The mighty Mississippi River is not only an important waterway, but it is also surrounded by an awe-inspiring ecosystem. Stretching 3,734 kilometers down the central part of the United States, the Mississippi River boasts an array of flora and fauna adapted to the unique environment.
The land near the Mississippi River is generally flat, but in a few places, it bustles with steep bluffs or rolling hills. The main habitats that encircle the river range from bottomland hardwood forests and bald cypress swamps to marshes and floodplain meadows. The serene beauty of these settings is enriched by the awe-inspiring diversity of the plants, animals, birds, and fish that make the Mississippi area their home.
The diversity of these ecosystems is more evident during the winter months when migratory birds make the area their home. Over 200 different species of birds, including loons, wood ducks, bald eagles, merlin, yellow warblers, and orioles visit either year-round or during migration. Mammals such as deer, muskrat, beavers, mink, fox, and raccoon also call the Mississippi home.
The river also provides a home to a vast array of aquatic animals. It is estimated that there are about 400 species of fish that live in the river. Notable examples include catfish, paddlefish, sturgeon, northern pike, bass, and white crappie. Further, alligators, mussels, and giant salamanders also inhabit the area.
This bewildering variety of wildlife in the area around the Mississippi River is home to numerous species of plants too. Over 2,900 different species of plants are present in the various habitats. Common examples of the plants that surround the Mississippi are royal ferns, magnolias, oaks, hickories, and sweet gums. Aquatic vegetation makes up most of the growth in the river, while all around are prairies, marshes, and streams.
The peril of climate change is a major threat to the ecosystem around the Mississippi and other rivers like it. The impact of climate change and the water pollution that accompany it has caused some species to become endangered. The most intimate links between the Mississippi River and its surrounding bioregion go back thousands of years and many species, particularly fish, depend on the river for their survival.
The conservation of the Mississippi River and the environment surrounding it is essential for the vibrant life of the ecosystems that depend on it. The US Army Corps of Engineers and other organizations have helped to protect and care for the Mississippi River and its environs over the years. Current efforts are focusing on creating better detection and prevention methods to reduce pollution. Better enforcement of laws regulating water and land usage around the Mississippi are desperately needed to protect the species and their habitats along the river.
Impact of Human Activity on the Mississippi River
Humans have a massive influence on the environment and it is no less so in the case of the Mississippi River. Agriculture along the banks of the river and chemical runoff from industry can have a dramatic effect on the natural habitats of flora and fauna, causing species to become threatened or extinct. Increasing pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff have an adverse effect on the river’s natural resources, and have led to reduced water quality, hazardous algal blooms, and the demise of species.
One of the main sources of pollution is fertilizer and manure runoff from agricultural areas. Nutrient pollution is caused when excess fertilizers, including nitrogen and phosphorus, wash into the river and cause algal blooms. This can then lead to lower oxygen levels and increased water temperatures, all of which are damaging to the creatures that live in the water. Improper farming practices, such as overgrazing and plowing, can lead to soil erosion, which affects the water quality of the river and its surrounding wetlands.
The Mississippi River is an especially powerful waterway, and the amount of sediment it transports downstream is unmatched by any other river in North America. This sediment is essential for the maintenance of the wetlands and floodplain meadows that surround the river. Unfortunately, the construction of dams along the river has dramatically reduced the amount of sediment that is transported downstream, which has adversely affected the health of the wetlands.
The build-up of sediment behind dams has caused the wetlands to flood and their vegetation to die off, which can lead to serious consequences for local wildlife. Dams can also cause major alterations to the flow of the Mississippi, such as turning the flowing river into a deep, stagnant lake. This alters the natural cycle of the river and can have far-reaching impacts on the area’s environment.
The Role of Conservation Efforts
Protecting the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment is an important job and one that requires a team effort. Conservation efforts involve local, state, and federal agencies, along with private organizations and community members who are all dedicated to reducing pollution and preserving the area’s ecosystem.
One of the main goals of conservation efforts is to improve water quality and protect aquatic habitats. Steps need to be taken to reduce pollution and control erosion to reduce the impact of agricultural runoff and chemical pollution on wildlife and their habitats. Funding for conservation has been earmarked to educate communities about their responsibility to the environment and support projects that help to restore and protect the natural environment. Further, the US Army Corps of Engineers is taking steps to reduce the impacts of dams on the environment and reintroduce the essential sediment that is essential for the maintenance of the wetlands.
Wildlife management and conservation is an essential part of the protection of the Mississippi River as well as its surrounding environment. This includes the management of protected areas, the preservation of ecosystems, the improvement of nesting and habitat areas, and the restriction of hunting and fishing. Communities need to come together and work towards a common goal of protecting the environment, through providing sustainable agricultural practices, and other conservation guidelines.
Importance to Local Community
The Mississippi River brings with it a wealth of opportunities for the local community. People rely on the river for their source of survival, as it provides them with a variety of goods and services. This can range from clean drinking water to fish that can be farmed or caught and sold, to the tourism industry that the river attracts. The goals of conservation efforts need to be balanced with the needs of local communities, to ensure the best outcome for the people and the environment.
The people that reside near the river value it for much more than just its products. The inherent beauty of the land and the rivers captivates and brings joy to those who can visit it. The natural setting also offers a sense of peace, serenity, and relaxation to those who make use of its bounty. There is much to be said for the way the Mississippi River provides connection and sustenance to its local community.
Despite being home to a large population and the presence of industry, the Mississippi River has been able to hold onto much of its wild nature. Although some progress has been made in restoring the wetlands and repairing the damage done to the environment, much more must be done to ensure that the wonders of the Mississippi continue to exist for many years to come.
Protection of Endangered Species
Safeguarding the endangered species that inhabit the Mississippi is essential for the ongoing health of the ecosystem. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, is working closely with local, tribal, and state partners to restore the habitat of these species. Through proper management, the health of the species and their habitats can be improved, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the overall health of the Mississippi.
A number of threatened and endangered species inhabit the rivers of the Mississippi region. These include the endangered pallid sturgeon, the threatened sturgeon chub, and the critically endangered Topeka shiner. Endangered loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, interior least terns, and bald eagles also inhabit the river’s waters. These species are of tremendous ecological value and their conservation is essential for the health of the surrounding environment.
Efforts to protect these species focus on minimizing the impact of human activities and pollutants, restoring and protecting wetlands, and managing development in the area. Species-specific management plans are also being developed to ensure that each species’ habitat is adequately protected. Further, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is training local communities on the importance of protecting the species and their habitats.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has long been a source of economic stability for many local communities. It is a major transportation hub that supports the local industries of agriculture and shipping, and it also provides water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The Mississippi and its tributaries provide millions of recreational opportunities which draw tourists and support the tourism industry.
The economic value of the Mississippi is inestimable. The river plays an important role in providing jobs, energy, food, transportation, and raw materials to the region. A large part of the economy of cities such as Minneapolis and St. Louis rely heavily on the river, and its many tributaries, for their source of water and for recreation. The river also serves as a major pathway for goods and services, connecting the Midwest with the rest of the United States.
The Mississippi River is essential to the ongoing health of the environment, as well as its local communities, and must be cherished and safeguarded. It is important to take a proactive stance in protecting the river and its ecosystems and supporting the conservation efforts that have been implemented. By protecting and preserving the Mississippi, the people in the area will benefit for generations to come.
