The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching 2,340 miles long and draining over 1.2 million square miles, making it the 4th longest and 10th largest river basin in the world. It ships roughly 550 million tons of cargo each year and is a source of drinking water, energy and recreation for those living along its banks. The Mississippi River begins in the north at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and runs through 10 states to the south, before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico, where it eventually meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The river passes through many cities and towns along the way, including Minneapolis, St. Paul and Dubuque in the north and many southern towns, such as Baton Rouge, Vicksburg and Memphis. Mississippi’s local climate and geography play a big role in the water level along the Mississippi. Heavy rains in the upper states are partially responsible for the recurring flooding each year in communities along the lower portions of the river.
The Mississippi is home to many plants and animals, including both native and non-native species. While the river’s plant life was drastically altered after settlement, over 30 species of fish and 91 species of mussels can still be found in its waters. The Mississippi also provides a safe haven for animals such as river otters, beavers and raccoons, and has the highest concentration of bald eagles in the United States.
The many tributaries and deltas of the river, such as the St. Francis and Atchafalaya rivers, are the lifeblood of the Gulf Coast. They are the route through which nutrients, marine life and sediment are spread throughout Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems, all the way to the Gulf. Additionally, the tributaries provide a “river highway” for recreation, including paddle trips and cruise ships, as well as fishing, swimming and other activities.
The economy of the states which the Mississippi River runs through depends on the river, and local water-based industries have historical ties to the waterway going back centuries. Many of the ports and terminals along the river are essential for the transport of goods and services in the region and house the many marinas, launches and docks that cater to a wide range of activities and needs.
The Mississippi is an important asset to the region and the nation, and its importance has been recognized by representatives of all 10 states it runs through. In 2008, the legislature of each state agreed to create the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, a program aimed at the preservation of the river and the protection of both its human and environmental resources.
Environmental Impact
The ecological health of the Mississippi River has been affected by human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, runoff, and erosion. This has caused the river’s water to be polluted with industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants. Native fish and wildlife have been drastically reduced, as well as plant life, due to the impact of invasive species, such as carp.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the water quality of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The organization has set standards for the levels of pollutants allowed, regulates wastewater treatment plants, and imposes fines on those who break the rules. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative are also working to reduce the impacts of humans on the river, as well as improve efficiency in shipping and safety in recreational use.
Cultural Significance
The Mississippi River has always had an important role in the culture of the various communities it touches. It is the setting for works by celebrated authors such as Mark Twain and William Faulkner, and its banks are home to some of America’s oldest and most celebrated cities, such as New Orleans and St. Louis. In addition, the river supplies many of the region’s popular foods, such as crawfish, oysters and catfish.
The Mississippi is also an important source of music, including Delta blues, gospel and jazz. For example, jazz vocalist Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and famously sang about the river in her song, “Down in the Mississippi.” The state of Mississippi was also named after the river, as its first European settlers were French settlers who named the area “Mizisipi.”
Tourism
The Mississippi River is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. The river cruises offer a unique way to experience the river and the history and culture of the areas it passes through. These cruises are available along the entire length of the river and offer a great way for tourists to get an up-close look of the river, its cities and its historical sites.
Fishing is also a popular activity along the Mississippi River. Anglers take advantage of the Mississippi’s abundant fish populations and plentiful catfish and paddlefish, as well as other popular game fish. Many small towns along the river offer guided fishing trips in both salt and fresh water.
Conservation Efforts
In recent years, a variety of organizations have begun to focus their efforts on the conservation and protection of the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment. The Mississippi River Challenge helps to connect people to the river, while the Loops of the Mississippi offer educational programs and guided tours. The Mississippi River Network is another organization that supports conservation through education, outreach and advocacy. The organization works to ensure the river remains healthy and viable for generations to come.
Other Uses of the Mississippi
The Mississippi’s deep-water navigation and hydroelectric power generation support thousands of jobs in the region and help shape the local economies. In addition to ships, towboats and fishing vessels, the river is also home to a large number of smaller craft, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats.
Each year, over 3 million people make the journey to the Gulf Coast to experience the beauty of the Mississippi River. With its unique history, cultural significance and its vital role in the area’s economy, the Mississippi continues to be a major force of nature in the United States.
River Preservation
Preserving the Mississippi River is an immense undertaking, and many non-profits and government agencies are taking action to protect its resources. Projects such as the America’s Wetland Foundation’s “Restoration and Preservation of the Mississippi River Delta” are aimed at restoring the wetlands of the Mississippi River’s delta and protect the area’s natural resources.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also working to help restore the Mississippi and its tributaries. This includes dredging the river bottom, maintaining good navigation channels, and constructing locks and dams to control the water levels. In addition, the Corps of Engineers is restoring wetlands, preserving wildlife habitats, and creating living shorelines to reduce erosion.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the few rivers in the world to be listed as a World Heritage Site, and is considered one of the North America’s most significant natural resources. It is a vital source of food, transportation, and recreation for the people who live along its banks. Although the river has been altered by human activities, conservation organizations are striving to restore it to its former condition and protect its vast ecological and cultural importance. From source to sea, the Mississippi River is an important part of the identity of the 10 states it passes through.
