The Mississippi River is a well-known waterway that runs through the United States, but where exactly is the headwaters of the Mississippi River?
The headwaters of the Mississippi River are located in northern Minnesota, near the border of the United States and Canada. The source of the river is Lake Itasca, a small lake with an area of just over 2,400 acres and an average depth of nine feet. The lake has a few islands, one of which is called Diana’s Island. While the lake is a modest size, the river takes off from its depths and makes itself known.
From the Lake Itasca starting point, the Mississippi River flows east and then south for a total of 2,552 miles until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. In its many changes in course, the river collects water from any number of tributaries and smaller rivers, which adds to its length and makes it the fourth longest river in the world.
To draw a clear picture of the river’s journey, it is necessary to begin at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The water from the Mississippi originates from all corners of the area, but primarily from melting snow, a nearby lake, and several smaller adjoining streams. Conversely, glacial meltwaters have been found to add modestly to the river’s headwaters. Upon completion of the journey, the river’s mouth is located near New Orleans, Louisiana, emptying into the Gulf of Mexico where it has a width of up to five miles.
Riverside Scenes
Along its long winding course, the Mississippi River passes through ten states, and even more people. In these course changes, the river’s surroundings change drastically. The headwaters in Minnesota are pleasant and serene, offering a chance for rest and relaxation. The far more populated reach near New Orleans is often a hub of activity with boats, barge trade and festivals.
Further points of interest upriver of New Orleans are the sources of the Missouri and Ohio rivers, each of which join the Mississippi from the east and west, respectively. These big three rivers are often referred to as the two-state twin rivers due to both the Missouri and Ohio extending into two states.
The underlying story of the Mississippi River is one of long-lasting benefits to both industry and the people who call it home. The river provides an important avenue for freight, allowing ocean-going vessels to travel up river. Additionally, it is an example of how nature provides sustenance to people, and over the years, the beauty of the river has inspired many.
River Management
As the Mississippi River has become more developed, a variety of dangers loom. It is estimated that a few billion tons of sediment are deposited into the headwaters each year. It is also estimated that fertilizers and pesticides contribute to a depletion in species of fish and other organisms. Due to these changes, river managers are increasingly careful about how they allow user access and how they manage the river.
In an effort to combat declining health, a few conservation initiatives have been set in place. This includes the Biodiversity for the Mississippi Delta project, which is a strategy for the upkeep and maintenance of the Mississippi Delta region. This project requires specific conservation and management practices to ensure that these areas remain healthy and foster life. The project includes providing clean water, technological interventions, and the implementation of sustainable development practices.
The manipulation of the river, however, also has its drawbacks. Several times, the course of the Mississippi River has been rerouted to make way for cities and settlements. The most notable example is the infamous change to the river’s meanderings in order to create the city of St. Louis, Missouri. These changes were often made with little regard for the river’s natural systems, which proved quite detrimental over time.
Water Quality
The water in the source of the Mississippi river has remained quite clean, indicating that the water quality at the headwaters of the Mississippi River is stable. This stability is in part due to the nearby glacial deposits, which filter the surrounding water, but also due to the numerous steps taken by the people living in Minnesota to reduce their environmental impact.
Another factor leading to the water quality staying relatively stable is the presence of several wildlife conservation areas near the headwaters. This is important because conservation areas create a buffer zone where development is restricted and the area is given more attention and resources to stay healthy.
Visitors to the headwaters of the Mississippi River should take care to maintain the cleanliness of the water and environment. Actions such as limiting runoff, not disturbing vegetation, and not introducing foreign species are necessary in order for the headwaters to remain healthy.
Economic Activity
Undeniably, the Mississippi River has been a source of immense economic activity. While the main economic activity is centered in the river’s massive mouth area, the source of the river provides both jobs and revenue for the people of Minnesota.
Specifically, timber, iron ore and other natural resource industries have been rooted along the Mississippi River in Minnesota, providing jobs and revenue for locals. Additionally, fishing, tourism and recreation have provided an integral source of revenue for the area surrounding the river.
The importance of the Mississippi River extends far beyond its economic benefits. Because the river provides a natural divide between the United States and Canada, it serves an important safety purpose, providing a natural boundary to the two countries.
Environmental Impact
Despite its ostensibly beneficial uses, the Mississippi River faces serious environmental challenges as well. To start, the river serves as both a transportation route for goods and raw materials, and a drainage for rainwater and runoff from the surrounding areas. This can be a dangerous mix, creating water that often contains high amounts of pollutants from the runoff.
Furthermore, the river has experienced a variety of trade-offs due to its meandering. These changes can be seen in its current course, where man-made alterations to its course in parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois artificially increase the Mississippi River’s flow speed past these points. These additional forces can cause an erosion of supplies from the edges, leading to soil degradation and the loss of important ecosystems.
Making the headwaters of the Mississippi River a priority is essential to preserve the well-being of both its inhabitants and ecosystems. Conservation measures such as the ones mentioned must be taken in order to properly address the present issues the river faces.
Policy Change
The events of the last year have forced many to reexamine their relationships with the environment and its many resources. The discovery of the headwaters of the Mississippi River holds a special place in the hearts of many, inspiring a newfound respect and appreciation for the area.
The source of the river serves as an awe-inspiring reminder of the need for sustainable development and the use of resources. It is this reminder that has led to a change in policy for both the river’s management and its protection.
The local and federal governments of Minnesota have responded to the call for greater protection with the introduction of several new conservation policies. These include initiatives such as the Headwaters of the Mississippi River Interagency Plan, which serves to protect the river through both land and water conservation, and the recently established Mississippi River Watershed Initiative, which will focus on restoring the ecology of the river and its headwaters.
The introduction of these policies and conservation initiatives serves as a promising start to the journey of protecting the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
