The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, providing essential resources, sustenance and transportation to the Midwest and Central United States. Its 938-mile journey concludes in the Gulf of Mexico where it meets the ocean, just south of the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.
The mouth of the Mississippi River lies within the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System, where it meets with Ship Shoal Bay and Chandeleur Sound, forming a channel called the South Pass. The South Pass, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and other tributaries serve as channels for ocean vessels. This estuarine system stretches for almost 900 miles, and is made up of numerous brackish bayous and wetlands, providing an abundance of habitats for numerous species of wildlife. The system covers 10,690 square miles of land, making it the largest wetland system in the United States.
The landscape of the estuary is constantly being shaped by the continual flow of freshwater and sediment from the Mississippi River. These nutrients support an immense diverse biological community, including different species of fish, birds and other wildlife. In the warmer months, hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds come to the area to feed and rest. The wetlands also provide many important services, such as protecting coastal areas from flooding and maintaining water quality.
The Mississippi River has been impacted by human activities for centuries. These activities have drastically altered the flow of the river, and have also had profound effects on the estuary. The Army Corps of Engineers currently operates a system of levees and other flood protection structures which have caused the river to become higher, faster and wider, resulting in an ongoing erosion of wetlands. Agricultural activities in the region can also add additional sediment and pollutants, both of which can adversely affect the region’s water quality.
The impacts of human activities have been mitigated by the implementation of conservation and management efforts. These projects are helping to protect the wetlands, restore water quality, and improve habitat for the many species of wildlife that depend on the estuarine ecosystem. Many of the efforts are also helping to sustain the local fishing and recreation industries, which are important economic drivers in the region.
The Mississippi River is an economic, environmental, and cultural resource for the Central and Midwest United States. Its confluence with the ocean is an important gateway that allows humans and wildlife alike to explore the greater ecosystem of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuarine System.
Irrigation Strategies Along the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is an essential source of water for agriculture and other industries in the region. Its water is stored and managed at a number of sites along its 938-mile course, including in reservoirs and other structures such as dams, canals, and floodgates. These structures operate to regulate the flow of water, ensuring that agricultural and industrial users in the region receive the water they need while also reducing the possibility of flooding.
The vast majority of the water stored and managed along the Mississippi River is used for agricultural or industrial purposes. These uses can significantly impact water quality, as pollutants from fertilizers and other chemicals can enter the river from agricultural runoff or from industry.
Recognizing this, the Mississippi River Commission (MRC) works to protect the river and its watershed through a range of strategies, including monitoring water quality and engaging in restoration efforts. These efforts are aimed at reducing pollution and improving habitat for the many different species of wildlife that rely on the river.
The MRC also works to foster collaboration between the regions different stakeholders, including farmers and other agricultural producers, industry representatives, and federal, state, and local governments. By establishing effective partnerships and building trust, the MRC helps ensure that water resources along the Mississippi River are managed and utilized in a sustainable fashion.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River and its watershed provide many essential services. It is a source of employment, recreation, and sustenance for millions of people, and it is also a critically important economic resource. Its port facilities provide jobs and much-needed goods and services, while its fisheries provide local economies with an important source of income.
The economic benefits of the Mississippi River are greatest in the states that line its course, in particular Louisiana and Mississippi. These two states have the highest concentration of jobs and economic activity associated with the river, mostly due to their large port facilities.
Recreation along the river is also an important driver of economic growth. From fishing and bird watching to boat tours and canoe trips, the Mississippi River provides many recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. The region is home to numerous state parks, national wildlife refuges, and other facilities dedicated to providing recreational opportunities.
The Mississippi River also helps foster tourism and cultural exchange between the Midwest and the rest of the world. The iconic river is an inspiration to millions and has an immense cultural and historical significance to the United States.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important source of sustenance and resources for many species of wildlife. Its wetlands, rivers and estuaries provide nesting grounds and migratory pathways for countless species of birds, fish, and other animals.
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River has been affected by human activities for centuries. The river has been altered due to the construction of dams and flood control structures, and pollutants from agricultural and industrial activities have been introduced, resulting in a degradation of water quality.
Fortunately, many conservation and management efforts are underway to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed. These efforts include the construction of wetlands and other wetland restoration projects, monitoring and enforcement of water quality standards, and community outreach.
The protection of the Mississippi River is essential for the protection of its many species of wildlife, for the sustenance of the millions of people that rely on the river, and for the economic development of the region.
Clean Water Initiatives in the Mississippi River
Water quality of the Mississippi River is a critical issue due to the presence of numerous pollutants, including those from agricultural runoff and industrial sources. To tackle this issue, the Mississippi River Commission has undertaken multiple initiatives to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
These initiatives include installing wetlands and other best management practices to reduce runoff, monitoring water quality and enforcing standards, and promoting outreach and education efforts. The commission also works to protect locations in the estuarine system that are vulnerable to pollutants, such as Ship Shoal Bay and Chandeleur Sound.
The commission also works to address the issue of untreated wastewater entering the Mississippi River, most notably from numerous sewage treatment plants located in the river basin. To address this issue, the commission has implemented the Mississippi River Water Quality Management System, which sets standards and criteria to ensure that all treated wastewater entering the river meets federal and state requirements.
The commission also works with states and municipalities to adopt ordinances, regulations, and other requirements to help protect water bodies from pollution. This work also includes providing grants for wastewater infrastructure projects and other water quality initiatives.
Environmental Education in the Mississippi River Basin
Educating the public about the importance of protecting the Mississippi River and its watershed is an important part of the commission’s work. To this end, it offers numerous programs for kids, adults and teachers, including wetlands tours, educational tours, and hands-on activities.
The commission also works with other organizations to provide educational materials, such as pamphlets and posters, which are distributed to local schools, libraries and other locations. The commission also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as river clean-ups and wetland restoration efforts, which help to foster an appreciation of the local environment.
The commission also engages with local communities through workshops and other events, providing information and resources to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Mississippi River and its watershed. These efforts are aimed at encouraging local participation in conservation and restoration efforts in the region.
Case Studies of Mississippi River Restoration
The Mississippi River Commission works with numerous partners to identify and prioritize conservation and restoration projects. These projects can range from installing wetlands to planting trees to providing educational opportunities.
One example of a successful conservation and restoration project is the South Pass-Marsh Island Partnership (SPMIP) project, which was established in 1990 to restore passage between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The project restored over 800 acres of wetlands, which now provide habitat for many species of birds, fish and other wildlife. It also helps to reduce the impacts of floods by acting as a buffer against storm surge.
The SPMIP project is one of many successful conservation and restoration projects in the region that have demonstrated the importance of working collaboratively to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed. Through ongoing research, monitoring, and education efforts, the Mississippi River Commission aims to ensure that the river and its many resources are managed and utilized in a sustainable manner.
