The Illinois River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, is one of the largest rivers in the United States. Spanning approximately 273 miles, it begins in the Spoon River, located in Peoria County, Illinois, and flows south to its confluence with the Mississippi River in Missouri.
In the summer, the Illinois River is ideal for swimming, boating, camping, and fishing. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting many visitors to seek out a bit of relief from the sun. For those interested in more strenuous activities, the Illinois River provides great opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and other forms of water recreation.
The relationship between the Illinois River and the Mississippi River has been an integral part of the region’s history and economy. For centuries, the confluence of these two rivers has been an important location for Native American trade, as well as for French fur traders who used the rivers to transport goods.
Today, the confluence of the Illinois River and the Mississippi River is an important part of commercial shipping. Cargo ships and barges use the rivers to transport goods throughout the region. The lower basin of the Mississippi River is connected to the Gulf of Mexico and the other coastal waters of the United States, providing a vital connection for shipping between the United States and the rest of the world.
The Illinois River is also a major source of fresh water for the region. The City of St. Louis, a major metropolis on the banks of the Mississippi River, receives its drinking water from an aquifer that is replenished by the Illinois River. In addition, the two rivers provide water for hundreds of other communities, ranging from small rural towns to larger regional cities.
Due to the great importance of these two rivers, there has been a long-standing effort to protect them. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources works to ensure that the rivers are kept clean and free of pollutants, while at the same time maintaining a healthy ecosystem. An active campaign by local and federal government agencies has sought to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff that enters the rivers, which can have serious consequences on the environment.
Flooding
The confluence of the Illinois River and the Mississippi River is a flashpoint for flooding in the region. While the Mississippi River has made some progress in its efforts to reduce the risk of floodwaters, the much smaller Illinois River can overflow its banks more frequently than the larger Mississippi. As a result, many communities near the junction of the two rivers have had to implement stricter flood prevention measures, such as levee construction, to ensure their properties are not damaged by floodwaters.
The Illinois River has also seen higher-than-normal levels of flooding in the past several years due to wetter-than-average weather patterns in the region. This has caused considerable concern among property owners in the area, as well as state and federal officials.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently conducting a study to determine the best way to manage the flooding on the Cumberland River and the Illinois River. The study, known as the Upper Mississippi River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, seeks to address issues related to flooding, navigation, water supply, recreation, and environmental conservation along both rivers.
Environmental Impact
The Illinois River and the Mississippi River pose unique environmental challenges for both of the states that border them. Both rivers are vulnerable to the buildup of pollutants, making them heavily polluted in some areas. The influx of polluted water can have devastating impacts on fish and other wildlife inhabiting the rivers. As such, both states have taken steps to reduce the levels of pollution entering the rivers.
In 2017, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) implemented a number of initiatives designed to reduce the amount of pollutants in the Illinois River and curtail runoff. These initiatives included instituting new regulations to govern the types of fertilizers and chemicals that can be used by farmers and homeowners, as well as creating conservation programs to help protect the river’s wildlife.
The IDNR is also overseeing the installation of wetlands to filter agricultural runoff, as well as monitoring water quality and performing cleanup efforts in areas where pollution levels are extremely high.
The Mississippi River is also taking steps to reduce pollution, as well as managing upstream agricultural runoff. Programs such as the Mississippi River Basin Partnership (MERBP) seek to limit nutrient runoff and protect the river’s water quality for future generations.
Economic Impact
The confluence of the Illinois River and the Mississippi River has been a major contributor to the region’s economy for centuries. Shipping plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, with the Mississippi River providing access to the nation’s heartland through the Gulf of Mexico and other coastal waters.
Since the early 19th century, the Illinois River has been a major transportation route for vessels, with shipments of raw materials, manufactured goods, and other consumer products moving along its waters. In addition, the Illinois River has always been an important source of fishing, with the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish and other species providing the region with a valuable crop.
The cities, towns and villages along the Mississippi River and the Illinois River have also benefited from recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming, as well as from tourism that the rivers attract.
The future of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River will largely depend on the efforts of people, businesses and governments to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect the rivers for future generations.
The Impact of Dams
The construction of dams has had a significant impact on the Mississippi River and the Illinois River. Dams have helped to reduce the risk of floodwaters and to improve the navigability of the rivers, allowing for the easier and safer transportation of goods. In addition, they have provided a source of electricity, drinking water and recreation.
However, dams can also disrupt natural habitats, reduce fish populations, and cause increased sedimentation. In order to mitigate these negative impacts, dams should be designed with these potential issues in mind.
The USACE is actively trying to improve the effectiveness of its dam infrastructure along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. A number of projects have been proposed or are underway to limit sedimentation, improve fish passage, and reduce water withdrawals. As dams continue to be improved and maintained, the health and safety of the Illinois River and the Mississippi River will continue to be ensured.
Preservation Efforts
Due to the importance of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River to the local ecosystem, numerous agencies and organizations are working to ensure the rivers remain healthy and sustainable.
Organizations such as American Rivers and the Nature Conservancy are working to improve the health of the rivers, reduce pollution, and protect the natural environment.
The Mississippi River Watershed is home to a wealth of biodiversity, making it one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. To ensure that this ecosystem remains intact, state and federal agencies are working together to provide protection and restoration of the river and its tributaries, including the Illinois River.
One of the most important tools in the preservation effort is the implementation of regulations and restrictions on activities that can negatively impact the rivers. These regulations are designed to ensure that development is managed in a manner that protects the rivers and the wildlife that are dependent on them for survival.
The protection of the Illinois River and the Mississippi River is an essential element of managing the environment of the region. By preserving these resources, we can ensure that these rivers remain healthy and vibrant well into the future.
