Where Does Mississippi River Begin And End?
The Mississippi River is among the world’s longest rivers. Spanning from Minnesota in the north to Louisiana in the south, the river winds its way for over 2,000 miles. The river’s headwaters start in Lake Itasca and its mouth exits into the Gulf of Mexico. There have been many expeditions along the river’s banks, uncovering its archaeological and cultural significance with attractions like the iconic waterfront in St. Louis, the birthplace of President Ulysses S. Grant and historical sites in Vicksburg.
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the environment, featuring ecosystems like wetlands and abundant wildlife. Research conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Conservation Biology Institute (UCBI) has identified the river’s numerous tributaries and continuing sources, which flow from both the cities and nearby hills. This study reveals those tributaries extend beyond the Midwest region, reaching a total of 32 states.
The Mississippi River transmits about 50 percent of the United States water drainage and is almost a mile wide at its widest point in Illinois. This substantial volume of moving water helps to support many of the United States’ main channels, eventually emptying into the ocean after traveling down the entire river course. This expansive network of water is maintained by locks and dams of which the St. Paul district of the US Army Corps of Engineers utilizes around 100 locks and dams.
The Mississippi River’s significance is not limited to its physical presence, as significant recommendations have been put together by the Mississippi River Commission, who’s purpose is to protect the waters of the Upper Mississippi. Experts have expressed their concerns regarding the marine life and water safety, implementing strategies such as improving the bird habitats along the riverbanks, and constructing levees to keep the water from overflowing and cresting.
Various maintenance efforts have been conducted to mitigate the flooding of towns along the Mississippi’s banks. This work has seen the engineering of levees and other scientific breakthroughs that help to monitor river and stream flow. Man-made structures like these will help preserving all the beauty of the Mississippi.
Importance Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River holds an esteemed status by many. It’s known for its ecological, economic, and cultural importance across a range of spectrums. The river has a long-standing presence in the development of the United States and to this day continues to provide meaning, according to the museum exhibits of St. Louis. More than just a conduit of water and transportation, the Mississippi is a national symbol of progress and pioneering spirit.
The immense drainage of the Mississippi River system mainly occurs within the US, where a variety of tributaries and runoff areas form the headwaters of the river. In the Midwest, the Mississippi River system is a vital part of their culture and livelihood, retaining many benefits like water to drink, irrigate and fertilize crops, support populations of fishes and other aquatic animals, provide recreational activities and promote exploration.
The Flood Control Act of 1928 established the Mississippi River Commission and allowed for the continuation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ role in ensuring safety during times of an overflow. By keeping the river and its tributaries clear of pollutants and other hazardous materials, the commission and the engineers aim to maintain the river’s vital role in our ecosystem.
The Mississippi River also has a deep and significant impact on the national economy and currency of the United States. From the shipment of goods to barges and cargo carriers, from industrial production to fish and plants, the river is a source of production and a primary source of transportation for companies and businesses across the country.
Beauty Of The Mississippi River
The wildlife of the Mississippi River is nothing short of impressive, with vast and diverse species inhabiting the waters. From fish to turtles and mussels, spiders, birds and butterflies, a wide variety of animals can be seen along the river shores. The wetlands along the riverbanks are known to create ambient light which chases away winter and welcomes spring. Organizations like the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority have taken initiatives to help protect the wildlife and their habitats.
The Mississippi River has inspired many throughout history and civilization, as artists’ work convey the mesmerizing beauty of the wonderous place. From boat shows in St. Louis to the annual Jazz Festival, the Mississippi River offers captivating sights no matter the season. Bird-watchers, campers, and hikers find the perfect nature escape and the most serene ambience imaginable.
Residents and visitors alike continue to recognize the importance of this incredible river, as it is home to both natural and manmade wonders. The exhilarating atmosphere of its capital cities, Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is alive with art, culture and a buzzing Downtown. From its beginnings in Minnesota to its grand finale as it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River will remain a source of inspiration and admiration throughout the ages.
Pollution in the Mississippi River
Although it is a source of pure and natural beauty, the Mississippi River is not without its pollution problems. Excessive sedimentation, algae-based toxins, effluents, and runoff from agricultural activities, mining, and industrial facilities are just a few examples of the pollution that the river is facing. This can cause disruption and degradation of habitats, impacting both wildlife and the health of people.
The Mississippi River has a whole host of different sources of pollution. The EPA has concluded that almost a third of water pollutants are from Point sources, such as factories, sewage treatment plants, and oil refineries. Nonpoint source pollution is also a big issue for the Mississippi River; it is caused by runoff from urban and agricultural areas such as fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste.
The adverse effects of pollution have become ever more pronounced. Local governments have taken steps to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program to control the discharge of pollutants into the river, as well as encourage the use of “best management practices” instead of more harmful practices.
The Role Of Mississippi River In History
The Mississippi River has always been one of the most significant rivers in human history. People have marveled at its magnificence since the times of early explorers, who used it to explore and colonize the region. Over the centuries, its importance to the development of the United States has only increased. It was the main highway for travel and trade for a great deal of the nation’s history, and was even a point of great contention between Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.
The Mississippi River remains a constant reminder of the struggles, triumphs and resilience of the American spirit.Throughout the years, the Mississippi has been a muse for works of art, books, and films alike. From the book Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain, to the soundtrack of the classic film The Godfather, the Mississippi River has captured the imagination of many, continuing to this day.
The Mississippi River remains an engaging, educational and captivating architectural masterpiece and all these years it has maintained its relevance in the evolutionary history of the USA. Its impact will continue to be felt, as numerous groups and organizations strive to preserve and protect this historic, cultural and environmental significance.
Conservation Efforts For The Mississippi River
Much effort has been exerted in order to improve the health of the river and most notably, the federal and state governments of the US have launched multiple conservation initiatives. The River Basin Management Program, or RBMS program, works to assess and analyze a range of water management issues and provides an appropriate response. From a conservation standpoint, the OBMS is seeking to minimize the impact of development on the Mississippi River, with a focus on improving water quality, restoring aquatic habitat, and supporting locally produced foods.
The Water Resources Development Act, passed in 2007 and updated in 2013, has modernized the governance of the Mississippi River by pushing for greater implementation of water conservation and restoration measures. An act of Congress authorized over 800 projects, including wetland restoration, pollution and sediment control, river flow management and aquatic species recovery.
For better insight into the state of the river and to understand the effects of the conservation efforts, nonprofit organizations and many scientists have been studying the Mississippi River. From studying the flooding frequency to understanding the pressing environmental issues, they are using a combination of scientific techniques and measurements to uncover the mysteries of the river.
The continued efforts to protect, sustain and conserve this important waterway of the US have helped to clean up its millions of gallons of sewage, reduce nutrient runoff and restore a number of aquatic species. Through this unified front of varying organizations, collaborations and studies, the Mississippi River is continually given the attention it needs in order to remain the main source of water, transportation and culture in America’s collective imagination.
