Geography of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world. It runs 2,320 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The river drains the heart of the continental United States and is a major transportation conduit in the United States. In addition to the sheer length of the river, the Mississippi River basin is the third largest river basin in the world, covering 31 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and crosses the borders of nine U.S. states. Among the states the Mississippi River runs through are Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Illinois. Along its path, the river is flanked by many cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Louis, and New Orleans, and thus affects the day-to-day lives of millions of people.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The economic impact of the Mississippi River is also immense and varied. The river is an important source of affordable and reliable transportation, recreational activities, and irrigation. According to the US Coast Guard, 98% of all barge traffic in the United States moves along the Mississippi River. In 2013 alone, over 580,000 tons of commodities was transported along the river. Furthermore, fisheries along the Mississippi River deliver nearly 1.5 million kilograms of fish and seafood each year, and nearly 200 million dollars in revenue. The river also plays an important role in the production of electricity, providing up to 7.3GW of hydroelectric power annually.
Environmental Risk of the Mississippi River
However, the Mississippi River is under serious environmental threat. The river’s health is greatly affected by the vast amounts of pollutants and nutrients that enter it from upstream sources. This can be attributed to discharges from industrial and agricultural operations, as well as increased runoff due to deforestation and urbanization. As a result, the river’s ecosystem has been heavily degraded, and many fish and wildlife populations have been severely affected. The effects of this environmental degradation are so significant that many of the species in the area are considered to be threatened or endangered. Furthermore, the Mississippi River has also been exposed to dangerous levels of mercury and other potentially hazardous substances.
Solutions for the Mississippi River’s Health
In order to combat the threat facing the Mississippi River, numerous initiatives have been undertaken. Firstly, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have come up with regulations aimed at reducing the amount of pollution entering the river. In addition, many states that have the Mississippi River running through them have enforced strict water quality standards. This has been coupled with educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the environmental risks posed by the river. Finally, organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Program have been established to protect and conserve the health of the river for future generations.
Political Issues and the Mississippi River
In addition to the many environmental concerns surrounding the Mississippi River, its status as an international border also creates potential political issues. This has led to an ongoing debate over the management of the river between the states it runs through. There is also a debate over which state should have jurisdiction over the river and its resources. This is particularly true between states such as Louisiana and Mississippi, who have been locked in a legal battle over the right to control the flow of the river. Despite the efforts of politicians, activists, and lawmakers to resolve the issue, an agreement has yet to be reached.
Conclusion
Thus, the Mississippi River is a vital source of recreation, transportation, and economic development for many of the states it runs through. However, its environmental risks, political complications, and the vastness of the river’s basin poses a number of challenges for those looking to protect and conserve its health for the future. Consequently, the states the Mississippi River runs through must work together in order to ensure that this critical resource remains protected for generations to come.
Cultural Relevance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River also has great cultural relevance. The river has long been a source of inspiration for artists, authors, and musicians and still permeates the cultures of the states it runs through. From the Delta blues of North Mississippi to the jazz of New Orleans, the river is deeply embedded in the cultural identities of the people who live along its banks. In addition, the river has also served as a muse for literature, with authors such as Mark Twain and Willa Cather looking to it as a source of inspiration. Thus, it is not just an important resource, but also a powerful cultural symbol.
Modern Day Issues with the Mississippi River
In recent years, there has been increasing concern over the modern day issues facing the Mississippi River. For instance, in 2013, a major oil spill occurred on the river. The spill was caused by a pipeline failure and led to over 4 million gallons of petroleum spilling into the river. This had a significant environmental impact, resulting in the death of over 900 birds and other wildlife in the area. As a result, the incident served to highlight the need for greater environmental protection on the river.
Mississippi River Tourism
The Mississippi River is also an important tourism destination. The river is dotted with numerous national parks and other protected areas, such as the Big Woods National Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. These areas offer an array of outdoor activities, such as fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. In addition, the river also provides a great opportunity for travelers to learn about its history and culture, as well as to learn about the unique ecosystems found along its banks.
Advocacy Efforts for the Mississippi River
In order to ensure the long-term future of the river, various advocacy efforts have been undertaken. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Network and the Mississippi River Collaborative strive to protect and preserve the river. These groups work with lawmakers, businesses, and other stakeholders in order to create policies and regulations aimed at preserving the river and its environment. Furthermore, these organizations also conduct educational programs and host events aimed at raising awareness of the issues facing the river and its environment.
