Background information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, and one of the most recognized in the world. Starting in the Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the river flows south over 2,320 miles before it drains into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Along its bank, the river forms the boundary between ten different US states with diverse geography, cultures and histories.
Relevant Data
Nine US states and two Canadian provinces, Manitoba and Ontario, are found in the Mississippi River drainage basin. The ten states that have sections of the Mississippi River within their boundaries are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These sections of the river introduce a variety of dynamics, from the slow meanderings through the headwaters of Minnesota to the wide expanses of open water in the middle and lower river.
The portion of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and the Mississippi Delta near New Orleans, Louisiana is known as the Lower Mississippi River. This is the busiest section of river for freight and barge transportation.
Perspective from Experts
Conservation ecologist Norris Prejean, of the US Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, says, “The importance of the Mississippi River to the communities it serves and the wildlife it helps sustain can’t be overstated. From the source in Minnesota to the mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the river is something of a life-giving force. It supports some of the most productive agricultural land in the world, provides entertainment, recreation and economic opportunities, and serves as a home to hundreds of species of birds and animals.”
Environmental engineer, Dr. John Pucheu, of Tulane University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasizes the importance of the Lower Mississippi River. “The Lower Mississippi maintains an absolutely vital transportation route for freight and barge transportation. It’s a route for heavy industries in the Midwest and oil, chemical refineries and petroleum companies in the South. In addition to the transportation component, the river also provides crucial flood protection for communities and ecosystems along its banks.”
A Focus on Sustainability
As people depend on the Mississippi River for so many aspects of daily life, the need for conservation, sustainability and best management practices becomes increasingly important. Julia Marsh, President of the Mississippi River Project, emphasizes the importance of healthy river ecosystems and strong river-based communities: “We need to work together to ensure the sustainability of our communities and the environment, to protect our livelihoods and the health of our ecosystems. We need to ensure that we have healthy communities, an ample supply of clean water and sustainable sources of both food and energy.”
Since the river is so important to both the environment and the communities it serves, many organizations and stakeholders are working together to offer education and guidance to those who are dependent on the Mississippi River. Conservation organizations often collaborate to provide resources to encourage sustainable actions in the river’s watershed.
Economic Effects of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River also provides economic opportunities, serving as a trade corridor since settlements were first established. From Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the river is deeply intertwined with the economic vitality and prosperity of the states it passes through.
Dr. Pucheu believes that understanding the relationship between the economic prosperity of those dependent on the Mississippi River and the health of river ecosystems is key. “We know that healthy rivers lead to healthier economies and that when rivers are polluted or ecosystems are damaged, the quality of life and the economic viability of the areas can suffer.”
River Recreation and Tourism Choices for Locals and Visitors
The Mississippi River also provides recreational opportunities for those who live and visit along its banks. Each state along the river offers unique spaces and recreational activities, from boating and fishing to camping and birding.
Terreesa Bushman, a naturalist and field assistant for the National Forest Service, notes, “Each state along the Mississippi offers a unique and diverse range of recreational opportunities. There is something for everyone, and it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and the wonderful diversity and culture that exists along the river.”
The Important Role of Wetlands
In addition to the many other contributions that the Mississippi River provides, one of its most important roles is to provide wetland habitats for all types of wildlife. The wetlands along the river serve as nurseries and habitat for plants, birds and animals, offer flood control and act as filters for pollutants.
Prejean has seen the differences between ecologically intact wetlands and those disrupted by human activity. “The wetlands along the river form some of the most important habitats in the country, both for human activity and wildlife,” he says. “The wetlands provide a place for birds and other wildlife to nest, feed and rest and are a great source of recreation for people. But unfortunately, far too many of these areas have been destroyed or degraded by human activities.”
Absorbing and Reducing Pollution
The Mississippi River also serves as a natural filter for pollutants and helps to reduce water pollution. The wetlands, with their dense vegetation and slow-moving water, help stop pollutants from flowing downstream and harm the health of the river and its inhabitants.
Environmental scientist Dr. Terisi Wilbanks, of the US Geological Survey Water Resources Division, explains how the wetlands help reduce pollutants: “The wetlands along the Mississippi are like giant sponges. They absorb pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be very harmful to the environment. They also provide natural areas for plants and animals to breathe and thrive.”
Soil Erosion Prevention
The slow-moving water of the rivers and wetlands also helps to protect the land from soil erosion. The vegetation on the river banks and in the wetlands traps sediment and prevents it from washing away. This helps to keep the soil in place and prevents it from being washed out to sea or clogging up rivers and streams.
Marsh believes this serves an important purpose. “Especially in areas where agriculture or city development along the river and its tributaries has resulted in the destruction of wetland and riparian habitats, this sediment trap is so important for the long-term health and sustainability of the environment,” she says.
Flood Management
The flood management system of the Mississippi River also assists in protecting communities and ecosystems along the river’s entire length. The levees along the river help to prevent flooding and reduce the risk of storm damage, while the wetlands of the river also help to absorb excess water and reduce flooding.
Bushman is passionate about the importance of the flood management system. “The flood control system helps to protect lives, natural ecosystems and property,” she says. “Without it, towns and cities along the river would be at much greater risk of flooding and storm damage.”
Environmental Education and Awareness
Given the great importance of the Mississippi River, many organizations have made it their goal to raise awareness about the vital roles of the river, from providing recreational opportunities and economic opportunities to sustaining the environment and reducing pollution.
Wilbanks focuses her efforts on educating the public on the need for resilient ecosystems and improved water quality. “We need to educate people on the importance of protecting and preserving the environment. We need to help them understand that the decisions we make today will have an impact on the future of our rivers and wetlands, and that these fragile ecosystems need to be protected and cared for.”
Protection of Species
The Mississippi River, and the communities and ecosystems along its banks, are critical for the protection and conservation of numerous species of wildlife. Bushman notes that the variety of habitats along the river provides an essential refuge for native and migratory birds, as well as a myriad of amphibians, fish, reptiles, insects and mammals.
“The Mississippi River and its tributaries provide essential habitat for many species of wildlife,” she says. “This includes areas for hunting, fishing and other recreational pursuits. We need to do our best to protect these areas, so the species can thrive and the humans who depend on the river and its resources can continue to do so.”
Restoration and Management Efforts of the Mississippi River
The importance of the Mississippi River has resulted in various efforts to restore and manage the river and its tributaries. Marsh is often involved in such organizations, which emphasize the need for sustainable practices and increased protection of the river.
“We need to think more holistically about our actions and how they are impacting the river and its inhabitants,” she says. “It’s essential that we commit to making good management choices, both on land and on the river, and that we create policies that will lead to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.”
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important ecosystem that connects ten different US states and two Canadian provinces within its 2,320 mile long system. It is essential for human and wildlife communities, from providing economic opportunities to protection from flooding, and from reducing water pollution to serving as an important habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Conservation organizations, supported by passionate individuals, are taking up the challenge to encourage sustainable actions in the river’s watershed.
Continued Educational Efforts
In addition to the importance of the restoration and management efforts, educating individuals on the Mississippi River’s important role in their lives and offering access to some of the best recreational opportunities in the US are crucial.Environmental education and awareness can help to protect the Mississippi River, one of the most iconic water systems in the world.
Terry Bouse, of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Mississippi River Delta Branch, believes that education and awareness are key to protecting the river. “We need to educate people about the importance of rivers and wetlands, and the need for conservation and sustainable practices. For those living along the river, the education and access to recreational activities can be the catalyst to creating healthy relationships with their local environment.”
Prioritization of Sustainability
The Mississippi River is essential for the health of individuals, communities and the environment. Therefore, sustainability should be prioritized when considering activities or development along the river. Prejean explains, “We need to be mindful of our actions, whether they’re activities or economic development, so that we do not damage the river or its natural resources. We need to think holistically when it comes to how we use and enjoy the river, so that it remains vibrant and healthy for years to come.”
Enhancement of Local Communities
The Mississippi River provides many recreational opportunities and jobs that support local communities. Bushman stresses the importance of understanding how our actions can enhance the work being done to improve the river and its banks.
“We need to be mindful of how we can all work together to embrace the beauty and the potential for river-based activities and education,” she says. “We need to ensure we are doing our utmost to create safe, healthy and vibrant places to live and visit, where you can connect with nature and the communities along the river.”
Harmonization of River and Wildlife Lifestyle
The Mississippi River is a major source of livelihood for hundreds of species of wildlife, from providing critical habitats for fish and birds to filtering pollutants for healthy waters. Wilbanks encourages everyone to consider the long-term effects of activities on the river, especially in light of the decreasing wildlife populations. “We need to think about how our actions might affect the wildlife and the ecosystems of the river, and look for ways to harmonize human use of the river with the wildlife that depend on it,” she says.
Summary
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, connecting ten US states and two Canadian provinces. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and serves an essential role for flood protection and water pollution prevention. Organizations and stakeholders are working together to ensure that the river remains healthy, vibrant and resilient for generations to come. Education and awareness are key to understanding how our actions can affect the river and how to protect it for future use.
