The Mississippi River is one of the timeless symbols of the United States of America. Spanning from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, this giant river has been a major factor in the formation of some of the strongest states in the USA. It passes through a total of 10 states with more than 2000 miles of its waters crossing the nation.
The Mississippi River was first explored by the French in 1682 when it was labelled as the “Riviere Colbert”, but the name was later changed to the current name by English colonists, meaning “Great River”. As the largest river entirely in the United States, the Mississippi is the main river of the largest drainage system on the North American continent. It has been recorded that over 10,000 years ago, the river was the most important source of freshwater fish during the Paleo-Indian period.
The states that the Mississippi River passes through are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. As the river flows through these states, it touches an abundance of diverse wildlife habitats, animal populations,and interesting human history. It also provides nutrient-rich land for various wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles and more, as well as providing vital food sources for many species of fish. There are also several tributaries of the Mississippi River that flow through some of these states, like the Yazoo River in Mississippi, the Missouri River in Missouri, and the Ohio River in Kentucky.
In each of these states, the Mississippi River has been integral to the local economy and culture. Moreover, its waters have been used in the production and transportation of resources like agricultural goods and minerals, providing key infrastructure and vital support for the states mentioned.
According to experts, the Mississippi River has the potential to bring a large number of tourists to the states that it runs through. These tourists could help the economy of the states along the river, as well as providing local people with additional revenue sources. Additionally, recreational activities such as fishing, boating and rafting can be pursued in the waters of the Mississippi, giving travelers the chance to explore its beauty and natural scenery.
The Mississippi River is an important part of the identity of the states that it passes through, and thus it has a huge significance for each of them. It has provided food, transportation and economic opportunities for hundreds of years, as well as being a key factor in the formation of the nation. As such, it is not only important for many of the states but also the entire nation.
Water Quality Impacts
The Mississippi River has been facing challenges from water quality issues in the past. On a daily basis the river system is suffering from various discharges from industrial units and households, including toxic wastes from vessels, runoff from agricultural land, and hazardous emission from factories.
The presence of such pollutants affects the water quality of the Mississippi River as well as its connected waterways. This has a ripple effect across the regions of the 10 states it passes through since polluted water sourced from the river can consequently contaminate drinking water and endangered aquatic species.
The various discharges from industries contain various components that are hazardous to both the environment and the human population. Some of these toxins include phosphorus, nitrates and lead, which can cause an array of health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, etc. These contaminants can also affect the completion of the organisms that live in the Mississippi River which can, in turn, effect the entire aquatic food chain.
Despite the considerable amount of pollution that the Mississippi River has been exposed to over the years, efforts have been made to improve its quality. Various agencies have been working to reduce pollutants in the water and have implemented efficient water quality policies and schemes.
The Environmental Protection Agency has developed public health advisories in 10 states across the United States for their citizens to take precautionary measures with consumption of fish, swimming and consumption of water from the Mississippi River. Because of interventions like this, there has been a marked decrease in the pollution in the Mississippi River system, though there is still much work to be done in order to guarantee a clean and healthy river for years to come.
Ecosystem Preservation and Conservation
The idea of preserving the Mississppi River and its accompanying waterways for its beauty and its resources has become increasingly important in recent years. The Mississippi River is home to a wide diversity of fish, amphibians, and aquatic and shore birds, many of which are integral to the aquatic ecosystem of the river. In the 10 states the river passes through, there are many endangered species like the pallid sturgeon and the piping plover that rely on its waters.
The efforts to preserve this wide variety of wildlife are large and on-going. In the state of Kentucky, for example, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified more than 100 species of conservation needs, such as the endangered Indiana bat, in the regions it passes through. The local government has also implemented several conservation efforts like renewing wetland functionality and protection for aquatic resources.
Furthermore, in the state of Minnesota, additional conservation efforts have been put in place, including a federal government program called the “Mississippi River Through It All” that is funded by the state as well as Congress. This program aims to ensure the continued protection of the river and its tributaries and foster an environment of ecological preservation and restoration of the river.
Other efforts such as the Mississippi River Conservation Programs are providing funding resources for projects that aim to protect and restore the aquatic and terrestrial species of the lake. Furthermore, state conservation initiatives such as the the Wisconsin’s Mississippi River Companion Plan, the Eco-Region Management Plan of the Lower Mississippi in Arkansas, and the Mississippi River Trust in Illinois are identifying areas in need of protection, coordinating programs and monitoring the river, enabling states to craft ecologically sound management plans.
Existing Programs to Facilitate River Usability
The Mississippi is one of the most popular rivers in the USA and as such, several programs exist to make it easier for people to explore its almost 2,000 miles of river coastline. Programs such as the National Mississippi River Trail have been established in order to provide access to the Mississippi River for outdoor recreation. This allows people to experience the river safely and with adequate arrangements for their activities.
Organizations such as the Mississippi River Parkway Commission have been established to promote projects that are designed to make river navigation easier for boat enthusiasts. The Commission, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has established several programs such as the Gateway to the Mississippi River, a platform for water-recreation in the 10 states.
In addition, non-profit organizations such as the Lower Mississippi River Foundation are organizing river cleanup activities, raising awareness and educating people about the importance of the Mississippi. The Foundation has even set up a Lower Mississippi River Program and Network, whose goal is to encourage cooperation between all 10 states for the conservation and promotion of the river.
The states of the USA, specifically the 10 through which the Mississippi River runs, have made use of the river for generations. A vital part of the economy and the culture of these regions, the Mississippi has been a source of continuous development and growth. Dedicated to preserving the beauty and resources of this giant river, numerous initiatives are being taken and programs are being developed. It is only through the efforts of all concerned that the Mississippi River will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.
Legislative Reforms and Programs In Place
Legislative reforms have been set in place to manage the ecological and economic impact of the Mississippi River. In Illinois, the Clean Water Act has been actively enforced. This law provides federal funding and legal protection to control pollution of the river and its waterways, empowering governmental agencies to take proactive steps to ensure that the water quality of the river is adequately monitored and maintained.
The Tennessee Water Resources Management Act is a notable policy that provides funds for the protection of water resources. It involves developing comprehensive plans for water quality protection, controlling pollution, and providing protection for navigation and general recreation.
In states such as Iowa and Kentucky, there have been numerous efforts to promote the development of healthy aquatic systems, specifically for their respective sections of the Mississippi River. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has aimed for better management of public access points, development of recreational and educational activities and campaigns to bring awareness of the risks of pollutants. Similarly, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has been working on reducing pollution, improving habitat and wetland functionality, and creating sustainable plans.
In the states of Mississippi and Arkansas, changes were made to laws and regulations to protect areas of high ecological significance along the river. The Arkansas Department of Waterways has put forward the Arkansas Scenic Rivers Act, which is designed to protect some sections of the river and to help conserve the natural environment and to protect the ecology of the river.
Over in Mississippi, the Department of Environmental Quality is actively monitoring water quality in order to protect public health and the environment. Regulations have been set in place to reduce or eliminate pollutants, develop management strategies for wetlands, and coordinate with federal agencies in order to ensure the protection of the Mississippi and its connected waterways.
Various initiatives and legislative reform have been the result of citizens, state and federal agencies coming together to make a better future for the Mississippi River. With the continuing support of all involved, the river can be conserved for a long time to come.
