What We’ve Done to the Mississippi River – An Explainer
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in the United States and has a length of 2,340 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. Over the past several centuries, the river has played an integral role in the development of the United States. However, the river has also been subject to numerous human activities that have left fingerprint of both positive and negative impacts. In this article, we will explore what we have done to the Mississippi River and its associated ecosystems.
The Physical Manipulation of the River
The physical manipulation of the river is one of the most significant impacts that we have had on the Mississippi. In order to control flooding, improve navigation and generate electricity, there have been a number of dams, levees, and locks built along the length of the river. This has disrupted habitats, altered sediment flows and temperature, and promoted soil erosion. The most significant of these artificial structures is the Old River Control Structure, which was built to regulate the flow of the river between the Atchafalaya River and the Mississippi. This structure has been credited with saving the city of New Orleans from floods, although has at times been problematic due to its inability to keep up with the changing river. The construction of the Bonnet Carré Spillway in 1933 was also very important in controlling floods along the river.
The Ecological Impact of Human Activities
The impact of human activities on the Mississippi River and its associated ecosystems has been of increasing concern in recent decades. Many of these activities, include the introduction of agricultural chemicals, industrial waste, and the dumping of toxic materials, have had significant effects on the water quality of the river. The introduction of the non-native Asian carp to the river through escaped aquaculture has had a dramatic impact on the river’s native species, with the fish now forming a major proportion of the overall fish population. Other activities, such as the construction of bridges and other developments along the river’s banks, have been responsible for much habitat loss, which has in turn caused further disruption of the river’s ecology.
The Impact of Climate Change
Although the impacts of human activities on the Mississippi River are significant, they are dwarfed by the impact of climate change. Rising temperatures, increased droughts, and more extreme weather events have all had a dramatic effect on the river. As temperatures rise, the snow and ice melts in the upper basin, causing flooding further downstream, as well as increased soil erosion and sedimentation. These changes to the river’s ecology have further impacted the vegetation, fish populations, and other wildlife. The warmer waters are also conducive to an increase in invasive species, which can further threaten the river’s remaining biodiversity.
Management of the Mississippi River
The management of the Mississippi River has been subject to numerous legal and policy actions in order to protect the river’s ecology and ensure that it continues to be a productive and sustainable resource. In the United States, the Clean Water Act is particularly important in regulating pollution from agricultural and industrial sources. The Act also mandates water quality standards for existing sources of water as well as monitoring and assessment of watersheds. Additionally, voluntary programs such as the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Strategy have been implemented in order to reduce the amount of nutrients being discharged into the river. In the wake of these policies, the water quality of the Mississippi River has improved significantly, although there is still much room for improvement.
Environmental Protection of the Mississippi River
In addition to management and policy, there have been numerous efforts to protect the Mississippi River and its associated ecosystems. These efforts have included the establishment of national parks and preserves, such as the Lower Mississippi River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is a refuge for numerous endangered and threatened species. Additionally, there have been efforts to restore wetlands, as they serve to both absorb and control floodwaters as well as provide aquatic habitat for species such as birds and fish. Finally, the reintroduction of native species and the restoration of fish passages have been important measures to protect the river and its biota.
The Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The economic impact of the Mississippi River is significant. The river has for centuries served a trade and transportation route for the nation, allowing for the transport of goods and people throughout the United States. Additionally, the river is home to numerous fishing and hunting grounds, as well as numerous industries and agricultural operations that rely on the river for water and other resources. As a result, the protection and sustainability of the river’s ecology is of paramount importance, as it is integral to the local and national economy.
The Role of Citizen and Conservation Groups
Finally, there have been numerous grassroots conservation and citizen groups that have worked to protect the Mississippi River. These groups have included both local and national organizations, such as the Mississippi River Network, the Alliance for the Mississippi River, and the Waterkeeper Alliance, all of which coordinate efforts to protect and restore the river’s ecology. Additionally, these groups have been actively involved in advocating for policies, organizing events, and engaging local communities in campaigns that support the protection and sustainability of the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River has been subject to numerous human activities over the past several centuries and these activities have had both positive and negative impacts on the river and its associated ecosystems. However, through management and policy, as well as the efforts of conservation and citizen groups, the Mississippi River continues to be a valuable and sustainable resource.
