.
