Where Does The Mississippi River Flow Through?
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, stretching from its source in Minnesota to its outlet on the Gulf of Mexico. It is also one of the most culturally, biologically, and economically important rivers. The river begins in Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, and travels for 2,340 miles, before reaching the Gulf. Along its many miles, 32 states and 2 Canadian provinces border the mighty Mississippi River.
The States Around the Mississippi River
The states that contain sections of the Mississippi River are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Most of these states border the river for hundreds, or even thousands of miles.
A notable section of the Mississippi River is the historic “Old River Bed”, located in Louisiana, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. This waterway was first engineered by James Buchanan Eads in the late 19th century, and is millions of years old. Its winding path and slow, meandering flow make it an interesting navigation point within the Mississippi River system. For instance, in the fall and winter seasons, the old riverbed is typically full of migrating waterfowl, like mallard and teal ducks, geese, and heron.
The Recreational and Cultural Use of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a great source of recreation for locals, as well as a major economic resource. Across the country, tourists and locals alike use the mighty Mississippi River to fish, camp, and to mix with nature. Whether it’s along the banks of Minnesota, in the swamps of Louisiana, or on the beaches of Louisiana, millions of recreational enthusiasts flock to the Mississippi River every year.
The culture of the Mississippi River has been around for centuries, even predating America’s term as an independent nation. Native American cultures have valued and protected the river for thousands of years, and it continues to remain an important part of their identities. The people of the Mississippi Valley maintain their spirit through festivals, canoe trips, and other local events and attractions.
Major Tributaries to the Mississippi
The states that border the Mississippi River provide some fantastic recreational and cultural value, but the Mississippi is also a source of valuable economic resources. For many years, the shipping industry has relied on the Mississippi for a reliable route for cargo shipments, as well as for transporting energy resources and raw materials.
Major tributaries to the Mississippi River include the Rio Grande, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Arkansas rivers. The Ohio River, in particular, is an important tributary to the Mississippi. This river flows into the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois and carries large amounts of sediment and nutrients, making it the most important tributary in the region and arguably one of the most important rivers in North America.
Human Impacts On the Mississippi River
Unfortunately, despite its importance, the Mississippi River has been subject to human development and nutrient pollution, leading to serious adverse effects on the river’s environment and health. Human activities such as fertilizers, wastewater, pesticides, and other agricultural runoff have led to the presence of harmful pollutants in the river, leading to detrimental impacts on the river’s wildlife and their habitats.
In fact, the Mississippi River is one of the most heavily altered rivers in the world. Dams and locks have drastically changed its ecology, reducing the river’s flow and natural sediment transport, and still remain in use today. Despite current efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of human activities, the river is still subject to ongoing degradation from pollutant runoff from industries and other human-made sources.
Restoration Efforts for the Mississippi River
In the United States, there are several agencies and organizations dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Mississippi River. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has programs to ensure that states along the Mississippi River are meeting the standards of the Clean Water Act of 1972. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) also works on projects dedicated to restoring and protecting the quality of the river’s aquatic life, as well as its habitat.
Outside of these official organizations, citizens and non-profit organizations around the world have developed initiatives in support of the Mississippi River. One such organization is the Mississippi River Network, a national organization made up of local non-profits, NGOs and individuals. Additionally, many local grassroots organizations exist to bring awareness of their respective rivers, including cleanups and other activities to protect the river and its environment.
Alternative Sources to The Mississippi River
As water resources around the world become increasingly scarce due to climate change and overuse, politicians, scientists, and citizens alike are looking for alternative sources to supplement the freshwater from the Mississippi River. One of the most promising alternatives is desalination, a process used to turn saltwater into freshwater.
Desalination has been used in countries like the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to provide freshwater to millions of people in those countries. Though its process is expensive, it is a reliable and sustainable way to obtain freshwater, which is crucial for human survival.
Legislative Changes
In recent years, states that border the Mississippi River have enacted legislation to help protect and preserve the river and its environment. For example, Minnesota enacted a law which requires the state’s agricultural producers to manage their land in a way as to reduce runoff and pollution of the rivers within the state.
Arkansas has a similar program, aimed at preserving the state’s rivers and streams. This program provides an income tax credit for landowners that voluntarily manage their property to protect the water quality. Other states have also created their own initiatives and laws to help provide protection for their water resources, from the Mississippi River to bodies of water closer to home.
Conservation Tools
Even though laws are important for protecting water resources, there are also tools and strategies for individuals to help preserve the Mississippi River. One of the easiest strategies is to participate in local cleanups, which can reduce the amount of litter and pollutants that can enter and harm the river. Gradual actions like this can make a positive difference in the state of the river.
Additionally, the EPA has multiple outreach programs available to individuals and communities on the best ways to conserve and manage the water resources of their local rivers, like the Mississippi River. These programs can help to educate and provide guidance on how to be an advocate for the environment and conservation.
Economic Impacts of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an economic powerhouse for the midwestern and southern regions of the United States. The river provides food, electricity, and other types of resources to the industries located around it. In many states, the river is the main source of water for municipal water supplies, agribusiness, and aquaculture.
In terms of supplies and services, the Mississippi River is home to many barge and maritime companies that use the river to transport resources. The Mississippi River also serves as a major feature in the cruise industry, ferrying tourists around the entire region.
The Future of the Mississippi River
Despite the human impacts on the river and its environment, the Mississippi River remains robust and an integral part of the United States. However, it is important to note that the protection and preservation of the river and its environment must not be taken for granted.
The states bordering the Mississippi River bear a responsibility to monitor, maintain, and protect the river for future generations. It is up to us, the people of the Mississippi Valley, to take action and to stand up for the environment of this incredible waterway. Through collective effort and a commitment to conservation, we can ensure that the Mississippi River will continue to thrive for many years to come.
