Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the most recognizable and important bodies of water in the United States. This powerful river is the second longest in the country and passes through 10 major states. In this article, we will explore the path of the river, the characteristics of its basin, and the many economic and environmental benefits it brings to the states it traverses. Through interviews, insights, and data, we will understand why the Mississippi River is an integral part of the country’s landscape.
Background Information
The Mississippi is the second longest river in the United States, after the Missouri. It is approximately 2,348 miles long, beginning in Minnesota and ending in New Orleans. This river is divided into two main parts – the Upper Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. The Upper Mississippi is filled with mostly mountain streams and stretches from Lake Itasca to Cairo, Illinois, while the Lower Mississippi has a much wider and slower-moving basin that moves south towards the Gulf of Mexico.
The river carries a large volume of water – nearly 3,000 cubic feet per second. As a result, it is a major source of transportation, providing a more direct route between the states it passes through. Fishing is also common in the Mississippi and its tributaries, providing an important source of livelihood for many people near the river.
States the Mississippi River Passes Through
The Mississippi River passes through 10 major states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
In Minnesota, the Mississippi River begins at a lake in Itasca State Park, marks the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, then continues south, flowing slowly through the state of Iowa. From there, it passes through the states of Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky before entering Tennessee. As the river moves south, it marks the border between Arkansas and Mississippi before entering Louisiana where it finally empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Missouri Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Mississippi River flows through many major cities and offers many economic and environmental benefits to the states it passes through.
In Missouri, the river serves as a major transportation route that carries both exports and imports from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. In St. Louis, the Mississippi is home to the nation’s busiest inland port, and flour, timber, coal, and other goods are shipped around the world from here. In addition, many of Missouri’s industries, such as fishing and tourism, rely heavily on the Mississippi River.
The river also provides many environmental benefits to Missouri. Not only does it act as a critical habitat for fish and wildlife, but it also serves as a natural flood control as it buffers heavy rains, preventing flooding in nearby communities.
Kentucky Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Mississippi River is just as important to Kentucky as it is to Missouri. The river serves as a major transportation route, with many important exports, including coal, timber, and grain, shipped along its route. In Bowling Green, the country’s longest lock and dam system stretches along the river, connecting it to the lower Mississippi.
The economic importance of the Mississippi River extends beyond transportation, though. The river is also a source of hydropower, which is an important source of renewable energy in the state. In addition, many of Kentucky’s industries rely on the river for their livelihoods, including fishing, boating, and tourism.
The river also provides important environmental benefits to Kentucky. Because the river absorbs and stores a large amount of water, it helps to regulate water levels and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities. The river also acts as an important habitat for fish and wildlife, and is one of the main sources of drinking water for many communities in the state.
Green Development Along the Mississippi River
In an effort to encourage green development along the Mississippi, many states have implemented green initiatives. For example, in Iowa, the state government has implemented a program that promotes sustainable energy production, such as wind and solar energy, and encourages energy efficiency along the river. Mississippi has also taken the issue of green development seriously, passing legislation that requires boat operators to use greener fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, in order to reduce their environmental impact.
Threats to the Mississippi River
Despite the many economic and environmental benefits that the Mississippi River provides, it also faces a number of threats. For example, the river is susceptible to pollution from runoff, agricultural runoff, and industrial runoff. As a result, the water quality of the river has decreased, threatening both wildlife and drinking water for many communities that depend on it. In addition, runoff from large shipments of petroleum and other chemicals can damage the river and the wildlife that depend on it.
Solutions and Efforts
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions and efforts in place to protect the Mississippi River. For example, several states have taken steps to reduce runoff and pollution from agricultural and industrial sources. In addition, many communities and companies are investing in green initiatives that help reduce their environmental footprint while also boosting their local economies.
One of the most effective solutions has been the establishment of a number of non-profit organizations, such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance, that have worked to protect and restore the River’s natural ecosystems and habitats. These organizations have worked with local governments, businesses, and citizens to raise awareness about the importance of the Mississippi River and its importance to the environment and economy of the region.
Mississippi River Water Management
The Mississippi River serves many economic, environmental, and navigational purposes, which is why water management has been critical in the river’s maintenance. Several states have implemented water management plans to ensure that enough water is available for commercial and recreational uses. These plans include setting minimum flows, establishing water quality standards, and allocating resources for water conservation efforts. These plans are developed in consultation with stakeholders such as fishermen, boaters, farmers, and recreational users to ensure that the River serves the needs of the community.
Environmental Challenges Facing the Mississippi River
Despite the efforts of federal, state, and local governments, the Mississippi River continues to face environmental challenges. For example, much of the land along the river is used for agricultural purposes, leading to a decline in wildlife and plant species that are dependent on the river.
In addition, the over-extraction of water from the river to meet the needs of cities and industries has created water shortages for natural ecosystems. This is particularly true in the lower reaches of the river, where hydropower dams have significantly reduced freshwater flows and the salinity of the water has increased, affecting the surrounding plants and wildlife.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the United States’ landscape, providing economic and environmental benefits to communities throughout the region. As the second longest river in the US, it has also played an important role in the growth and development of the 10 states it passes through. Through a combination of green initiatives, water management plans, and stakeholder collaboration, the Mississippi River will continue to provide its many benefits while continuing to be one of the country’s most important rivers.
