The Mississippi River is a vital artery of the United States, carrying water and trade up and down its 2,350-mile long length. Perhaps the most iconic of all American rivers, it has a rich and storied history, connecting all the states it flows through with its undulating pathway. From Minnesota, the river winds through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, before finally reaching its delta at the Louisiana coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Along its grand tour, the river traverses lush farmlands, vast boreal forests, and diverse urban centers. It sustains life, transports goods, and provides recreational opportunities to the many people who dwell in its environs.
The Mississippi River is of paramount economic importance to the countries it passes through. This is particularly so in the “midsouth states” of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi which the river supports in the form of fishing, shipping, tourism and other industries. Fish and wildlife, from catfish to bald eagles, co-exist and thrive in the nourishment the river provides. In fact, The Mississippi region is home to over 150 species of fish, and more than 300 species of birds inhabit its riverbanks. Its waters are also host to the majestic American alligator, a species which has become substantially more populous ever since protection of the species began in 1978.
What is perhaps most fascinating about the Mississippi is its connection to history. Here, we can touch and feel the long-gone struggles of the country’s founders. The state of Wisconsin and city of St. Louis each commemorate Grant’s March to the Mississippi and the eventful Battle of Vicksburg, among other noteworthy encounters. Tellingly, the river and its riverbanks provided the setting for many epic stories from the Civil War, from Union and Confederate battle crests to the ancient messages transmitted via river transport.
In addition to its historical and economic value, the Mississippi is also a repository of culture. Audubon Park, in Louisiana, is an excellent example of one of the many places the river has shaped American culture: it is a treasure trove of plant and animal life, hosting a wide variety of birds and migratory species. Further downstream, the cities of Memphis and Vicksburg, while obviously modernized, still possess the same charm they did when they first sprung up along the banks of the ‘Big Muddy.’
The Mississippi River is a precious resource and its preservation is crucial to the well-being of both the states and the country at large. It has been granted the highest level of environmental protection by the United States government which shows just how much of a national treasure it truly is. The continued protection of the Mississippi is of major importance, since the river not only sustains life, but also connects history and culture together in wondrous ways.
Recreational Opportunities along the Mississippi
For those of us who live along the banks of the Mississippi, one of the greatest privileges is the opportunity to enjoy its recreational offerings. Outdoor adventurers and water sports enthusiasts from all over come to experience the many activities the river has to offer. There’s the chance to kayak, canoe, and tube on the gentle currents, while fishing is also a major draw, with healthy populations of bass, catfish, and trout up and down the length. For those looking for a relaxing getaway, floating down its tributary, the Skinny River, is a perfect way to escape the stressors of everyday life.
The Mississippi River also offers a vast amount of cultural experiences. Mississippi Music Trails, a program run by Mississippi’s Department of Tourism, provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the many music scenes along the river, from Delta Blues to Country. Or take the River Heritage Trail, which offers up Memphis to Vicksburg’s trail of Civil War sites, epic river structures, and charming river towns. Finally, the many festivals and events held each year along its banks—from Crawfish Boils to Hot Air Balloon Fests—draw visitors from all over to enjoy an unforgettable weekend.
Although shorter than the nation’s other two major rivers—the Missouri and the Ohio—the Mississippi brings an endless variety of activities, experiences, and cultural opportunities. Along with its deep and unique history, it creates a river culture that’s unparalleled anywhere in the United States.
The Negative Impact of Human Activity on the Mississippi
The Mississippi River can still boast of a healthy ecosystem, but it is not immune to the effects of human activity. From over-fishing and agricultural runoff to water pollution and even invasive species – the river faces ever-increasing threats that are potentially damaging the delicate balance of its fragile environment. This environmental degradation can have a hugely damaging effect on the economies of the states it traverses: in Louisiana alone, the impact of fishery loss due to water pollution is estimated to have cost fishermen over $100 million in lost incomes.
The river’s greatest problem is water contamination from agricultural effluents, industrial runoff, and sewage. Fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxins from runoff can seep into the water, reducing its quality and causing harmful algal blooms. These in turn can kill fish and other marine life – the Mississippi River is home to over 200 species of fish and 70 species of mussels, many of which are threatened by water pollution.
The incidence of invasive species is also a concern. The Asian Carp, for example, has been making inroads into the river and its tributaries, leading to toxicity in fish species, destroyed spawning grounds, and damaged wetlands. This issue is compounded by the presence of invasive plants and weeds, which can be dispersed along the river and lead to a disruption of the delicate balance of the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.
As if all of this weren’t enough, climate change is also taking its toll on the river. Rising temperatures as a result of global warming cause the water levels in the river to drop. This can have a devastating effect on the local wildlife, as well as causing disruption to navigation and farming along the river. The effects of these three factors mean that, if left unchecked, the future of the Mississippi could be in serious peril.
The Neglect Faced by the Mississippi River
Of all the states along the Mississippi River, none, perhaps, are more diverse than Louisiana. Even with its abundance of natural beauty and iconic landmarks, the state often gets overlooked when it comes to discussions of environmental protection. And although economic progress along the Mississippi has increased over the past few decades, the state continues to face daunting environmental challenges, many of which are compounded by widespread neglect in support for the preserve the river’s vital resources.
This neglect is the result of both public and governmental neglect of the river. The US Environmental Protection Agency, for example, has reduced its funding for river quality monitoring programs, leading to a decrease in the number of waters tested for pollutants. Local communities, too, are reluctant to invest in river protection programs, primarily because of the lack of funds available for such projects.
What makes this neglect all the more concerning is that it has created an air of apathy towards the river. People tend to view the river as a distant body of water, rather than something of value in their lives. This indifference leads to further environmental degradation, as people are less likely to take steps to protect the river and its resources if they feel disconnected from its fate.
Without swift intervention and sufficient measures taken to protect the Mississippi, the river is at risk of major environmental harm. The lack of support and investment in the river’s health only serves to exacerbate this issue, making it all the more important that stakeholders, both public and private, come together to take action.
The Potential of River Renewal
Fortunately, there is still hope for the Mississippi River. Many initiatives have been established to protect and restore the river’s water quality, and the public is becoming increasingly vocal about the need for change. Land-use initiatives, for example, focus on reducing agricultural runoff into the river and increasing the amount of buffer land between croplands and the water’s edge.
The Great Lakes Commission, a bi-national organization comprised of the eight US states and two Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes, are also leading the charge for river renewal. Through its “Great Lakes Blueprint” initiative, the group is working to restore the health of the Great Lakes and, in turn, that of the Mississippi River. This restores drinking water, strengthens local economies, and establishes a healthier and more sustainable environment.
From federal and state governments to local communities, efforts to promote river restoration and environmental stewardship must be ramped up if the Mississippi River is to remain a healthy and thriving resource. Through strong partnerships and greater public engagement, the river can once more be a source of recreation, employment, and economic growth, as well as a symbol of resilience and strength against the ravages of time.
The Steps To be Taken
In order for the Mississippi to be maintained as a viable water resource, appropriate technologies and practices must be employed. One of the most effective measures is the use of green infrastructure, which maximizes the use of natural resources to reduce pollution, reduce stormwater runoff, and increase habitats for wildlife. Through the judicious application of green infrastructure, the Mississippi can remain healthy and actively support the communities it serves.
States must also take steps to ensure the water remains safe for drinking and recreational use by limiting runoff from residential, agricultural and industrial sources. Sewage treatment systems, water conservation efforts, and enforcement of water quality standards are all essential components of this effort. Similarly, reductions in nutrient loads and aggressive control of invasive species play a key role in protecting the Mississippi’s delicate ecosystem.
In addition to the direct actions we can take, we must also shift our attitude towards conservational and environmental issues. Rather than viewing the river’s health in terms of economic gains and losses, we must view it in terms of its social and environmental value. We must appreciate the river for all it has to offer and make the protection of this precious resource a priority.
Making Little Riverkeeper Great Again, or MRLGA, is a recently established Missouri nonprofit that has taken on this challenge. With an “Adapt, Don’t Destroy” approach, the organization has been engaging policy-makers, scientists, and community members to restore the river’s natural wildlife and reclaim it as a source of recreation and enjoyment. In doing so, they herald a new era of environmental protection along the Mississippi and those who support its cause.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the challenge of protecting the Mississippi from environmental degradation is no small task – it requires broad-based collaboration and sustained commitment from stakeholders at all levels. But with the right efforts and a collective spirit, we can all work together to ensure that the Mississippi remains a source of life and vitality for generations to come.
